Klarinet Archive - Posting 000518.txt from 2002/06

From: "Sheri Baldwin" <sherib626@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Synthetic reeds
Date: Sun, 16 Jun 2002 16:18:11 -0400

Someone mentioned using synethic reeds in another thread (the infamous
'Buzzy' thread, I believe) and it reminded me of the curiosity I'd
encountered when I met (and played beside) another bass clarinetist with a
synethic reed. He'd commented that he was really only using it because his
best reed was broken, but I was fascinated because you couldn't tell from
the sound that he was using a synethic reed instead of a cane one. So, I
decided then to learn more about synethic reeds and, hopefully, try out out
for myself.

So, I figured one of the best ways to learn about these reeds would be to
ask you guys! I have a few basic questions.

1. What material are synethic reeds usually made of?

2. Do they have strengths, just like cane reeds?

3. What's the best brand and about how much do they usually cost?

4. Are there any drawbacks to using synethic reeds over cane reeds? I
noted that someone mentioned that the tone is not as full and sometimes
synethic reeds are not as expressive as cane ones, but I'm not sure if this
is always true or if there are other drawbacks.

I'd really like to know anything else you guys might have buried in your
minds about synethic reeds. Would buying one be a worthwhile endeavor?
Would I be wasting my money? Would it be best to use the reed only for
practice?

Thanks!

Sheri

http://sheri258.tripod.com/band.html Magruder High School IMD

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