Fiberreed Review
Recently I was given some reed samples by Harry Hartmann and I would like to share with you all my thoughts. FYI, these reeds are most similar to the following strengths:
Medium = Traditional Vandoren(blue box), D’Addario Reserve Classic/Reserve (formerly Rico), 56 Rue Lepic, V12 & V21 2.5/3
MH = Vandoren 3, RC, RL, V12/V21 3/3.5
H = Vandoren 3.5, RC, RL, V12/V21 3.5/3.5+
Mouthpiece and ligature used: Backun LRT(1.03mm tip opening), Vandoren Optimum
Preferred Reed and Strength: D’Addario Reserve Classic 4 & 4+
Natural Select Medium and Hard: Regardless of the strength used while test playing this model, it felt resistant. I didn’t get a chance to try it on a more open mouthpiece with a different facing because I handed it off to a colleague to try and keep once I heard her success on the first three samples that were too soft for me. (Medium x2 and Medium Hard x1). This reed for her as well, seemed too unresponsive and resistant on a student mouthpiece that she randomly grabbed to try it. This reed had the same result for another colleague using the Alto Sax Medium strength. If anyone has some feedback we would like to hear it. Please name the mouthpiece and ligature used as well.
Carbon Fiber Medium and Hard: This reed was bright. Designed to be bright it kept true to its description. Of course, it can help balance out your sound if you like a dark sound but not too dark. So it isn’t designed purely for jazz or marching players, as any synthetic reed is most commonly used for. The cons I found with this reed is it pops and projects for you but you get no control over the reed. I noticed on the softer strength that these reeds definitely lack a heart which could definitely play a part in this result. But as far as comparing this to the Natural Select, I would recommend this one for sure for any doublers, marching clarinetists or anyone playing outdoors that need to project and control isn’t too big of an issue.
Hemp Medium Hard and Hard: This reed has hemp fibers and felt the closest to the natural reed. Designed to be the darker sounding of reeds, it does in fact have a darker sound. After playing on both strengths I found it warmer but lacking in response as I got closer to my preferred strength. Having tried the fibracell, plasticover and Legere reeds in the past, I would definitely recommend these reeds over them. But in the grand scheme of things, I will always be using cane reeds.
Something I’ve found with reeds is if I didn’t like too much on my Backun LRT, I liked them more on my D’Addario Reserve(formerly Rico) mouthpiece. The preferred mouthpiece being the X0 (1.0mm and custom 1.03mm opening)
I will give these a try on the Reserve X0 and post my thoughts with that mouthpiece to give those using that mouthpiece an idea, in case you are thinking of getting your own set of these reeds.
Best, Oscar