Is Fibracell the spitty sound solution?

[Rich]

I just wondered (before I fork out £10 on a reed) whether Fibracell reeds would reduce the MP spittyness sound I get on my Alto? I have found that some reeds seem to cope better than others and that newer reeds don't tend to give me a spit problem initially but then after about a week (about 9 hours playing) they start driving me round the bend with a high pitched crackly spit sound in the MP that only cleaning the MP and reed will cure.

Any thoughts?

[area51recording]

I actually seem to get this MORE with synthetic or Plasticover reeds. I don't know, maybe because they don't absorb moisture the same as cane. I put a thin layer of Chapstick on the baffle of the mouthpiece and it seems to do the trick.
Hope this helps!

[saxybeast]

When I take my Fibracell off of the mouthpiece, there is a "puddle" of spit just sitting on top of it. All you have to do is to wipe off the reed, so it's not a really big deal to have to do this. But I don't seem to have as much spitty sounding times as I did with cane.

[Rich]

I have been using a thin smear of cork grease on the baffle of my Tenor MP and it does seem to help after a warm-up. My line of thinking was that as the reed does not absorb so much moisture, it would be easier to shift (with a quick suck on the MP) and less likely to build up.

Would you recommend trying a synthetic reed then? I have read through a few posts here and there seem some very positive feedback for them.

[steve]

I switched to Fibracells several months ago....and the "gurgle" problem doesn't exist for me any more. Probably because the reed doesn't seem to absorb moisture....But, I have an annoying habit of taking the mp off the neck periodically and flicking my wrist to remove the accumulated, er, goo. Another, and more sanitary trick, is to slide a matchbook cover between the reed and mp.

[Vortex]

Dude, just brush your teeth before you play and learn how to play cleanly. After you last meal chew some gum, drink some water, brush your teeth, rinse your mouth out with water, then you're pretty much set. After that it's just learning how to avoid shooting breakfast into your horn.

If some particle of food/spit/garbage/whatever gets stuck on the flat side of the reed while playing, use dental floss to get it off.

[Rich]

Many thanks for all of the advice. I'm one of those people who doesn't eat or drink (other than water) before playing so gobbing pieces of sandwich into the MP has never really been a problem for me! I have come to the conclusion that some people naturally produce more saliva than others and that coupled with condensation from playing a cold horn increases the frequency of having a spitty sound.

I've bought a Fibracell for both my Tenor and my Alto and so far am exceptionally happy with the results. The reeds reliably play well and so far (it's only been a couple of days after buying) have not had any spit problems after a clean-through folllowing a warmup.

[VegasChris]

I have switched to the Fibracells and it has definitely reduced the "spit static" sound for me. I love the Fibracells for many reasons, I will probably never go back to cane--well not in the foreseeable future anyway.

[Rich]

Well, it's been over 3 weeks since I switch to Fibracell on my Alto and I think it has been the best decision I have made. I've had no build up of spit, the tone has been fantastic and consistent with no gurgle just a good smooth tone with excellent response throughout the range of the instrument. I'd definately recommend the switch!

[Doctormyeyes]

Here's a (54 year old. Yes, it's possible.) beginner's perspective.

After trying all the various Rico and Vandoren reeds I tried fibracells. I was immediately taken with how much easier it was to consistently get a good sound. Previously, when I was having trouble, I wasn't sure if it was me or the reed. With fibracells, I know it's my fault.

However... I began having trouble with accumulated spit gumming up my setup. While my technique might be at fault, last night I switched back to Rico Royals. The spit problem vanished, as the excess seems to be absorbed by the reed, whereas the fibracell is non porous. Additionally, at least with this one reed, my tone is deeper and fuller, especially at the low end of the scale.

Hey, guys, is the spit my fault or theirs? I do brush before playing. Thanks.

[Rich]

Are you playing Alto or Tenor? I also bought one for the Tenor and I do get a build up of spit in that one, however it is easier to remove with a swift suck than with cane reeds. I guess it's because the Fibracell reed doesn't absorb the moisture like the cane reeds do.

As I see it there is no simple solution to getting rid of the spit sound. Some people have it some people don't. Some people are more spitty than others. Some techniques work for some people but not others. However, I am absolutely overjoyed that I've sorted my Alto spit problem out at last. :D

[Doctormyeyes]

I'm playing Alto. I've discovered the 'swift suck' fix, but have to do it more frequently than I like, and it doesn't last for very long. I will, nevertheless, continue to try fibracells, and see what happens as my technique evolves.
I wonder, also, whether there is a relationship between spit buildup and mouthpiece tip size? Is the read less likely to get stuck with a larger opening? I'm using a Selmer C*, but will have a chance to borrow a Meyer 6 medium.