My experience with Légère reeds 

by Willem Moolenbeek

I have used Légère reeds extensively over the past 3 years. They play a major role in my performing, recording and teaching. They are very consistent and are capable of enormous flexibility as a tone generator. A great cane reed is wonderful but not always available. I frequently play several saxophones during the same program and not having to wet a reed is a great advantage.

I insist that my students play the same mouthpieces that I do and can better determine what tone production problems the student has when I can be sure it is not the reed. I want my students to have at least one Légère in their cases so that they have a sense of what a good response should be on any reed, as well as being sure that they will have a reliable reed at the lesson.

Légère reeds can last a long time. It is best to have at least two for each mouthpiece as they can soften a little when they are played non-stop for extended periods. For most playing this is not a problem. Letting them rest and cool down will restore them. I have played on some Légère reeds for many months with little change in response. However, when the reed stops responding in the expected manner it is time to replace it.

Several things must be taken into account in order to ensure satisfaction with these reeds.

The reed strength must be carefully matched with the mouthpiece facing. The quarter strength increments allow the player to pinpoint the strength. The best match can be found by determining what strength is just one step too hard and then to go back one step.

The placement on the mouthpiece is very critical. A very small difference in the placement of the reed tip on the tip rail can have significant effects the timbre. I often play a reed that is even one step softer and move the reed a little past the tip rail to allow for a warmer tone yet the ability to produce clear tone at pianissimo.

Légère reeds are not unbreakable. Beginners should not use them until a correct embouchure and tonguing technique has been established. If the player has an excessively aggressive tongue stroke and is playing very loudly these reeds can be damaged. Tips can be bent and cracks form. For some playing an inexpensive cane reed is more cost effective

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