Plastic/wooden reeds! Help!

[Zaggie Z]

Okay, I have been playing with wooden reeds for just under five years now, and I am currently playing a strength 3, because it works best for me. I want to switch to plastic reeds, and try those for a while. Do reed strengths change between wooden and plastic reeds, or can I start off with a strength 3 in plastic, since it's what I'm using in wooden. Help! :confused:

~Zaggles

[Rooster_Ties]

Wow, never even heard of plastic reeds before. Of course, I only played clarinet for about 3 years, back when I was about 10 to 13 years old. Still, I'm suprised I've either never heard about them until now, or else I've completely forgotten about them.

Curious.

[Zaggie Z]

Neither did I until just recently... and, actually, they aren't really plastic, they are just covered with plastic. Supposed to be easier to play with, though. :)

[Zaggie Z]

<_<

>_>

?

[adderleyjr]

Hey , I saw your message and thought I could be of help. Plastic over wood? WOOD!!!!!!!!!!! Wooden reeds are your best bet. However, its all depends on preference. I play the saxophone. Yes different instrument, but we're closely related. I've tried the plastic reeds and I didn't like them. They didn't feel right (besides after feeling the grain of wood against my lip for 9 years, the smooth feeling of plastic was just weird.) They also distorted my tone alot. However, that was just my experience. Your experience with them may be different. My advice is to get one and try it out. Some stores may even let you try them at the counter( since they're made of plastic they're very easy to clean) If you like them, use 'em, if not you didn't lose much. Remember, the rule of the game is to try stuff out. As for me, I like good ol' wooden reeds. Even better are old wood reeds( not old used ones) What I mean is a reed that has not been used for over 1-2 years. The cain used to make reeds matures over time and this allows for better vibration and better sound. The older a reed the better. But as I said before, try them out and see what you like. Good hunting.

[saXplayEr]

I have never heard of plastic reeds untill last year. After i heard about them i went out and got some, it took some time to find them but i didnt like them. It made my tone to clankie. All im saying is stick to wooden reeds.

[Saxman]

Plastic reeds are awful. I've been playing since January 7, 1971 (I was a infant when I started) and tried plastic on sax and clarinet about 3 years ago. Many brands/stengths were tried: HORRIBLE! Do NOT waste your money or time. They do not play in tune throughout the horn, distort your tone and give you a heart attack trying to get a decent sound out. Forget it! Stick with wood!

[Oversaxed]

I play Tenor, Alto, Soprano, and Clarinet.
About 18 years ago I made the switch to plastic. At first I resisted. but once you get adjusted to them you will never go back. They are always the same. They last longer then cane. and you can adjust them with a little wet sanding. I use them on all my horns and know when I pick them up they will play from the get go. The altissimo works effortlessly. I highly recommend the "BARI" brand. I had the opportunity to visit the manufacturer in Fla. As far as picking a strength you need to try them. They come soft, medium, hard.
Try www.discountreed.com/ They have the best prices.

[Jeff Brent]

There are reeds that are completely synthetic, and then there are reeds like the Rico Plasticovers which are coated cane.

The synthetic reeds have a very brassy sound, which might be great for a balls-out Rock sound, but they are crap for anything mellow or Jazzy.

The main advantage of the Plasticover reeds is that they don't need to be wetted before playing.

I use them because I'm not playing sax on every number at my gigs, and I found out that if the horn sits without being played for more than about twenty minutes, the standard cane reed dries out and I'm in for a ton of squeaking an squarking when I pick it back up again.

The disadvantages of the Plasticovers are:

1. They're more expensive

2. They don't last as long

3. When they die, they do it all of a sudden with no warning (like in the middle of a song)

4. They do sound a bit different from cane (cane is somewhat mellower)

[Manteca]

Does everything involving wood have to be phased out in favour or synthetic materials. I'll be using wood as long as I can.