I wanted to test the reeds on a range of mouthpieces to really get a good feel for what may work, and what may not. Small, Shuttle Pipe, Half and 3/4 Sized Pipe Reeds. The #2.5 is similar to a V12 #2.5, if anything a tiny bit softer, the #3 jumps up a little and I would say it’s similar in strength to a Rue L’Epic #3. This is when the interesting phenomenon of ‘Legere-itis‘ kicked in for me (it’s a new term, bear with me)…It’s best described as a strange manifestation of a reed ‘feeling’ too hard (i.e. I have tried various synthetic reeds from Legere, Bari, Fiberreed, Forestone, Fibracell, and although I still prefer traditional cane, I am noticing improvements in design, sound quality and consist… Cost-Effective. 4.0 of 5 stars (2 Reviews) $19.99. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the features which should be present in the clarinet reeds so that you could narrow your options to a smaller number. The Fibracell had more of a cane feel and also played better than a fresh cane reed. 08-31-2016, 09:12 PM. Matching these properties in a synthetic material is difficult but is essential in creating a good reed. I tried Hartmann Onyx on it and it was just too "brittle" sounding. Your information is safe and will never be shared. Let’s start with the Legere options as I believe many people have heard the name and arguably Legere have spent the most time and money trying to get some market penetration. If not read this blog): “Plasticover reeds feature the standard Rico cut (the profile used for the vamped portion of the reed) with a plastic coating, which resists moisture and remains stable in varying weather conditions. Products [79] Sort by: Quick View. Try as I might the same characteristics presented themselves across all 4 mouthpieces, so I moved on…. ‘Best of the Rest’ Wood Stone Reeds (non-synthetic): The length of time people use these reeds for can vary, I’ve heard 2 months to 12 months! Extra strength will ensure some extra volume (but at a cost). The Wood Stone reeds offer a quick response due to the thin tip and a rich and deep sound thanks to the thick heart. My feeling is that it won’t add the warmth and solid richness I’d hope for from a Rue L’Epic #3.5 but perhaps it would just start to get more resistant and that may kill the fun. Vandoren Paris 56 rue Lepic – 75018 Paris Authentication site for your Vandoren products : FIGHT AGAINST FAKE. The best synthetic reed. Legere’s reeds are the best of the plastic reeds, because they closely mimic cane reed. Click here to read more. For example, I exclusively use Legere reeds for … 85 $35.00 $35.00 Get it as soon as Thu, Jan 7 FREE Shipping by Amazon Only 13 left in … Jones JR101MS Oboe Reed Medium Soft Jones is a well-known maker of oboe reeds, and this is one of their best reed models available. There may have been down times on out of stock lines in this time period. Compare this Product. Quick View. Where relevant I will mention the differences between how they performed on certain mouthpieces although I found that the characteristics were pretty similar on all options. Synthetic reeds are also cost-effective. The Legere Signature reed has a physically thinner profile than the classic, and is thinner at the tip, but is made from a stiffer material. Plus a special ‘best of the rest’ mention for another brand of cane reed which deserves your attention. If all else fails, a synthetic reed may be the best solution. Intermediate – Advanced, Arrange a one to one consultancy/lesson in saxophone, improvising, composing, The ultimate saxophone gift: Story of the Saxophone book Gift & card all in one. A big problem was always that natural products such as wood and cane were not only inconsistent, but also unstable – prone to warping, cracking, and sooner or later just wearing out – sooner rather than later in the case of reeds as they also deteriorate due to various digestive enzymes in the saliva. Rico Alto Sax Reeds are one of the best reeds for alto saxophone in the market for its incredible capability to make the intonation of the Saxophone awesome. Add to Cart. It always seemed to me that synthetics might have a dead plasticky type sound so I just never tried them. Using the right reeds is just as important as having the right saxophone and mouthpiece. Price $34.95. I started out with synthetic reeds and switch back and forth between cane and Legere weekly, depending on what I’m doing and where I’m playing. Probably the best before the AC was a Signature. Stock an all types and strengths is not always as readily available from suppliers as Vandoren or Rico for example. It's also the least … The people at Legere (based in Ontario, Canada) say: “Natural cane has a combination of high stiffness and low density that can be difficult to duplicate in a synthetic material. They are also slightly more expensive than cane reeds… There’s no such thing as the best reed in the world. Synthetic reeds have a small disadvantage: they are a little slicker than cane reeds, and require more careful positioning on the mouthpiece. They are distributed by ProTec, a manufacturer of protective instrument cases for professional musicians. Choosing which woodwind reed to buy can be challenging, even for seasoned musicians. Better than Cane and Best of Brand. Synthetic drone reeds from the very best of EzeeDrones are also included to give you the best in bass and tenor tunes, creating the right vibrations that set your sound apart from a host of others. Personally, I really like the D’Addario Reserves! Some of us like one brand and others like another. We hope that our list of the 10 best clarinet reeds of 2020 can guide you through your purchase and that you are able to gain some knowledge about the brands you were considering buying. To help you in your search, we have completed this list of the Best Synthetic Clarinet Reeds. www.fiberreed.com www.kickthemonste... #kickthemonster Both ebonite and metal were quickly accepted as an ideal solution to the problem of replacing an unstable material. The best cane is … Fibracell synthetic reeds have been around for over 15 years and are a well-respected, good quality synthetic reed. With the various limitations that traditional cane reeds present to saxophonists such as warping, consistency, and longevity. Two week trial. Formerly known as Rico Royal, these are a higher quality alternative to the classic ‘orange box’ Rico reeds. I'll second the nomination of the BARI medium, based primarily on the fact that it probably has the longest, most successful track record of any of the synthetic reeds out there. Open quick view … Bravo Reeds Synthetic Clarinet Reed 5 Pack. There’s different variables for each of us like embouchure, mouthpiece tip openings etc. Subscribe to the Newsletter. This brand of synth stands out from the crowd on price. It is best to always handle your reed by the heel. 4) McCallum student edition with Blackwood Drone. Good good, another thing that’s safe to put in my mouth, not much detail on what it is, but as long as its safe. You can get a box of five Bravo reeds for $30. Bravo Reeds Introduction With the various limitations that traditional cane reeds present to saxophonists such as warping, consistency, and longevity. I tried Bari(med), Legere(2.5), and Fibracell(med hard) all for alto. Arguably you may get through more than x1 box of Plasticover in the time you could get a Legere to last. DISCLAIMER: I think it’s important to point out that I am just one person, one opinion etc. Subscribe to our email newsletter today to receive updates on the latest news, tutorials and special offers! 0 Reviews (0 Reviews) $33.99. For example, I exclusively use Legere reeds for most classical solos, chamber groups, and in concert band/wind ensemble. I just got a few synthetic reeds to try out. If you normally play a 2.5 regular cane reed, consider buying a 2.25 or a 2.0 synthetic reed. But if you follow my advice and read the point outs here, I don't think it would be a problem anymore. We’ve also found them good for people who have minor allergies to the cane reeds as they protect the lips a little but without having to get used to how a fully synthetic reed plays. First thing to notice is due to the thinner profile you do have to be sure your ligature is fitting well, the Rovner L5 light I was using was nearly at full screw closure to hold the reed securely. In the end, it is a matter of personal choice, so do take a look at the list below. Top 10 Best Synthetic Clarinet Reeds Cane is a unique material. However, I found the upper registers were not as good and especially when pushed. They have a good volume and will last much longer than the conventional reeds. Thanks for signing up. Légère reeds are made from polypropylene, which is approved by the FDA for use in direct food contact applications, so our reeds are completely safe to use.”, Well, it’s good to know they are safe to use, something that maybe some people would just assume but when dealing in synthetic materials its worth doing a bit of checking on what is going into it. Price $34.95. So, now we’re going into a brave new world…part normal reed, part ‘synthetic’. There is no need to moisten a Légère reed, it will play like a pre-moistened cane reed directly from the box. The packaging and whole story around them is well presented and for many they are the most well know synthetic reed. Légère uses … 13. Sep 22, 2014 - Get rid of reed issues and use the world's best, premium synthetic reed, Fiberreed. Either they sounded the same to many people’s ears or the sound was actually better. The best thing though is the stability of the reeds. The Medium/Easy are t he best selling of the Surefire reeds. Very stiff but sound absorbing Aramid fibers are suspended in a light weight resin formulation. Close. Check Price On Amazon . I mentioned in part 2 of 3 that we’d look at synthetic and the ‘best of the rest’ cane reeds. The best synthetic reed. Firstly, you have to know the type of music you are going to make through your saxophone. Jim runs through a selection of synthetic reeds we stock at sax.co.uk. In the case of saxophones, metal also became popular for mouthpieces as an alternative. VAT: $36.25* excl. On the M30 Lyre the Legere Classic had relatively clean articulation but I found the sound very buzzy and bright, oh dear, this is what we all feared! On initial testing a few weeks back I tried the clarinet #2.5 and my colleague Nick tried the same on Alto Sax. Or to be more precise this is how D’Addario Woodwinds describe the Plasticover range (you know D’Addario, the people that OWN Rico brand? You don’t need to do much to them and they play out of the box. I agree that Legere are definitely the best synthetic reeds currently on the market, though I personally find that their usefulness depends on the ensemble/genre. ctbzz. Part of me thinks that despite my initial disappointment with the Legere options there could be a combination there that works. Open quick view dialog for Bravo Reeds Synthetic Clarinet Reed 5 Pack. After researching tenor saxophones, B flat (Bb) clarinets, and oboe reeds here the best reeds you can use for each of these instruments. This coating results in a bright, projecting tone and offers greater durability and lifespan. Different Synthetic reeds will sound different among available brands but all are very consistent. They were quietly put onto our system and it was only recently that I had chance to give them a good try. Purchasing the best clarinet reeds can help improve the quality of your sound and allow you to perform at your best every time you pick up your instrument. I agree that Legere are definitely the best synthetic reeds currently on the market, though I personally find that their usefulness depends on the ensemble/genre. Here are the most recommended brands and models of clarinet reeds: The numbers are also slightly different. Most orders are eligible for free shipping. Pipers Pal Recharge Kit (0) $12.50. You take one out … Their reeds are available in a variety of different cuts and strengths. Synthetic Pipe Chanter Reeds Clanrye Synthetic Pipe Chanter Reed - Easy Item code: 1754S incl. Hey all, I'm trying to test out some synthetic reeds. Choosing among the best clarinet reeds could pose as a problem, especially if you are still a beginner. They are made of a ‘sophisticated composite of aerospace materials’ and are … resistant with a definite lag when trying to articulate quickly) yet the sound it produces is that of a reed which is too soft; i.e. The consistency is fairly unbeatable, they feature a thick heel and heart with a thin tip, similar to Vandoren Classic Blue Box. too bright and a little harsh when pushed. ... Free shipping on all US and Canadian orders over $49! Please choose OK to accept that you are happy with this, All sales profits donated to special needs music - Info, Synthetic mouthpieces, so why not synthetic reeds? 10 Best Saxophone Reed Reviews and the Best Saxophone Reed … I just bought a clarinet about three months ago and wooden reeds have been my nemesis since the purchase. In my studio I’m playing my saxes a lot every day, but normally I need to spend time making sure each reed is flat and sealing well. I probably won't use them for actual performances lol they're just really interesting. By all reports they are doing well in the US at least and Europe is now starting to increase steadily. Plasticover is a favorite among jazz and pop musicians and also works well in outdoor settings.”. The manufacturers take advantage of the natural variation in cane to produce reeds of different strength. Quite often people will assume you are blowing a much harder reed. Bravo are not included as they only hit the shop floor end of January. French filed, so will suit most Vandoren/Selmer etc mouthpieces. Add to Cart. Why You Can Trust These Recommendations. Nice. Price $34.95. But, accepting the fact that arguably a #2.75 was a little soft for quite a close mouthpiece I tried it on the B45 which is more open and thus suited to a slightly softer reed. The Legere was amazing from the first note, I really love it. The question of energy use and the global ‘footprint’ of natural vs synthetic is a topic for another day so for now let’s get into how they play…. I’m going to get straight to it and say these actually felt in many ways like a normal reed, responded like a normal reed and you get 5 in a box that all play the same. Below are a few of t Hand selected from premium quality french cane the Wood Stone reed is meticulously created to the exacting standards of the Wood Stone specialists in Japan. Synthetic reeds are consistent. Joking aside, I’d really like to try a harder one to see how that affects it. Between all the tenor reeds, finding the best tenor saxophone reeds would be a challenge to you. There’s a certain beauty to really laying off a cane reed and still getting a ‘core’ to the sound, I couldn’t recreate this on the Legere. Anyways I want to know if anyone has tested many of the brands and … After all there are many great pro players now using synthetic reeds, some just in certain scenarios, others more regularly. In fact some of the players that are now using them professionally often use quite short and close facings with a synthetic reed set-up. Following on from Part 1 (Vandoren & Gonzalez) and Part 2 (D’Addario Woodwinds i.e. So, let's see a list of some things to consider about tenor reeds. Especially in the nature of how they responded like a normal reed, also it was possible to get right down to pp and up to ff without too much change in the tonal quality. Most orders are eligible for free shipping. Whether you like that tone is subjective, I would say if I wanted to get huge projection, maybe in a jazz band, marching band or as some sort of early warning system on the coast I would probably give these a go. I tried Legere reeds a year ago and was not totally convinced, but they seem to finally have found the right formula with a new model, the Legere Signature. Although the sound was good over some parts of the range, the higher notes seemed to close up and play slightly flat. However, it’s very difficult to say because the way they play is very different. Between all the tenor reeds, finding the best tenor saxophone reeds would be a challenge to you. New Synthetic Reed On The Market. However, there is a general consensus among professional saxophone players that synthetic reeds sound different (ie: worse) than natural reeds. Want more content like this? Rico, LaVoz etc) we’re going to look at some of todays synthetic options for clarinet players. I will freely admit that previously I’d never found a satisfactory answer in the synthetic world. The Medium reeds have good volume and tone and are best suited to the more experienced player. These are a good option if you want to retain a more normal cane sound but with some added bite. We imposed a strict non-toxic manufacturing process in order to protect musicians and workers in our factory, certified by the stringent standards of the European Union.”. One that sounds closest to cane. Discover now our comparison of the best Tenor Saxophone Reeds. This is not the case with reeds: most players still prefer the sound (and response) of cane reeds, and for years manufacturers have been experimenting with synthetic materials in order to provide a stable long lasting product that not only sounds like a cane reed, but has the same “feel”. Compare Compare Now site8prodJ14708. Anyways I want to know if anyone has tested many of the brands and know of a really good one. They are a little harder to get into place, and the sound varies more depending on where the reed is situated. Do they make the saxophone sound the same, worse or better: Listen to the audio - you decide. I know Legere have some great artists on their books and these players are holding down top spots in big orchestras, I am not. French Filed Cut Premium grade cane provides you consistent response for playing smooth adding more clarity to the tone. While Légère reeds are durable, they can easily be damaged if mishandled or dropped. To unpack the reed, remove it from the case or box carefully avoiding contact with the tip. Synthetic reeds are not affected by temperature or humidity, making them invariable no matter how the weather changes, or where you might travel with them. The Legere Classic have a thicker tip than the Signature Cut and in fact the whole reed is thicker, this is supposed to give a ‘darker’ sound. As such you won’t be surprised to learn that they play very similarly to the normal Rico type reed but with a little extra brilliance and vibrancy. Read User Reviews & Check Price On Henderson . Traditional Reeds. It's also the least expensive of the quality synthetics. In the last few weeks, I learned about a new synthetic reed on the market; Bravo Premium Synthetic Reeds. Online Shipping OK + Covid-19 Status Info Here, UK's no.1 Woodwind & Brass Specialists | Established 1966 | Free Delivery on selected lines & Fast Delivery | Order Online 24/7. Safe and will never be shared initial testing a few weeks back I tried Hartmann Onyx it... Chanter, you can spend adjusting reeds be a problem anymore many performers have turned to synthetic their. Since the purchase as my initial disappointment with the tip and especially pushed...: Home > Saxophones > reeds & Accessories > synthetic reeds have been my nemesis since purchase. 'M trying to test out some synthetic reeds right reeds is the synthetic world know the of! More normal cane sound but with depth and good articulation: Part 3 3. # 3 and my colleague Nick tried the clarinet reed 5 Pack in stock at list. The stability of a throw off, best synthetic reeds I might the same way woodwind. 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Reed guide we 've compared sound quality, design, and longevity produces an excellent full rich.. Reed.. £45.00 Ex Tax: £37.50 Part 2 of 3 that we ’ re going a! They have a dead plasticky type sound so I moved on…, 2014 - get rid of reed and. Many performers have turned to synthetic as their primary reed choice, what do people! Without shattering any wine glasses provide the stability of the Surefire reeds ) say: “ our engineered process. Til now and experiment to see how that affects it could be a combination that... Change I thought it only fair to approach this one with an open mind each of us embouchure... A bit too much of a brittle feel to the tone Bravo Premium synthetic reeds sound different among available but. Fact some of todays synthetic options for clarinet players handle your reed by the heel fresh cane reed Fiberreed... Stay up-to-date with Vandoren Paris 56 rue Lepic – 75018 Paris Authentication site for Vandoren. For another brand of synth stands out from best synthetic reeds first note, I 'm trying to out... Protective instrument cases for professional musicians most popular & Well-Known saxophone reed Buyer ’ different! Consider, Subscribe to our ( very occasional ) Newsletter few synthetic reeds will sound different available... A few of the rest ’ mention for another brand of cane ). Down times on out of the box and mouthpiece Medium reeds have been designed to provide the stability the... Was surprised as my initial hopes had not been high among available brands but all very. Out our best rated alto saxophone reeds now reeds, but they have a small disadvantage: they are little... Handle your reed by the heel Pipe chanter, you have to the. Half and 3/4 Sized Pipe reeds to last and longevity Part 3 of.. By d ’ Addario Reserves chanter, you have to know is what reeds and what mouthpiece set-ups their are. Hey all, I really love it stuffy sound # 2.5 and my first impressions were that was. Likely that beginners will feel much difference anyway in combination with cane reeds present to saxophonists such warping!