Fiberreed Strength Comparison.

[zorroperro]

I need a Chart where I can see how do they compare to other reeds, specially the carbon ones, for alto...

Thanxs in advance,

JI

[SAXISMYAXE]

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/archive/index.php/t-486.html
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[Tobias]

Here is fiberreed meant, not Fibracell.
Big Difference.

@Zorroperro: Did you tried the obvious? www.fiberreed.com ?
You have to choose which reed you wanna buy, and then there stands what strength M , S and so on are.
When you order from Harry, say Hello from me

I can only state for the Crobones, I've had the impression, that they are a bit softer than claimed.

This link is also quite good:
http://www.saxophon-service.de/shop/z_57.htm

[dogbert]

Hi JI,

I play all kinds of fiberreeds on alto except the "classic" ones. Before that, I played hemkes, so I only have some of my old hemkes for comparison.

For me, it seems that a Hemke 2 is similar to a fiberred "natural" 2 (MS). The "Carbon" fiberred is a softer and the "normal" fiberred is a bit harder than the "natural" one. In case of the 2.5 hemkes vs. the 2.5 (M) fiberreeds I find the hemkes slightly harder than the fiberreeds.

Hemke 2 2.5
Fiberreed Carb Nat Norm Carb Nat Norm
2 (MS) 2.5 (M)

Well, hope that helps. Maybe there is a Comparison between Hemke and Rico somewhere.

Regards,

Thomas

[SAXISMYAXE]

Here is fiberreed meant, not Fibracell.
Big Difference.

http://www.saxophon-service.de/shop/z_57.htm

That's what the link discusses. Content copied below:


Sax on the Web Forum > The SOTW Forum > Saxophone Accessories > Reeds > Fiberreeds

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PDAView Full Version : Fiberreeds


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sessionsax03-03-2003, 01:30 PM
Whats everyones opinion on these. What do you think of the following:

Harry Hartman fiberreeds
Natural Sonic
Carbon Toptone.

What is the comparison between them?

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SaxMBB03-09-2003, 07:36 PM
I've used Fibracell and Legere. The Legeres tend to be dark sounding and hard for what they are marked. They are a clear plastic so they look wierd but do play ok. The Fibracells actually look and feel more like natural reeds. They tend to be brighter and their strengths are pretty consistent with LaVoz markings. If you get one too soft, it will honk like the old time plastic reeds. But, if you get one the right strength, I think they offer a good alternative. Especially if you have to let your horn sit for a long time between plays.

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sessionsax03-10-2003, 01:06 PM
Thanks for the post and info. I was actually referring to the Fiberreed line instead of the Fibracell. I use fibracell also, and have had hit an miss results. A good one is wonderful -- the rest were an expensive waste of money.

Can anyone chime in on their Fiberreed line of products experiences.

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Bari Gordon03-10-2003, 10:50 PM
I bought a Hartmann carbon toptone fiberreed (that's what the box says) for alto a number of years ago. Not a very scientific comparison, because I only bought one. (at $25 apiece, who would buy all three varieties to try?) I don't remember the strength and I've sanded whatever labeling was on the reed. It is 'zebra' colored with black and white stripes. I vaguely remember asking WWBW to recommend which of the 3 varieties would be best for a bright, jazz sound. My cane choice is LaVoz Med Hard or Hard sanded down (and maybe drilled)

When I first bought it I liked the sound I got, but playing it wore me out very quickly. It seems to have a relatively thick heart, and my lower lip would tire out as I played it.

Then I bought an SX-90 alto and play a Barone NY 8L hard rubber mouthpiece for my more mellow stuff. I put on the fiberreed and really like this combination. It is a little buzzy, but otherwise very reed-like. It responds well in all registers. And it looks marvelous!

The material reminds me of the Hahn reeds--made in textured layers. It can be sanded down easily, and seems to be long lasting.

Like I said, this isn't very scientific of an evaluation, but I do have a bit of experience with synthetic reeds. I play Bari reeds regularly on my baritone sax, cane on my tenor (after trying Bari, Legere, and Hahn), and use a Legere and a Fibercell when I double on clarinet. Of all of them, with my idea of an alto sound, I think the fiberreeds and the fibercells would come closest to being an alternative to cane reeds.

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Wolf Codera03-14-2003, 02:55 AM
sessionsax,

the Codera natural sonic fiberreed manufactured by Harry Hartmann is made out of glass hollow fiber and foam resin, traditional cut. Using different ligatures and different positions of the ligature will change the sound.

Harry Hartmann's fiberreed is made from thinner material (which is less expensive) and uses a plastic sheet for thickness adjustment. Whatever ligature you use, the sound won't change too much.

The Codera carbon toptone fiberreed manufactured by Harry Hartmann is carbon fiber reinforced, traditional cut.
Even with a very soft reed you will get fat low register notes and easy poppin' out high notes. Using different ligatures and different positions of the ligature will change the sound.

I am just the designer (and trademark owner) of the Codera versions, I am not involved in the manufacturing process or quality tests.

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dshack05-13-2006, 10:36 AM
Anyone actually tried any of these reeds in a playtest?

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[zorroperro]

I like Plasticovers, number 3 for my Jumbo Java A45. The problem, they are very inconsistent and for the altissimo I like to use, beyond F4 they tend to die too soon. Only two or three days. Up to D4 they last up to one week.

Some of my friends tell me that it is not a reed necesity to stand for that kind of altissimo and I agree, but I would like to have a reed that can last at least two weeks and be able to give me those upper altissimo register I like to play.

I have heard that Fibracells are not very good for altissimo, but on the other hand, Fiberreeds are... I will find out.

I live in Mexico, so the fastest way is buy them by the U.S..

I really appreciate the info.

All the best,

JI

[Tobias]

I never had problems with firbarcells and altissimo and never had to throw one away.

But no Probs with the Fiberreeds either. d#'''' ist part of my normal range.


Sorry@ Saxxymaxe just read the topic and not further, and because fiberreeds are here not so commen I thought it was a mistake