The Best Synthetic Reed

[sessionsax]

Anyone want to give their favorite and why. I currently use Harry Hartman Fiberreeds when I can afford them, and Fibracells the rest of the time.

I hate baris and havent tried Hahn or legere. Please join in.

[mostly alto guy]

Hahns are great--not cane, having a bit more buzz and a bit less richness, but very consistent. Strap it on, blow, and zoiks, it plays!

If you have to leave your horn on the stand a while then immediately play with no warm-up, you need a Hahn.

[GottaSax]

Go w\ legere.

[Big Nick]

I use Fibracells (alto, tenor) and Baris ( soprano, baritone) mostly. Occasionally Hahn, but I'm not over keen on their sound.
I got thoroughly fed up with the inconsistency of Legere - and they're a bit dull for me.

[MojoBari]

I went through a Bari phase. They are good for brightening up darker mouthpieces. Later I went to brighter mouthpieces with Fibracells. I love Legere on clarinet.

[Mike Ruhl]

I've used Fibracells and the regular clear Baris on soprano and tenor. I prefer Fibracells. But sometimes I'll stick a clear Bari on my clear plastic Kleartone tenor mpc, just for funny looks I get. :wink:

I want to try the Bari * and the Legere on soprano.

Mike R. :USA:

[RS]

Fibracells are the best I've found but I only use them on bass clarinet.

[singlereed]

I find Hahns very usable, they are consistent and work better, right ot of the box, for longer than 8 out of 10 cane reeds. They ultimately lack the finesse of a good cane reed working at its best, but do perform well, especially in the palm key and altissimo area. I found little difference in strength from 2 to 2.5 to 3 on tenor (all feel a little too soft) yet a 2.5 on alto was too hard.

[Stencilman]

I've en trapped in reed hell for quite a while with boxes and boxes of cane reeds everywhere but only a couple that play well. Synthetics seem the way to go so I went ahead and ordered some PlastiCover, Fibrarcell and Bari reeds for my soprano.

The PlastiCovers were surprisingly inconsistant in strength considering that I played these exclusively some 15 years ago with good results. Out of 2 boxes (10 reeds) I found only 4 that were playable. On both of my mouthpieces they did not sound anything like a good cane reed. Bye-bye PlastiCover.

The two Bari reeds were identical in strength but the Mediums were just a little too soft for my mouthpieces. I cut one back but it felt very "springy". Pitch was everywhere - kind of what happens when a soft reed is used on a long facing mouthpiece. Very bright and a little too much buzz. Trimming the reed seems to tone things down so I should trim it again. The jury is still out but it doesn't look good for Bari's and me.

Both of the Fibracells played very well. I accidently ordered the same strength for both reeds but they worked perfectly for my mouthpieces. Very much like a good cane reed. I've only played on them for about 4 hours so far, but I like these better than any cane reed I've played on soprano.

BTW, my mouthpieces are a Dukoff D8 and a Graftonite C7 reworked to a 68 tip opening and a baffle and chamber the similar to the Dukoff.

[Knight Ender]

I just got a few synthetic reeds to try out. I tried Bari(med), Legere(2.5), and Fibracell(med hard) all for alto. The Legere was amazing from the first note, I really love it. The fact that it is clearish was a bit of a throw off, as I have played only on cane til now. The Fibracell had more of a cane feel and also played better than a fresh cane reed. The Bari reed is the one I'm not sure about. I keep getting this twangy kind of buzz.....it's hard to explain. I don't plan on throwing it out however, I might work on it and see if I can't get it to play. I will definately try some on my tenor next time go reed shopping.

[Bill Mecca]

I've played almost exclusively on Fibracell for that past 9 years or so
(? time is passing so quickly as I get older ;D)

I have some Bari and a Bari*. I find the Bari reeds a bit "colder" sounding and a bit stiffer/harsher than the fibracell, though they do play extremely well in the upper atmospheric ranges. The fibracells just work. I have some Plasticovers and some Vandoren V16's. The V16's play very much like the Fibracell. But since they are so close there is no need to change as I am sure the synths will last longer, and be less expensive in the long run. For me the differences in sound out front are not really that noticeable, its more about response and consistency. I used to work cane reeds, but found I would rather be playing than sanding reeds.


Oh, I play only tenor.

[tomsch]

I've used Bari reeds on tenor and soprano for years. Last year I did switch to Bari * for tenor. I do end up sanding some on all the Bari reeds I use which reduces the buzz and also removes the sharp edges.

[sessionsax]

Just wanted you guys to know that I have been using the same Harry Hartman reeds that I bought in December till now (May) and they still work great. I have sanded the tips back a bit, but with that little modification, they are still singing.

Rarely do quotes of a reed lasting 10 time longer than cane actually deliver. I play at least 4 hrs a day also.

My fibracells never made it that long. Usually about a month -- which I used to consider a good deal.

Hey has anyone tried the studio cut legeres? They look similar -- from what I can see -- to the fiber reeds. Are they bright and full?

[mr00420]

How much do one of these Fibracells go for in the U.S.? In Japan they're going for almost $30! I just took a look at one... is it treated or coated reed cane, or completely synthetic?

[Mike Ruhl]

Completely synthetic. Kevlar fibers embedded in a special resin. Check out http://www.fibracell.com/history.htm

[mr00420]

What's the general retail price for one alto sax fibracell?

[Bill Mecca]

check www.daybreakenterprises.com or www.gigdust.com, best prices I've found and great service!

[sjabariiii]

How about the Codera and Codera carbon toptone? Or the BG Hybrid??

[mr00420]

Well thanks for the link, but I was just wondering off the top of your head what was the usual price you've paid at a shop for a fibracell reed. I'm not going to mailorder it from here in Japan.

[KingConn]

The fibracell is the ONLY choice for me. Gives me THE sound I want,
plays very easy, much easier than the soft or med. Bari. I get
mine directly from the manufacture. They seem to be more
consisitant. Also, they are the latest generation. The number
on the back shows which lot they are. 94 or higher are the
best. ANY number lower does not compare. Even at $14, they
are a steal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shock:

[mr00420]

So I guess they're usually priced higher than what "Charlie's" sells them for? That's kind of what I wanted to know... what the shops have them priced at. It's still half what they sell them for here in Japan. Everything is marked up for like 100% profit... it's definitely not all shipping costs.

[MARTINW]

Session sax:- Re your post, I have tried a Studio Cut Legere reed and I prefer it to the normal cut because it is brighter and more responsive. I found the normal cut to be a little dull. Neither will ever be as good as a good cane reed but they are good and I I keep them on standby for when I am having reed problems. I use a 2.5 studio cut which is just right for me and is about the same strength as a Vandoren V16. The normal Legeres are stronger than the studio cut by about half a strength so I use a 2.0
Hope this helps.
MartinW

[Scottysax73]

A friend of mine gets the most unbelievable sound on thefibracell. When you are done with them, why? do they wear out or crack?
whats the harry reed thingy? dont they have different versions of them? im sooo sick of cane reeds

[sessionsax]

Scottysax73,

They do have different versions of the fiberreed. The one I use is the origninal. Its a strange white reed with a removable rubber pad that works as the shank of the reed. The play great.

I think I am going to give the Legere studio cuts a try -- thanks to the post from MartinW. It seems like these reeds are similar -- and they are cheaper + the company has a trial policy. If you miss your strength on a Fiberreed, you are out 25 bucks -- or its try and sand it time -- no refunds from WWBW

[Scottysax73]

Thanx for the response. How do those reeds compare with being in tune. The rico plasticovers work great for like 10 min but they go out of tune.Also, not that its important but, any well known sax players using any of these?
My friends tone on his fibracell is amazing. He tours with a well known broadway show but hes always in tune.
im sooo sick of spending $$$$$ on the rico jazz reeds. any help is appreciated

[Stencilman]

Plasticover reeds going out of tune? I played them for years and never experienced that. I have a couple of Bari reeds that are very "flexible" in their tuning, but they don't play out of tune by themselves :-)

I love Fibracell's but had trouble with my lip being irritated by the fibers on the top of the reed. I now use 2000 grit sandpaper to smooth them just a bit them and I haven't had any trouble since.

[MojoBari]

Reeds do not play out of tune. But if they respond so bad that they make you change your embouchure to get them to play, that causes intonation problems.

[Anonymous]

If no one on god's earth except Plas Johnson played Plasticovers THAT alone would make them worth trying! And certainly that should squelch the "out of tune" scuttlebutt!

[Mike Ruhl]

Pete Christlieb and James Carter are also said to play Plasticovers.

[sessionsax]

Scottysax73,

I don't have any issues with intonation and the Fiberreeds (not to be confused with fibracells). As a matter of fact, I use one on soprano and the reed provides fine intonation. I think that other issues affect the intonation a little more than the reed. Having said that, I can't play on a bari, because the reed vibrates in such a way that I can control the tone and pitch fluctuations on my setup.

[Scottysax73]

Ahhh, this may be where I am confused. Fibreeds and fibracells. Are they 2 seperate companies? Or are fibreeds just another name for synthetic reeds. What is the differences, if youd be so kind?

[MonchMan]

They are 2 Different Companies

http://www.fibracell.com/

http://www.fiberreed.de/index-e.htm

also there is:

http://www.legere.com/home.htm

and

http://www.bari-assoc.com/reed.html

[Scottysax73]

Oh ok, the Harry reeds. Yeah, they were all sold out of those at the wwb. What are they like? any good? which do u prefer?

[Bill Mecca]

sessionsax,

how do the Hartman strengths compare to fibracells?

Have you tried any of the other models, say the Carbon toptone?
anyone?

TIA

[Scottysax73]

Hows the harry reeds compared 2 the fibrecells. Are they that much better because they are 2wice the price

[Tenorsaxer]

I use plasticovers. I don't know if you'd really call them synthetic though. It is synthetic material over cane I belive.

[MojoBari]

Yeah, like synthetic enhanced.

[Anonymous]

Or vinyl siding!

I'm not ashamed to proclaim that, after extensive tests, BARI is the finest synthetic reed made...for me!

I bought two of each strength between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 of Fibracel, Hemke (reg and top-tone), LeGere, the WW&BW house synthetics and Olivieri(maybe others I've forgotton to mention) at no small expense and BARI & BARI* ALWAYS win for tone, playability and consistancy.

It cost me about $300, but now I know for sure!

Certainly your mileage may vary, but I would think that someone may benefit from my experience in this matter!

Wolf Tannenbaum may be a grizzled old bugger, but he's a grizzled old bugger who knows something about reeds!!

[Scottysax73]

well, i tried the fibrecell and legere. fibrecell is possibly the greatest reed ive ever played on. never had 2 adjust my embouchure, played great all night. perfect!!!!!
legere, it was a good reed. pretty consistant but to me, the fibrecell just had the bright sound i craved. feels like wood and perfectly in tune.

[sessionsax]

I love a good fibracell -- I just have bought some duds. A good one will last me a while though.

I hate to hear the WWBW is out of stock on the Hartman Fiberreeds. I think that its time for me to buy another batch. They are incredibly expensive direct from Germany, and I don't like the idea of international orders.

Also, sorry that I haven't been more active lately. I just had knee surgery (ACL reconstruction) and its had me down for 3 weeks.

[Scottysax73]

well, i hope your feeling better sessions, your always a huge help.
so, 1 question about the fibrecells.
does it ever happen, that all of a sudden, the reed gets extremely tinny and then nothing comes out at all?

[Bill Mecca]

sorry to hear about the ACL, I had a similar problem after a Basketball injury, fortunately not as serious as yours. rest and mend.

WW&BW told me the Hartmans should be in the first week of July.

Fibracells have been known to just die, when the coating is comprimised and water gets inside, they quack like a duck. One of the main reasons Miri advises not to sand them.

[Scottysax73]

well, is the reed quacking like a duck and then dying, have anything 2 do with something im doing? i dont sand them. once they quack and die, anyway 2 bring them back 2 life?
and these hartmans, are they similiar? dont know much about them. i love the fibrecell but they are only lasting me a week.

[sessionsax]

Scottysax73

The Hartmans are totally different. The material is completly different. I have had some tough luck with fibracells too. I like the good ones, but I haven't found any consistency yet.

I want to try the Legere Studio. They look a lot like the Hartmans. When I get some I will let the forum know.

[Scottysax73]

I wasnt thrilled with the Legere unless the studio cut is that much different.
in terms of the fibrecells, shouldnt they all play the same with consistancy? if they die, how do u get them back 2 life?

[sjabariiii]

The best way to describe the legere studio cut would be: melt down a plastic coke bottle and make it into a reed.

[sessionsax]

Heres something to watch for on the Hartmans. I am still using the same three reeds that I bought for sop, alto, and tenor and the response is still very good (Its now August). In four more months, I would have used these reeds for a year -- with some sanding and adjustment along the way.

Thats the positive, heres the negative.

I did a session the other day and compared it to a session that I did a couple of months ago and my tone is thinning out. I was very dissapointed, because the sound is getting thin -- expecially on alto.

Here is what I believe is happening. I think that using the same reeds for that long of a period is forcing my ears to adjust gradually to the changes the reed goes through. I am getting slowly getting accustomed to a brighter -- more shrill tone.

The response of the reeds are still good, but the timbre of the reed changes over time.

I still stand by the fiberreeds, but I would suggest ditching them and replacing them with a new batch every few months. If not, your tone will suffer -- even though the reed still responds great.

[Bill Mecca]

FWIW, I've found the same thing with Fibracells, they get a bit softer over time, and start to wear out, you just don't notice it, similar to how the horn can develop minor leaks and you subconciously compensate for them. Slap a new reed on and you can feel/hear the difference, same as when you play a horn that was just adjusted by a competent tech.

[DezzaG]

Have been using Legere studio Cut on alto for 3 months now, it is so great, works great on my Jody Jazz Alto piece, I use the legere on Bari too, nice warm sound.
Definately try the new studio cut guys! Nice and clear sounding. Wish they had a Bari Studio cut.

[Ctenorman]

DezzaG, you took the words out of my mouth. I've been using the new Legere Studio Cut for the last week or so, and I can't believe how good they are. On alto on my JJ they're super, in every way. Dark, and bright at the same time. And no nasty buzzing. They're not simply as good as the best cane I've ever tried, they're better. I'd been using the regular Legere ones up to this point, and they're pretty good. But on my tenor, it always sounded slightly dead on my very dark link. With the studio cut, my link feels like the perfect jazz husky tenor piece. My tenor is in the shop right now, but I have a new JJ tenor to try it out on when it gets back, and I'm almost afraid I won't be able to stop playing the thing.. =)

[MojoBari]

You guys are tempting me. I use Legere's on clarinet (where they were originally for) but I found them too dark on sax. If there was a studio cut Bari reed I would send for one.

[DezzaG]

MojoBari
They are good on Bari, better than most cane reeds I tried but yes they are darker. When I get my new Runyon Custom from Bootman I'll let you know how the Legere works on that. I have been using a Selmer H which is dark sounding anyway.

If we keep asking for a studio cut Bari reed we might get one!!!!!