Rico Plasticovers....I think?

hotsax · 05-24-2003, 05:03 AM

OK, I need you guys that have been playing for sometime...the pros that is,give me some feedback on this.I have been a dedicated LaVoz player for years,but recently became disatisfied with everyone I tried.Then I began trying every reed known to man.Really couldn't pick one I liked,so I thought about trying Plasticovers.WOW what sound these babies produced!The old sound I use to get out of the LaVoz,in the 80's.So what I am asking is...Are these reeds good enough for frequent gigging or am I just playing some kind of mind game with myself? I haven't tried any other "fiber" reed.I understand the Harttmans are pretty good too.I play R&B, R&R, so i need that "ballsy" sound! Come on, talk to me guys!

Dave Dolson · 05-24-2003, 05:38 AM

Hotsax: I have found an occasional Plasticover that played good enough for serious work, but most of the ones I've tried (and I've purchased many boxes of them) have been less-than-perfect. I much prefer cane reeds, although I admit to using Fibracells on clarinet (mainly because they don't dry out and warp while I'm playing my saxophones).

If you have a good Plasticover, enjoy it. I'd guess that not all of them play the same (just like cane isn't consistent, either). DAVE

Giles · 05-24-2003, 08:38 AM

Tom Scott certainly thought Plasticovers were good for "serious work" and Pete Christleib, and Marc Russo, and Clarence Clemmons, etc.

05-24-2003, 11:09 AM

It's enough for me to know that Mr. Tone-Incarnate, Plas Johnson, finds them adequate, to determine that they must be very good, indeed!

But, I will admit that I don't see how they can be any better than the cane they're made from!

George · 05-24-2003, 07:06 PM

I was playing RJS for many years on tenor, but was looking for more edge. A while back I was turned on to Plasticover reeds. Initially I was using a plasticover 2 with my YTS-875/Barone Rock/fusion 7* mouthpiece and it was an improvement over the sound I was getting with cane alone. I wasn't completely happy with the sound of the custom though and moved onto a JK SX90R Tenor in BN

Now I am playing a plasticover 3.5 on a Lawton Bronze 8* with the SX90R and I am in heaven. The sound is thick and rich in harmonics and overtones. I can lay back and get a smooth sound or lay in and peel paint - all without sacrificing tone.

I will, however, say that QC with platicovers used to be quirky - now I find many more playable reeds per box than before.

super20dan · 05-25-2003, 01:19 AM

i play plasticovers almost exclusively -even on clarinet. they are brighter than cane and last a long time.the down side is only 1or 2 in a box are good. i also like that you dont have to wet them to play

Scottysax73 · 06-09-2003, 09:43 PM

Plasticovers are great for an hour or so. The problem is, i find that from lower to top register, i have 2 alter my embousure constantly. Its a great bright sound, like your playing in2 a microphone, but they are heard 2 control , at least i find.

sessionsax · 06-10-2003, 02:57 PM

I used to love plasticovers, but I am having problems with their consistency. I also used to use lavoz exclusively but had the same problem that you have found with consistency. I don't use plasticovers now, because for the money invested in finding a good one and the amount of time they last, the newer synthetics like the fiberreed and fibracells are better values for the money.

They were great at one time -- like the lavoz -- but those days are gone.

Scottysax73 · 06-10-2003, 04:35 PM

Its like that with every reed. Ya know, 3 mos with this brand, then ya gotta switch companys. Back n forth, back n forth. Reed companies are horrible.
Thats why it annoys me when guitarists complain about breaking a string.lol