Reed Player Compares Cane and Synthetic Reeds

 

Cane vs. Synthetic

Image by Jenny Maclay on dansr.com

    It wasn’t too long ago when a musician who plays a reeded instrument would have to go to their local music store or order a box of typically five to ten reeds. With a professional reed player only using one to two reeds out of the box and them lasting at most 2 weeks. Now we’re in a day in age where a single synthetic reed can last a player for months at a time and not need to worry about the care needed to keep cane reeds in playing condition. Crafting and making reeds is an artform in itself; the craftsmanship and precision to make a cane reed that is playable out of the box, stays consistent, and provides the player the ability to “speak their voice” on their instrument still is a challenge. This may seem like a conclusive win for synthetic reed however, a lot of reed players are still skeptical of the viability of using synthetic materials with the primary concern I have heard whether they can match the tone produced from a cane reed. When an airstream, whether that be mechanically or biomechanically, comes in contact with a reed it vibrates, producing a sound which can be manipulated by the length of the instrument, hence why larger reed instruments can play lower notes than that of smaller instruments.

    In this comparison I will be using a Légère Classic cut synthetic reed for Alto Saxophone strength 3 and a Vandoran Blue Box cane reed for Alto Saxophone strength 3. I’ll be comparing them based on durability, tone production, maintenance, ease of production, and price.

Durability:

Image from Saxshop.com

    Durability the Légère classic cut is made of a composite material mostly made of plastics to try and replicate the sound and feel of playing a cane reed. The Vandoran Blue Box is made of a species of reed called Giant Cane, mostly grown in the Mediterranean area. The Pros of making reeds with a composite material is it can be more durable than cane. Cane reeds weaken over time with repetitive use as the fibers that make up the reed break down from the vibration and/or from saliva.

Tone Production:

    Tone production in itself is subjective, everyone perceives sound in their own way even more so with most musicians. However, in the case for classically trained saxophone players most if not all know what a classical saxophone is supposed to sound like, it is more so the “how do I get that sound” and “what do I need to get that sound.” After playing on the Légère synthetic reed for about a week I felt that the sound I was getting was good and something I was satisfied with, however after switching to the cane reed I almost immediately noticed that I had a “fuller” sound. After switching back to the synthetic, there was a thinness to my sound that I didn’t realize before switching to the cane.

Mass Production:

    Since the Légère reeds are made of plastics, it is easier to replicate since they are made artificially. As for the Vandoran reeds, they are not as easy to replicate. The cane used in reeds are not all grown one-to-one, with some factors being sunlight, nutrients, water, and other factors that can affect how the cane grows. One of the primary factors being the wind. As the cane grows, the wind pushes and pulls it around causing the cane to grow stronger fibers as it tries to resist the wind, not unlike how we grow our own muscles. This is why reeds come in different “strengths,” it is based on how resistant the cane is from the wind.

Image from straitmusic.com

Before and After Care:

    Reed musicians are well aware that not all cane reeds are the same, even if the reeds came in the same box, however there are ways to mitigate the differences between reeds. One way being shaving or using fine sandpaper to flatten the bottom of the reed to create a better seal with the mouthpiece. Another way is to hydrate the reeds before playing, this gives the fibers a chance to loosen up, so it doesn’t feel like blowing into a plank of wood. Aftercare with care reeds is also important, if reeds dry up too quickly, they tend to warp and create waves at the tip of the reed. To mitigate this, reed players store their reeds in a humidity-controlled case with a flat surface to keep the moisture in the reed consistent and the tip of the reed flat. The synthetic reeds, however, require almost none of the upkeep previously mentioned as the plastic material is much more resistant to changes in humidity and not as prone to the tip warping from drying too fast.

Cost of Reeds:

    Price of cane reeds can be very subjective as it can vary from player to player. Some might be very picky about the reeds they use and buy multiple boxes to find one that fits their needs. If someone plays their instrument very frequently, maybe putting in four or more hours a day; extensive use can weaken the cane causing it to shorten the reeds’ lifespan. Or maybe just someone who wants to learn how to play a reed instrument and just uses any reed in the box. A box of Vandoran Alto Saxophone cane reeds can go for about $30.00 to $35.00 depending on who and/or where you buy from. Since the Légère synthetic is made with consistency of production in mind, a person might only spend $25.00 to $30.00 for just one reed that can last up to a few months.

Conclusion:

Image by Fred Pasqua on nemc.com

    When it comes down to it, every player has their own preferences. If they prefer how cane reeds play and sound, they should keep in mind the extra care needed to keep those reeds in good playing condition. If they prefer the low maintenance of synthetic reed, they should expect a thinner sound in their own playing. As for me, I found both types of reeds to be useful in their own right. I am somewhat picky on the cane reeds that I use and can tell if a reed is not going to respond as well as I need it too and switch to a different reed for the duration of whatever I am working on. And in the case of when none of my backup reeds work, I find that the Légère synthetic reeds to be a good in a potential emergency situation. In any case, reed players should find a reed that plays to their strength and works well for whatever environment they may be in.