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Fibracell Premier reeds

Author: Matt Locker
Date: 2020-02-19 06:38

I've started using the Fibracell Premier reeds having finally given up on the Legeres. Why? I loved the ease of playing with the Legere European cut but did not like their sound. Too "blatty", as confirmed by recordings I made. Ugh. They were also consistently flat over the full range relative to cane reeds. I had resigned myself to going back to cane & all the trials/tribulations but just for the fun of it ordered 1 Fibracell to see how it was. My reviews indicated some people like them, many don't, so I didn't know what to expect. I am now in the first camp.

I find these to be amazing reeds that play with any mouthpiece in my collection, with any ligature. They sound very close to what I hear with cane reeds, both from my seat as well as in recordings I have made. That in itself is pretty amazing. They are generally much closer to being in tune than the Legeres as well. Since they are still a touch flat, I decided to try a new barrel. I purchased a Backun Fat Boy 1mm shorter than standard. What a difference that made! A great addition. Basically, this combination to me is the closest I've been to clarinet heaven.

So I am now playing:
Yamaha SEV (A/Bb)
Woodwind "Larry Combs" (thank you, Ruben!) or Greg Smith mpc, depending on my mood
Vandoren Optimum ligature
Fibracell #4.0 or #4.5, depending on mood again!

Amazing what a reed can do.

Note that I am only a decent amateur player, not a pro, but I'm now a much happier amateur!