Dave Plummer Saxophonist

Hi Folks
I have been using Legere synthetic reeds on and off for a while now. I believe they are Canadian. Being Synthetic has some advantages
1. they last a lot longer than a normal reed
2. they are almost impossible to break
3. they are consistent
4. they come in 1/4 strengths and offer a refund service if you buy the wrong size
5. they are smooth and flexible moving from note to note
Disadvantages
1. cost (however the cost is easily outwayed by the lenght of time they last
2. Sometimes the higher notes sound a bit thin for my liking
3. I feel that they give a good classical sound (I play in a big band)
4. I find it hard to get a good crescendo out of it

The main disadvantages for me are the classical sound and the crescendo (or lack of). Having said all of that I have heard some superb playing on them. Maybe I havn’t got the right mouthpiece to go with the reed yet. I am still looking into this because when I look at the advantages there is a lot to be said with persevering with them.

Legere have recently brought a new range called the signature series and I have tried one belonging to a friend. They cost about £20 each (about the same price as 10 cane reeds) These seem better so I will look at buying one to give a good road test.

If you have tried these reeds or other synthetic brands, I would be interested in your thoughts

Let me know what you think

Best wishes

Dave

ps http://www.reeds-direct.co.uk is a good site for reeds including legere