EasyReeds - a new synthetic - I LOVE it!

[windydankoff]

EasyReeds makes synthetic reeds using linear-oriented (fiber-like) 3D printing. I ordered a Bb clarinet reed in 1.5 grade to suit my physical need for low blowing pressure. I'm thrilled by it! It blows super-easy, but I get full tonal depth, dynamics and control – bottom to top!

Every time I pick it up, I'm re-surprised.

I use Legere reeds on sax, but until now, I have not found a synthetic Bb cl. reed that's pleasing (not since Fibracell turned bad around 2010).

Please, somebody try these and report back.

$18 from  https://easyreeds.com

[ghostler]

Interesting, thanks for pointing out this new brand. Found they are marketed thus far in 3 music stores in the Atlantic northeast, but could not find their location address.

Was using Bari I think #2 synthetic reed for Eb baritone sax for outdoor busking next to a Salvation Army donating kettle in store fronts about 8 years ago. It was different but OK in the drier eastern New Mexico Christmas season weather. Did the traditional public domain Christmas carols.

Otherwise been a cane user.

[rsholmes]

Thanks Windy. I've been content with Legere for B♭/C clarinets but happy to try something that might be better. I've ordered a 2.5.

$7.50 shipping for one reed seems preposterous though. It could go USPS in just a first class envelope.

I note they offer to exchange strengths: "Buy with confidence! Exchange any reed purchased on the easyreeds.com website for a harder or softer reed within 30 days of purchase. Limit 4 per customer." They don't say anything about shipping on exchanges.

Looks like they're a 2-person operation. Internet Archive has their site captured twice, in 2021 and 2025, but both are placeholders for a real site, so it looks like they're very new. If you really like these reeds you might want to stock up.

[ghostler]

$7.50 shipping for one reed seems preposterous though. It could go USPS in just a first class envelope.

Either you or I could probably squeak through by doing such, claim ignorance. Gov is a bit specific and by not following their rules can lend a business into a world of hurt.

Looks like they're a 2-person operation. Internet Archive has their site captured twice, in 2021 and 2025, but both are placeholders for a real site, so it looks like they're very new.

Could very well be, operate out of a garage or an instrument repair shop? Back in the old days, such a shop would be a 2 liner in the small ads section of a magazine.

[windydankoff]

I had questions - sent an email and got a phone call back from Erez Katz of the husband/wife team of Erez and Beth Katz. We had a pleasant and informative conversation, and he was most grateful for my feedback. They just started producing early this year. Give 'em a chance, and talk to them about postage if you have a concern. No need to speculate or complain.

[ghostler]

I had questions - sent an email and got a phone call back from Erez Katz of the husband/wife team of Erez and Beth Katz. We had a pleasant and informative conversation, and he was most grateful for my feedback. They just started producing early this year. Give 'em a chance, and talk to them about postage if you have a concern. No need to speculate or complain.

True. I've done that with model airplane engine parts. Emailed, then received a call back. Ordered direct versus through an Internet sales/auction site, got a discount by him not paying auction fees, plus even saved some by mailing a personal check versus credit card.

Personal inquiry is a good way to go.

[windydankoff]

I just got 2 more of the Bb reeds and they are consistent with the first one. Great right out of the box.

I also got a 2.25 tenor sax reed for my BIGMOUTH alto cl. mouthpiece. I was settled on Legere Signature, but this reed gives me greater ease and clarity. Around the weak spots (top Bb, and jumps over the break) It's the best ever. The tone is gorgeous with a wide dynamic range.

Congratulations to EasyReeds!

[rsholmes]

First thing I notice is the Easy Reed is a good deal thicker than my cane and Légère reeds. About 3.8 mm at the bottom end versus about 2.5 mm. Have to open the ligature up more, and it doesn't go as far into my reed case, for whatever that's worth.

[windydankoff]

The ones I just got measure 2.8 at the bottom. Mine are #1.5. What grade are yours?

[rsholmes]

Mine is 2.5, as is the cane reed I measured.

[windydankoff]

Confirmed:  Mr. Katz at EasyReeds says "the shank gets thicker as the numbers go up.  But not so thick that could not be accommodated with a Rovner Ligature, for example."

I find the ligature placement to be less critical than with Legere reeds. I suppose that the shank is more rigid and resistant to vibration. But, the forces against the shank would increase with reed stiffness. That would explain the graduated thickness noted above.

For alto clarinet, EasyReed 2.5 Tenor sax reed is better than anything for my BIGMOUTH mouthpiece. I like that there is only one cut available – don't need to try various versions. And the grade numbers are true to "standards".

[windydankoff]

Here's a picture of the Bb reed. They explained to me that the material is applied longitudinally, like cane fibers.