Reeds Marca Unic Jazz reeds - a hybrid/synthetic that finally works?

[Pete Effamy]

Yeah, only place I’ve seen stock them over here. Pricey too, I guess partly because they’ll go from France to the US and then back here.

Other choices are Gonzalez jazz local (though their consistency has gone down); Rigotti Gold and Alexander NY.

I’ve never tried Rigotti. Ray Beavis enthused about them to me a few years back.

 

[mrblackbat]

They make Boston Sax Shops reeds and the Nexus reeds. Robertos as well I think.

Good consistency; and I’d be quite interested if they released a synthetic like the Marca one too

 

[rhysonsax]

Yeah, only place I’ve seen stock them over here. Pricey too, I guess partly because they’ll go from France to the US and then back here.

Other choices are Gonzalez jazz local (though their consistency has gone down); Rigotti Gold and Alexander NY.

You can buy Boston Sax Shops reeds directly from the Rigotti internet outlet. I bet they don't ship them to the US before selling them from France, so quite possibly Headwind could get their supplies from France directly rather than via the US.

I bought various things from the Rigotti store before Brexit and have also bought a couple of accessories since. Even with the added duty and paperwork, the deal went smoothly and the prices weren't outrageous.

Rhys

PS Rigotti also made/make the Lupifaro reeds and they are good too, both in terms of sound, consistency and long life.

 

[mrblackbat]

47 euros from them direct; and I guess there will be tax thanks to Brexit. So not really any cheaper than Headwind

 

[rhysonsax]

47 euros from them direct; and I guess there will be tax thanks to Brexit. So not really any cheaper than Headwind

That's right. The point I was making is that the BSS reeds (potentially including those sold by Headwind) probably don't have to criss-cross the Atlantic. If they did, they would presumably pick up a dose of tariff as well as other unnecessary handling costs and transportation miles.

Rhys

 

[mrblackbat]

Or Rigotti price their reeds direct accordingly with the prices BSS set

 

[rhysonsax]

Or Rigotti price their reeds direct accordingly with the prices BSS set

I would expect that to be covered by the contractual arrangement between the two parties. That should ensure they are both content and don't have a big falling out.

Rhys

 

[jazzdoh]

Bought one of these whilst in London, very impressed with it so far, plays like one of the very good cane reeds you sometimes get in a box, also feels like cane in the mouth.

I was sceptical as to whether to buy one having seen the posts on the other site but the one I have looks perfect and plays great, I will see now how long it is going to last.
I decided to go down in strength, I normally use 2.5 so I purchased the Unic 2+ and I'm so glad I did, its the perfect strength for me.

 

[Colin the Bear]

What's it taste like?

 

[jazzdoh]

What's it taste like?

Like a cane reed.

 

[Ivan]

….. initial impressions is that this is potentially a game changer. Have too see how it stands up to repeated use now...

Having watched that synthetic reed video today... any further thoughts about, and experience of, the Marca Unic(orn)?

 

[jazzdoh]

Having watched that synthetic reed video today... any further thoughts about, and experience of, the Marca Unic(orn)?

I am still happy with mine, just see how long it will last, bought it late Oct but have struggled to play as much due to health issues but happy so far.

 

[mrblackbat]

Having watched that synthetic reed video today... any further thoughts about, and experience of, the Marca Unic(orn)?

It’s still better than any synthetic reed, but I’m not using it. The cut just doesn’t work for me. I’m also somewhat dubious about the longevity of it should I be playing it all the time.