Alexei Volkov
Plastic reeds have emerged as an alternative to traditional cane reeds for woodwind instruments such as the clarinet and saxophone. While cane has been the material of choice due to its vibration and sound qualities, plastic reeds offer greater durability and consistency. This makes them ideal for marching bands, where woodwind players require reeds that can withstand outdoor conditions without compromising sound quality. Plastic reeds, such as the well-reviewed Legere brand, provide a solution with their long-lasting and high-quality performance, though some musicians still prefer the sound of cane reeds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Durability | Plastic reeds are more durable than cane reeds |
| Cost | A single plastic reed costs approximately $30, which is the same as a box of 10 cane reeds |
| Longevity | Plastic reeds last longer than cane reeds |
| Sound | Cane reeds are preferred for their sound quality, but plastic reeds are a good alternative for marching bands as they are louder |
| Moisture | Plastic reeds do not need to be wetted before playing |
| Ease of use | Cane reeds are preferred for their response and playability, but plastic reeds are a good option for beginners |
| Consistency | Plastic reeds offer greater consistency from box to box and reed to reed |
| Preference | The choice between cane and plastic reeds is a matter of personal preference |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic reeds are more durable than cane reeds
Plastic reeds are an increasingly popular alternative to cane reeds, particularly for marching bands. Cane has traditionally been the material of choice for clarinet and saxophone reeds, due to its ability to vibrate well with air and create a great sound. However, plastic reeds have emerged as a strong contender in recent decades, with some of the greatest clarinetists and saxophonists now using them.
Plastic reeds are manufactured with durability in mind and tend to last a lot longer than cane reeds. They are harder to destroy and are not as susceptible to changes in humidity as cane reeds. This makes them ideal for marching bands, where instruments are played outdoors and transported frequently. Plastic reeds also have a longer shelf life and offer greater consistency than cane reeds, as they are made of composite materials designed to imitate the quality and sound of cane.
While some musicians still prefer the sound and response of cane reeds, plastic reeds have improved significantly in recent years. Legere, in particular, has gained a lot of supporters and is known for creating high-quality, beautiful-sounding reeds that can be used outdoors for an entire marching band season. Plastic reeds also eliminate the need for breaking-in, which is often required with cane reeds, and they do not need to be wetted before playing.
However, it is worth noting that plastic reeds are generally more expensive than cane reeds, and finding the right strength and style to match one's mouthpiece can be challenging. Ultimately, the choice between plastic and cane reeds comes down to personal preference, and many musicians may opt to use both types for different situations. For example, a musician might use plastic reeds for rehearsals and marching band performances and reserve their cane reeds for concerts or more formal settings.
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Cane reeds are traditionally preferred for their sound quality
Cane reeds have traditionally been the material of choice for clarinet and saxophone players. Cane has the natural property of vibrating well with air, creating a great sound when those vibrations travel through an instrument. Cane reeds are preferred for their sound quality, but they are delicate and prone to accidental damage. They also have a longer "breaking-in" period than synthetic reeds.
While synthetic reeds are becoming a popular alternative, they have not always been taken seriously. When they first emerged, they were mocked as a joke. However, in recent years, some of the greatest clarinetists and saxophonists in the world have been using plastic reeds, such as Légère’s reeds. Plastic reeds are manufactured with durability in mind and won't warp or dry out when you aren't playing. They are also excellent for travel, as they are not affected by changes in humidity levels.
Cane reeds are made from natural products, specifically a grass plant grown in moist soils, and it is difficult for manufacturers to control quality and consistency. Synthetic reeds, on the other hand, are designed to imitate the quality and sound of cane reeds and offer greater consistency from box to box and reed to reed. They are also more affordable in the long run, as they last a lot longer than cane reeds, sometimes for years.
While synthetic reeds have improved in quality, many musicians still prefer the sound, response, and playability of cane reeds. As one musician puts it, "nothing sounds cane-like enough for my tastes." For this reason, cane reeds are traditionally preferred for their sound quality. However, synthetic reeds are a good option for marching bands due to their durability and consistency.
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Plastic reeds are more expensive upfront but may save money long-term
Plastic reeds are initially more expensive than cane reeds, with a single plastic reed costing around $30. However, they may save you money in the long run. Plastic reeds are harder to destroy and last a lot longer than cane reeds, which often get ruined by accident. Cane reeds are also more susceptible to changes in humidity, which can impact their sound quality.
Cane reeds typically cost $3-5 each, or $30 for a box of 10. While plastic reeds have a higher upfront cost, they are more durable and can last for years, making them a good investment, especially for students who play in marching bands and need reeds that can withstand outdoor conditions.
The longer shelf life of plastic reeds also means you won't have to spend as much time testing and tossing out low-quality reeds, which can add up to significant savings over time. They are also preferred by some of the greatest clarinetists and saxophonists in the world, proving that they can deliver excellent sound quality.
When choosing a plastic reed, it's important to consider the strength and facing to ensure you get as close as possible to your regular sound. You may need to experiment with different strengths and sizes to find the right match for your mouthpiece and your preferred sound.
Overall, while plastic reeds come with a higher upfront cost, their durability, longevity, and consistency can make them a more cost-effective option in the long run, especially for marching bands where durability and sound quality are crucial.
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Plastic reeds require less maintenance than cane reeds
Plastic reeds are a good option for marching bands due to their durability and low maintenance. They are harder to destroy and last a lot longer than cane reeds, making them a good investment. Cane reeds, on the other hand, are more susceptible to accidental damage and have a shorter lifespan. This makes plastic reeds a more economical and convenient choice for marching bands, especially when playing outdoors.
Cane has traditionally been the material of choice for reeds due to its vibration properties, which create a great sound when played with woodwind instruments like the clarinet and saxophone. However, plastic reeds have emerged as a viable alternative in recent decades. While some purists still prefer the sound and response of cane reeds, plastic reeds have gained popularity due to their consistency and durability.
One of the main advantages of plastic reeds is their longevity. Plastic reeds can last for years, while cane reeds often need to be replaced more frequently due to accidental damage or warping. Plastic reeds are also designed to be more durable, so they are less likely to break or warp, especially in outdoor environments with varying humidity levels. This makes them a reliable choice for marching bands, ensuring that the reeds will not need to be replaced frequently.
Additionally, plastic reeds require less maintenance than cane reeds. Cane reeds need to be broken in and can be finicky, requiring players to spend time testing and differentiating between good and bad reeds. They also need to be kept in optimal environments to prevent warping or drying out. Plastic reeds, on the other hand, are more consistent and require less adjustment, saving time and effort for marching band players.
While plastic reeds offer advantages in terms of maintenance and durability, it is important to consider sound quality. Some musicians believe that cane reeds produce a superior sound, especially for indoor concerts or more serious playing. However, modern plastic reeds, such as the highly-reviewed Legere reeds, have come a long way in replicating the sound of cane. With the right strength and facing, plastic reeds can produce a sound very close to that of cane reeds, making them a viable option for marching bands.
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Plastic reeds are better suited to outdoor performances
While cane reeds have traditionally been the material of choice for clarinet and saxophone players due to their sound quality and vibration, plastic reeds have emerged as a popular alternative in recent decades. Plastic reeds, such as the well-reviewed Legere brand, can offer greater consistency and a longer shelf life. They are also low-maintenance, as they do not need to be wetted before playing.
However, some musicians still prefer cane reeds for their sound, response, and playability. Cane reeds are said to have better "sound distortion over distance", which is an important factor for marching bands. As a result, some musicians opt for cane reeds for performances and use plastic reeds for rehearsals or as a backup.
Ultimately, the choice between cane and plastic reeds is a matter of personal preference. Musicians should consider their specific needs and the strengths and weaknesses of each type of reed to make an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic reeds are good for marching bands because they are durable and long-lasting. They are harder to destroy and are therefore a good backup option for marching band members who play outdoors.
Cane reeds have traditionally been the material of choice for clarinet and saxophone players because they vibrate well with air and create a great sound. Plastic reeds, on the other hand, are more durable and have a longer shelf life. They are also more consistent in terms of quality.
Some musicians believe that cane reeds sound better than plastic reeds. Plastic reeds are also more expensive than cane reeds.
The best-reviewed plastic reeds are the Legere reeds. They are used by some of the greatest clarinetists and saxophonists in the world. The Vandoren M30 is another good option.
