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Author Topic: Saltarelle reed quality  (Read 1604 times)

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-Y-

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Saltarelle reed quality
« on: August 18, 2016, 10:50:42 AM »

Hello all,

I've been trying to determine the reeds quality of the Saltarelle range, but the information is hard to get and sometimes inconsistent. Some models seems to have very low quality (like machine-made), I guess it's most often Durall and sometimes tipo a mano or a mano. The last time I asked my local Saltarelle vendor, the answer was a bit evasive, so I'm wondering if someone here has an answer on that particular question ?

Thanks

Theo

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Re: Saltarelle reed quality
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2016, 11:16:09 AM »

As far as I'm aware Saltarelle have always been reticent about reed make and quality.  From the examples I've seen I've found that the type of reed (macchina, dural, tam, a Mano) has almost no bearing on how good a particular box is to play. 
I've seen and played less expensive models eg Bouebe where the reeds looked like machine made but were great to play,  and at the other end of the price range I've played examples where the reeds had all the visible signs of being a Mano, but the instrument was dull and unresponsive to play,  even after my best reed setting and tuning efforts.

I think the explanation is that Saltarelle buy reeds from any maker that will give them a good price, and sometimes the reeds are made to a price and quality suffers.  If you are thinking about a Saltarelle the essential advice is to try the actual box you want before committing to buy.
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Martin P

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Re: Saltarelle reed quality
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2016, 11:51:53 AM »

All I know is that the Connemarra II that I play sounds OK to my ear having a crisp sharp treble and nice "grunty" bass. Only complaint is that the duplicated chords (D, G, A) sound very slightly different on push than on pull, which I assume is related to slight difference in tuning rather than quality. I suspect after 3 yrs of constant use that a re- tune might be needed.
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Re: Saltarelle reed quality
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2016, 12:11:06 PM »

Thanks for the advice and the answer. I've played a Saltarelle box for quite a long time (the Solstice, and a Bouebe before that), and it was really good. Actually all the tuners I went for servicing were surprised of the sound quality. It was really nice in the medium and high end, with a nice crisp sound that went perfectly with a violin, but the lows were not that good.
Anyway it's a bit of shame that there is such a variability in overall quality, I don't really understand the choice.
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