Regarding Synthetic Reeds

[nagukush]

Hi Friends !

I hope all is well and great ! :)

As I had mentioned in my earlier post, one of uncle is ordering a Synthetic Reed for me, online, and I request you to kindly guide me a little regarding this-

Kindly also note that I have already done my search on Google and SOTW and have gathered some information, comparison charts etc, but still I would like to get some advice before choosing one (as I'm very-very confused). I'm asking this because like most of other students, I dont have many options and this is my ONLY chance. Its really a VERY IMPORTANT DECISION for me because all my Saxophone study depends on it. These are not available anywhere here in India and it will have to come all the way from the US. Also I have to use and practice on this Reed atleast for a year before I can even think of buying another one...

This is really very precious and important for me and my sax education and I request you to please guide me. I really dont want to get a wrong reed or a wrong strength - I hope you understand my situation.

I also know & understand that different people like different brands ( that have worked well for them ) but my request is - Out of the following choices that I have narrowed out, Which one would you suggest to a beginer-student like me (one, which on an average, works for most students)

Fibracell - Soft
Fibracell Premier - 1.5
Legere Studio Cut for Alto Sax - 1.75
Legere Studio Cut for Alto Sax - 2
Bari Star - Soft
Fibereed

Kindly dont misunderstand me for asking this again, though it has been asked a few times already. Its just that I could not find any latest information and also that its a very important decision for me.

Anyways, thanks for reading...
Have a Beautiful day and keep smiling :)
Regards and Love to all
Kush

[fluteypiccolosax]

either the fibracell or the legere would be fine

the strength depends on you and your mouthpiece(mostly you)

[nagukush]

either the fibracell or the legere would be fine

the strength depends on you and your mouthpiece(mostly you)

Hi there !

Thanks for the kind reply and for caring. Regarding the strength of Reed, I have been adviced to start with a Reed of 2, and as per the strength charts & info that I've gathered, a Fibracell Soft or Fibracell Premier 1.5 or a Legere Studio cut 1.75 would be equal to a 2 Strength Rico Cane Reed.

I have also found that in these Reeds, The Reed-Tip may get damaged easily by a beginner student like me whereas The Fiberreed would be more resistant in this regard.

Also I couldnt find any strength Charts for the Fiberreeds...It would be a great help if someone can guide me on the Fiberreed Models and Strengths.

Anyways, thanks for the help, Friend...
Have a nice day !
Regards
Kush

[Blowhard2]

Hi there !

I couldnt find any strength Charts for the Fiberreeds...It would be a great help if someone can guide me on the Fiberreed Models and Strengths.



I have been using Fiberreed "standards " ( latterly the Carbon Type) for several years, and find they equate in strength MS ( Medium Soft ) roughly to Vandoren V16 2 1/2, with a medium (M) reed about a Vandoren 3 strength .

If they are not suitable , having ordered them on the Internet , the German Suppliers will soon exchange them by post - a most excellent service

They may seem initially expensive, but they play "straight out of the box", and last for ages!

Blowhard2

[Lovano1239]

I play in my high school marching band on tenor using a Bari (medium) reed. They play nice, but I can't make them sound like anything but plastic, just not enough depth...

But that's just me. I went to this summer jazz workshop where a man (probably in his 40s) played on a Bari reed and made it sound like cane. It was amazing and then I realized that I can play marching band with a pastic reed, but never play jazz with one. I just like the feel and sound of cane.

But to get back on topic, Bari reeds are very good long lasting reeds. In my opinion, they're the best on your list.

[soybean]

I like Fibracell the best of the synthetics so far. Other than the Fibereed, i have tried all the brands on your list including also a Hahn. The Fibracell and Fibracell premier played about the same. The Bari reed sounds the least like real cane.

[nagukush]

Hi Friends !

I hope all is well !

Thank you so much for caring and helping me out. Thanks for the kind replies. I still have a week before I email my uncle, with my choice of reed. I guess I'll wait for a few more replies or suggestions and then I'll hope for the best...

Anyways,thanks again for taking the time for me - I'm really grateful :)
Have a Wonderful day & keep smiling !
Kush

[Scottysax73]

Id definitely order more than one strength to find the best one for you. Ive also had some faulty fibrecells over the years whereas after a couple of weeks, they warped. Literally honking and then losing all sound

[DaddyRabbit]

Hi Kush,
On Legere's website, they have a strength chart which worked well for me.
http://www.legere.com/strength_charts.htm

I think I went about 1/4 harder than my cane reed and it works well. Good luck.

[wersax]

I'd recommend Fibracell Premier. The Premier have been a lot more consistent for me than the regular Fibracells and the other brands just don't work for me. However, I would have to say--to be totally honest--that this choice is very personal, that "one size does not fit all", and that, in general, I don't allow my beginner students to use synthetics.