Klarinet Archive - Posting 000260.txt from 1995/10

From: Tom Ascher <U15310@-----.EDU>
Subj: Fibracell reeds
Date: Wed, 11 Oct 1995 15:47:04 -0400

Just thought I'd add another data point on these synthetic reeds. I went
back over the archives and found generally positive response on these so
thought I'd try myself.

Received several for my Bb clarinet a couple of weeks ago. At first I
thought they were better than I expected, but a little "brittle" or "buzzy"
sounding compared to my Vandoren wood reeds. But, came back and tried them
again, and then again. Not sure if there was a slight wear in, or some
change due to some water absorption, or what, but finally these sound as
good or better than my wood reeds. Maybe the wood reeds are beginning to
sound a trifle dull rather than the Fibracells sounding brassy or brittle.

I also did an experiment with my wife, having her listen to a couple of
passages as I alternated between wood and fibracells to see if she could
tell the difference. She couldn't.

I also experience what another poster noticed, that in the altissimo
range I have better control, can start notes more ppp and more legato than
with wood. Based on experience so far, I suspect that I'm going to play
the Fibracell's exclusively from now on!