Reeds Alternative Reeds

Linky Lee · Dec 11, 2006

Ok, I've decided I'm going to try out some alternatives to cane reeds.

Namely the fibracell is the one I've heard the most about.

It seems like a good idea as I play my saxophone a lot and I can always use cane reeds for performances etc.

How do the strengths relate to others? a RJS 2M would be medium soft or not? for example.

Are there any others you would recommend. If so what are they particularly suited for and why are they better than the fibracell.

Rogerb · Dec 11, 2006

FWIW, I really didn't like either the Legere or Bari I tried, the latter being particularly horrid.

Bobby G · Dec 11, 2006

I've only ever used cane reeds on all my horns, but when I was randomly experimenting with soprano reeds when I first bought the sop I was impressed with the Plasticovers.

Is it a good idea, or a common thing, to practise on one type of reed and use another type for playing out?

Cheers, Bob

lee_ · Dec 11, 2006

I was using 2 1/2 Superials before I switched to Fibrecell 2 1/2s a couple years ago, so they must grade out similarly.

Interesting to note that, for some reason, there seems to be two ways to grade Fibrecells. Some outlets carry "soft", "medium soft", "medium," etc. Others carry 2, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2. I don't know why they are graded both ways, but I only buy from the numeric grading system.

Fibrecells do last much, much longer than cane reeds. I think it is possible that you give up just a bit in the tone-quality department, compared to a "perfect" cane reed. But how many cane reeds stay "perfect" through a 4-hr gig?

Roger, I also have tried Legere and Bari and absolutely hated both of them. They were totally unusable, IMO.

Bobby G · Dec 11, 2006

What do you give up in the tone dept using Fibracells, is it volume, edge, depth, flexibility?

lee_ · Dec 12, 2006

I suppose, if those are the only choices, I'd say a bit of depth. Sort of the same difference as playing on a 3 and going down to a 2 1/2. You're gonna, at least at first, think the 2 1/2 sounds a bit thin compared to the 3, even though the 2 1/2 is probably a whole lot easier to play.

As I said, I think this loss is "possible". I'm not even certain there is any loss at all.

But the fact that the reeds are remarkable consistent and work well for a long time makes up for any possible loss, in my estimation.

I have no doubt, though, that many players, possibly the vast majority, are not going to agree with me on this. In fact, I hope they don't. They'll just drive up the demand for and price of Fibrecell reeds if they all like em.

mfox · Dec 12, 2006

i think they sound horrid. play horrid too..
i have a couple in each of my sax cases for that nightmare scenario.. no reeds for what ever reason.. never come up yet in all these years but the plastic reeds are taped in there just in case..

lee_ · Dec 12, 2006

Why on earth would you stash reeds that you hate as your emergency reeds? Why not tape in some cane reeds?

monsieursax · Dec 12, 2006

I know professionals from college professors to saxophone players in the Army Band who swear by Legere and play them exclusively for outdoor gigs. I don't care for them, personally. I just keep a rotation of reeds that are broken in for the outdoors in the summer especially.

If you're looking for alternative reeds, try the Rico Plasticover. I imagine they are available in the UK as well. They are actual cane reeds that are impregnated with a plastic. They don't require moisture to work, nor are they affected by humidity and temperature changes. Here in the Mid South US, we vary between 10% and 100% humidity and 10 degrees F and 100 degrees F in a few months time. I've used them in parades, outdoor concerts, as well as indoors. I use them exclusively with my Lawton 7*BB alto mouthpiece.

Bari brand reeds are rubbish IMO. They are little more than expensive plastic tongue depressors and should only be used if you're stranded with no other reed and you've no other choice (though I'd likely say I have NO reeds than play on a Bari).

I've used Fibracell, but I honestly don't remember my opinion of them, so it must have not been an overwhelmingly good experience.

tris · Dec 12, 2006

Switching reeds for home / playing out is not a good idea in my opinion. Consistency is the key to playing great but as far as this topic is concerned it is really horses for courses. One man's MKVI is anothers Chinese scrap metal.

Bobby G · Dec 12, 2006

tris wrote:
Switching reeds for home / playing out is not a good idea in my opinion. Consistency is the key to playing great but as far as this topic is concerned it is really horses for courses. One man's MKVI is anothers Chinese scrap metal.

That's what I thought tris - I just use the same reed in all situations. And my emergency reeds are the ones in my current box that are either unused or 'resting', plus sometimes another box. Or two. Oh, and a few others lying around in the case somewhere. Yes, I've always got one or two for backup. I guess the only way I'd be without reeds would be if there was a very localised fire in my sax case.

100% humidity monsieursax, wouldn't that be like playing in the deep end of your local swimming pool? Yuk.

Cheers, Bob

Linky Lee · Dec 12, 2006

Thanks for all the Input.

I would only switch back if the cane reeds are noticeably better in tone.
I thought about using a fibracell for general play and practise because I wear out reeds pretty quickly (though not as fast as Pete probably!)
I thought it might be a better idea to use fibracells purely because of the amount of time I spend playing on my saxophones.

I think I'll ask for one for Christmas.

monsieursax · Dec 12, 2006

Bob Green wrote:
100% humidity monsieursax, wouldn't that be like playing in the deep end of your local swimming pool? Yuk.

Cheers, Bob

It sure feels like that, especially in the summertime when its in the 90's (around 30C) and 100% humidity. The air feels so thick you can cut it with a knife, or as you say, swim in it. I've done some outdoor big band gigs in those conditions, and reeds just don't want to do anything. I don't entirely fault them, either. When it's that hot I don't want to do anything either!

mfox · Dec 12, 2006

the scenario i envisage is this.. your packing up to go to a gig. you just happen to forget the box of reeds..you set up..warm up..oh crap i just caught the reed on the cap.. go to case.. oh crap no box of reeds.. 11pm about to start playing and no reed.. but wait. yes can it be true? yes there it is.. the plastic reed you stored 5 years ago.. just the same as when you put it in.. save for a little fluff.. no warping, no mould, sounds not to good but it just saved your life.

that's why i keep them in the case they are pretty bomb proof.. unlike cane reeds...i even keep a spare bootlace strap in each case.. except the barri where space isn't a problem.

only way i think humidity will effect your reed is if its warping while not in use.. after all after the fisrt minute in your gob . the reed is in 100% humidity anyways...
..