As a clarinet experimenter, I am tossing around many interactive variables. Synthetic reeds make my work far less confusing, by eliminating the constant variability of wet cane. As a performer, I am equally appreciative. My clarinets sit for hours in a dry environment ... and then ... I just pick it up and blow!
Due to a jaw weakness, my reed search is focused on soft reeds for low blowing resistance. Reeds that are too hard cause me pain, literally. Only one brand I tried gives me the full quality of performance (easily, at least to altissimo G). I discovered my favorite reed and cannot imagine going back to the 20th century.
Here, I summarize my experience with various brands RELATIVE TO MY NEED for low resistance. I am using standard classical French and vintage American mouthpieces.
MY winner is ...
FIBERREED (Harry Hartmann) - Dannie at the USA office sent me an assortment to try. The one that sings for me is the Carbon Classic, grade S. It feels like beginner-soft, which I need. However, I can play past altissimo G which I could not do well with any other soft reed. The quality of tone and expressive control is beyond what I thought possible for a soft reed. In two days, I became a better player! A bit of texture makes it feel comfortable and secure. So far I have 3 months on two of them and they are going strong. Yes, it looks bizarre. My theory: It is an efficient spring, being thinner than normal, and hard. So, it vibrates with less energy loss than wet cane or other synths. Also they seem to work with a good variety of mouthpieces.
USA site:
https://www.fiberreedusa.com/Carbon-Classic-French-Boehm-Clarinet-Fiberreed-p/hhfr-cc-fc.htm Contact: Dannie Hofmann
Fibracell - These were very pleasing for 1 year, but for two more years, I had quality problems. They are truly soft as described. I started with 1 and graduated to 1.5 (equivalent to typical 2). They sound good, but not as consistent nor as good in altissimo as Fiberreed.
Source:
http://www.fibracelldirect.com and others
Légère - I heard that the European Signature Cut is a favorite. Website shows it to be the least resistant of their reeds. I tried a 2.5 (the softest). It was much to hard for me.
https://www.legere.com/products/clarinet-reeds/ Note: Amazon sells some returned ones at reduced prices
Forestone - The "extra-soft" I got is is much too hard.
Bari - have not tried.
Bravo - cheap, easy to blow, sound OK, good for beginners.
D'Addario Venn - I ordered one from WWBW March 2020 when they were first introduced. They have good reviews - from sax players (clarinet is more fussy). The soft grade felt stiff as a popsicle stick. They sent me another one. Nearly as hard, like a 4 at least, causing me immediate jaw pain. I wrote to the company. They sent a nice letter explaining that they had some problems and here is a third one BUT it is EXACTLY the SAME. I think they are down for pandemic and have not responded again. Hopefully this will get straightened out, because they are a reputable manufacturer. It looks like cane but sandwiched between two glossy plastic skins. It feels slippery on the lip. Also, the tough skin on front and back makes it the only synthetic that cannot be sanded or scraped for adjustment.
That is my personal experience. Add yours?
