alternative reed materials

[arsenic87]

It seems that you can only get reeds made from cane fron france or from synthetic material like fibracells and or legere. Has anyone ever tried to make reeds out of any naturally occurring material that grows somewhere besides france? it seems that tonkin cane may work or possibly even river cane, stuff grows wild all over the gulf coast. any kind of wood that would work? I don't really foresee a cane embargo, but there is always the possibility of a natural disater of disease that could wipe out a crop of cane and the price of reeds could skyrocket, would be nice to have somesort of alterative to fall back on. Ron.

[singlereed]

Reed is grown elsewhere apart from France, certainly in Argentina and I believe, Australia. One of the problems of reed is its natural variation, pehaps why reeds like Hahn have their merits, as they are syntheic and more consistent. Another natural material would likely also be inconsistent. Interesting point, nonetheless!