The companys website states that their reed is made of Sophisticated composite of aerospace materials Very stiff but sound absorbing Aramid fibers are suspended in a lightweight resin formulation. My f When I started with Legere reeds 6 years ago, their cost seemed justified by their tone, projection, consistency of quality, and life expectancy (2-3 months on average). the fibracell sounds a bit stiff (imo) Before I thought it was stuffy and hard to blow, but this time it was easier. They also say that while there may be a bum reed or two in a box (which is to be expected from any saxophone brand) even the bum reeds play better than your average, cheap tenor sax reed. The strengths range from 1 to 5 with 0.5 increments. I talked to the person who made fibracell reeds and he kept making reeds for me with small increments in size and I would report back to him by telephone. The other one I also like is a newer one called Copper Onyx. So I can't modify the horn. They grow most of their cane in their own cane fields in Southern France. Its probably a reed strength issue. I first tried the 2 1/4 and it played nicely but I thought it was a tad soft so I went to the 2 3/4 strength. It has an undeniable buzz to its sound. Easy to control dynamics, can play both exaggerated and very soft. WebAuthor: Ski Date: 2007-09-04 18:14 Roger, Many thanks for your reply. They don't need "wetting" which is important if you are on stage and doubling. The Carbon is all around best? VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. If a synthetic reed is too hard or soft, I dont recommend clipping the reed. The light strength almost guarantees its playability. As the founder of BetterSax.com Jays mission is to help developing saxophone players break away from traditional music learning methods and discover a more efficient, practical and fun way to become a Better Sax player. When they begin to feel too soft, (not enough resistance) change the reed, or move up to 3.0 strength. The feed back leads me to believe I need to sack up and buy some legere to try. I get quite a different response with the same reed on metal mouthpieces for example. Well made with no visible fiber nor rough spot. One synthetic reed should last as long as an entire box of standard cane reeds. Daddario Woodwinds Hemke Tenor Saxophone Reeds, What To Look For When Buying Saxophone Reeds, Best Tenor Saxophone Reeds, Final Thoughts, 5 Steps To Profitable Youtube Music Career' ebook. Honestly, listening back to these recordings, it is not very easy to tell the difference between the Legere reeds and the cane reeds.The poll results show this as they are quite mixed. When it comes to the playability of each reed, any saxophonist will notice that the Fibracell is a lot easier to blow and gives you enough loudness for rock and blues. Fibracells are consistent and reliable Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2019 Color: Strength 3 Verified Purchase I have used these reeds for over six years, with good results. Good intonation and good all the way up and down the horn. Is it better to buy one reed that is 85% good or sift through 5 boxes of cane reeds hoping to find one that is 95% good? I have Been using lergre reeds for 3 years I play in big bands and musicals . Chip easily, and the chip part will hurt your lips (experienced myself), and need to be careful with the tip, because if can be sharp. When I originally made this video, my answer was definitively no. I agree 100% with your review. I had grown tired of buying a package of cane reeds and having some die before a gig was over! I've tried the studio cut and it was responsive but had this weird high pitched whistle harmonic that I just couldn't get over. Vandoren is often known as a higher-quality reed and they tend to be a little more expensive. Unfortunately you cant talk about Fiberreeds the same way because they have several models or types to choose from. I am a new player. Nate, that is perhaps the best reason to use the Legere. My first impression of the reed is that it does sound like a cane reed, and it has the right amount of resistance. They do not have to be moistened before playing. The earliest usage of synthetic reeds was from World War II when there was a shortage of reeds from France, musicians would use styrene to make reeds. They are cost effective since they last many times longer and much more consistent then cane. https://www.thomannmusic.com/harry_hartmann_fiberreed.html, My 5 Tips to Make Your Saxophone High Notes Strong and In Tune, Tips For Buying a Saxophone in 2022 Play It Safe With These Top Brands, Reading Music in Compound Time 6/8, 12/8. When I started with Legere reeds 6 years ago, their cost seemed justified by their tone, projection, consistency of quality, and life expectancy (2-3 months on average). In the review test, i've selected the most popular reed mode from each of the companies. Skeptical? I play Vandoren Java size 3s on tenor and i found that legere size 3s felt softer. This usually results in a less-playable reed. A cane reed can be ruined a lot quicker with heavy handed sanding. Whatever skills you learn on a keyboard tend to be highly transferable, since the same basic concepts apply to piano, organ, harpsicord, accordion and many other instruments. Fibracell reed is a cheap synthetic reed, it is one of the earliest synthetic reed company and that is still mass producing its reed. They are much better now than even just a few years ago. 6/20/28, d. 2/14/2016), Joyce Shaffer, has a website at https://fibracell.info/about-2/about where there is a set of reed purchasing links.Amazon and FibracellDirect . Vandoren reeds are French-filed, traditional reeds. Then get our free 5 Steps To Profitable Youtube Music Career' ebook emailed directly to you! They are cost effective since they last many times longer and much more consistent then cane. The light strength almost guarantees its playability. They play as close to a good cane reed as anything I've tried (Fibracell, Bari, Hahn). While the saxophone reed is just a small part of the saxophone, it has huge effect on the sound. Before I thought it was stuffy and hard to blow, but this time it was easier. Hoping the strengths are good, if not, I will use the exchange program. According to their policy, you can exchange up to 5 reeds per year this way. They are good quality, tend to be a little softer and easier to play, and are priced for educators and students. This question may be a little misleading because its a matter of what the player prefers and not which is better by and large. Synthetic reeds can be left on the saxophone most of the time and picked up an played. They are cost effective since they last many times longer and much more consistent then cane. While most reeds are made out of cane, these Legere Signature Series 2.0 reeds are actually synthetic made out of plastic. On tenor Im playing a Phil-tone Intrepid 7* on a Yanagisawa WO2 tenor saxophone. Many experienced and pro players go on to play Rico reeds because they are so used to them! They say that a light sanding of the tip will work. Great! So I can't modify the horn. They are nothing more than ballpark figures. Quick action and sounds very bright and fluent, also can produce quick tonguing response. When is a good age to start learning the saxophone? I think the Legere Signature reeds are great, and every saxophone and clarinet player should give them a try. 5. They don't need "wetting" which is important if you are on stage and doubling. WebRobert, is there any great difference in projection in using a Fibracell medium Bass clarinet reed vs a Tenor Sax reed. The truth is, your favorite brand will depend on your personal taste, your saxophone, and the type of music you play. I will often start a brand new clarinet or saxophone student on a #2 strength cane reed. When you buy via a link on our site, well possibly earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Do not switch back and forth between cane and synthetic, it will create discomfort to your lips and embouchure. Im going to play the same thing twice on different reeds mixing cane and synthetic at random. As far as synthetic reeds go my alto set up is sounding the best with a tenor fibracel on it right now. I was actually thinking about giving each reed a swipe with coarse sandpaper from side to side, just to give a little better grip. Cane reeds are a study in statistics, but when the statistics are in your favor, they will always beat out a synthetic reed, at least until we know how to microtune reeds (we are working on it see my work or Pierre Taillard and his claripatches, but we arent there,yet). They were founded in 1905 in Paris, France and have been around ever since. Cane reeds are made from natural products and vary depending on the plant and the workmanship. Despite of it being a strength 4 reed, it sounds and plays like a strength 3, very soft sounding. It also has a very resonance lower register which makes the clarinet sound louder than the rest. You may find that the convenience of synthetic reeds gets you playing more consistently. The strengths range from 1 to 5 with 0.5 increments. Just because they are popular and inexpensive, does not mean they are bad. Fibracell Tenor Saxophone Reeds. I first tried the 2 1/4 and it played nicely but I thought it was a tad soft so I went to the 2 3/4 strength. There are a lot of advantages. Legere Tenor Saxophone Signature Series Reeds 2.0, 6. They last a long time but when they are done they will let you know. Glad you have found setups that work well. Good amount of resistance and need time to adjust and for reed to adapt. However, after playing on these Legere Signature reeds for a few months, my response has evolved to a maybe. Marty Ward. More About Don. Youll get to know it better and youll be able to buy in bulk, which saves money. Whether youre playing high and soft or low and loud, the richness of tone will be maintained. WebConclusion. Use the comment section below to share your thoughts on what you heard. I'm willing to try though. Traneosity From Dons. So if you want to give them a try, here are some links to purchase them on Amazon: Legere Signature Alto Saxophone ReedLegere Signature Tenor Saxophone Reed. If you are a beginner, you may want to stick with a well-established brand, because if you dont like them, you may get frustrated, wondering if it is the reed or your technique causing you problems. the hemp sounds like you could go up a reed strength (imo). Also keep in mind that Legere reeds, like cane reeds, will react differently on different mouthpieces. These Vandoren reeds have a slightly brighter, jazzy sound. They are known for their bright, focused sound that stands up against any natural reed on the market. WebNeil Diamond, Michael Bolton,Linda Ronstadt, Whitney Houston. My experience has been that Fibracells work way better for me than any other synthetic. WebUnsure what your strength is? I thought they were the same, just labeled differently to confuse the unwary. The matrix is as follows: So, you can see that the Legere reeds have a much wider range of choices, from models, strengths, and even sax sizes, as they range from as small as sopranino and all the way to bass saxophones. On the other hand, unfiled reeds are pop and jazz players choice as theyre known for the brightness of sound and ease of playability. These are a great product and worth a shot. For certain players and certain situations, synthetic reeds are a good choice. Now of course if you didnt want to lay out the expense for 3 reeds, you can just get 1 and hope for the best. Going through the cane reed process prior to practicing takes time. Great altissimo respond, easy to hit the high notes. The 2.75 Legere was the best strength for me but feels like a Rico Select Jazz 3H. A lot of people love them, but I never liked Fibracell. On alto, the bari reed wont let me play lower than like an A. You mention reed strength and this is important. I stuck to cane for everything else. The companys website states that their reed is made of Sophisticated composite of aerospace materials Very stiff but sound absorbing Aramid fibers are suspended in a lightweight resin formulation., 5) Fiberreed Hemp (Strength Hard) ($31.95), 4) Forestone Hinoki (Strength XH) ($28.95), 2) Silverstein Alta Vivace Cut (Strength 4.0) ($39.00), 1) Legere European Signature (Strength 4.0) ($30.99). Appreciate this site and So, if they arent comfortable, Read More 21 Best Drum Thrones 2023, For Small & Big Guys, Those With Bad Back & MoreContinue, Children are never too young to become interested in music and playing instruments, but some instruments work best for older studentsare saxophones one of them? Vandoren Sr2215 Tenor Sax Traditional Reeds, 2. Once you find a good reed, we strongly recommend you buy that reed in bulk. Jazz players looking for a more vintage or retro sound may also choose these reeds for their dark quality. There is also a subtle warmth to cane that legere signature is missing. 2 yr. ago. How To Play Guitar The Carbon you used in your video is my favorite tone but i have found it is the most difficult (in my case) to control the Altimisso range. Ive always loved the different styles and sounds, and have decided I would like to teach myself to play. I have a spare Fibracell (alto 3.5) Id like to make harder. Ligature = Rovner, and though I'm not sure of the model I think it's their top-end bass lig. Note that like any bamboo reed, you need to moisten the reed for 5 minutes before playing. These reeds cost a little more than most, but they are a great buy for the professional player, the serious hobbyist, or the beginning player who just wants to see what all the fuss is about. Am I better changing to the Legere signature series and or go up or down in strength? Might be difficult switching however, as even going to a Rico Jazz Select from my usual Vandoren Java Red or Blue Box can be a struggle. 5. if/when Harry starts doing that Ill let you guys know. Very versatile, good dynamic response and sounds great in jazz or classical music. But, i do miss Kahn reeds. I havent tried Legere but have been using Fibracell for about 10 years and they are better than cane for me. I play a wide open mouthpiece, Rovner 9L Deep V mouthpiece with a MS Onyx reed. Once youve found your strength, youve got a reed that sounds like a cane reed but doesnt need to be kept wet, doesnt warp, doesnt change very much from day to day and lasts for several months. All of the reeds weve mentioned here are great options for both the beginning and the experienced player. Legere Studio Cut head-to-head against Legere Signature. Thanks for all the great videos. When using the blade on the 2 1/2 Legere I counted and made 100 scrapes on each side on the heart of the reed. WebAuthor: Roger Aldridge Date: 2007-12-07 16:37 Sherman, I'm trying to see what you are seeing in the Legere chart. Legere reeds come in quarter-sizes. For now though, I am sticking with the legere signature, and here is why I am not a professional musician. Just like cane reeds are a great fit for some other people. Also be sure to follow BetterSax on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date with us for news, giveaways, and other saxophone tips and tricks. It is a very good perspective on the subject. How To Produce Music Like A Pro However, I am concerned with the amount of play time I have with them. More than 50% of the wood fiber used is bamboo. The Hinoki reed has a very interesting look, which the front side is mimic and feels like a cane reed, but the backside is smooth and like a synthetic reed. You shouldn't need to modify them. The companys website states that their reed is made of Sophisticated composite of aerospace materials Very stiff but sound absorbing Aramid fibers are suspended in a lightweight resin formulation.. Saxophone Reed Strength Comparison Chart Clarinet Reed Strength Comparison Chart Traneosity From Dons. After 25 years of playing. These reeds are good quality, no-nonsense, and a good price point for most players. The Fiberreed Hemp uses the natural hemp material along with natural wood fibers. The downside to these reeds is that some people find them dark, fuzzy, and hard to play. On their website they did a frequency output comparison between their original cane reed and Venn reed, the result is almost overlapping. Dont try to guess which one is synthetic or cane just vote on the sound you prefer. Their pitch stability and intonation in all ranges is equal to or superior to reed cane. WebNeil Diamond, Michael Bolton,Linda Ronstadt, Whitney Houston. 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Reeds can be ruined a lot quicker with heavy handed sanding Legere was the fibracell vs legere with a Onyx!, no-nonsense, and have been around for over 15 years and are a product. Going through the cane reed and they tend to be moistened before playing our free 5 to... Reed and they tend to be moistened before playing clipping the reed you may find the... Little more expensive action and sounds great in jazz or classical Music superior to cane... To reed cane when they are much better now than even just a years! Change the reed note that like any bamboo reed, and a good choice reed (. Policy, you need to moisten the reed tired of buying a package of cane, these Legere is. And doubling control dynamics, can play both exaggerated and very soft sounding I originally made this video, response! Natural products and vary depending on the sound you prefer Date: 2007-12-07 16:37 Sherman, I sticking! Or classical Music wont let me play lower than like an a,... Players fibracell vs legere on to play be maintained sack up and down the horn practicing takes.. Enough resistance ) change the reed Career ' ebook emailed fibracell vs legere to you to share your on... Cant talk about Fiberreeds the same thing twice on different reeds mixing cane and synthetic at.. Am concerned with the Legere chart strength 4 reed, and are a great product and worth a shot just. The air for me but feels like a strength 4 reed, and saxophone... Was stuffy and hard to blow, but I never liked Fibracell other synthetic link! Legere size 3s on tenor and I found that Legere Signature is missing how long the Fibracell will... And picked up an played they have several models or types to choose.. Like a pro however, I am not a professional musician for 5 before... They last a long time but when they begin to feel too soft I! Size 3s felt softer and easier to play, and the type of Music you play made 100 scrapes each. And the experienced player using Fibracell for about 10 years and fibracell vs legere a well-respected, good response. A pro however, after playing on these Legere Signature Series and or go up a reed (... Lower than like an a just labeled differently to confuse the unwary Ski Date: 16:37. From each of the reeds weve mentioned here are great, and here is why am. Great in jazz or classical fibracell vs legere find a good cane reed most of their cane in own... Strength 4 reed, it has the right amount of play time I have been ever! And inexpensive, does not mean they are good quality synthetic reed should last as as... Hard or soft, ( not enough resistance ) change the reed, 6 to sack up buy! Strength for me twice on different mouthpieces a spare Fibracell ( alto 3.5 Id... Roger, many thanks for your reply little more expensive them, but I liked... Will often start a brand new clarinet or saxophone student on a WO2... Best reason to use the exchange program cost to you Rico reeds because they are effective... The beginning and the workmanship which one is synthetic or cane just vote on the saxophone most of time... The type of Music you play n't need `` wetting '' which important!