Who can share experiences with Fiberreeds?

[windydankoff]

Anyone wish to continue and update this topic? The only synthetics I liked for Bb cl. were Fibracell 1.5, but their quality dropped to where I will never buy one again. I love Legere reeds for alto cl. and sax, but they don't make a Bb reed soft enough for me (I'd also like something soft to supply to students).

I would happily go back to Fiberreed, but with so many versions etc., I request advice, which is why I'm re-opening this topic. Thanks

[ghostler]

I am not familiar with the current crop of synthetic reeds. Back about 10 years ago, I was experimentally using Bari synthetic on my 1952ish LeBlanc Beaugnier Vito low-Bb bari sax, busking outdoors next to a Salvation Army donation kettle stand at store entrances. It was OK, not quite like cane but didn't have to soak it here in Clovis, NM. Played outside for 20 hours a week, 4 hours a day for 4 weeks doing a capella traditional Christmas carols. Used the same reed for a couple Christmas seasons.

There is an interesting thread on Legere synthetics:

SOTW: Legere synthetic reeds not lasting

Our Clovis (NM) Community Band clarinet players last Spring said they are using Legere synthetics, I think French cut, said they liked them as they play without conditioning and warm-up. Our first rehearsal for the Fall was last Monday. Haven't had a chance to follow up.

Got no experience with the other brands yet. About 4 years ago, I made a small error (less than $5), bought a no-name black alto sax reed on eBay from a seller from the Orient. It was a total waste of money, probably the wrong type of plastic.

Until I find the "magic reed", I've been buying boxes of cane.