Synthetic and Cane Reeds—what’s the deal?!

Woodwind players are very familiar with cane reeds, but the synthetic reed is still a mystery to some. The word “synthetic” covers a wide variety of alternate materials from which reeds can now be made. The primary benefits of synthetic reeds are they are always ready to go without the need to wet them, and they are unaffected by changes in humidity or temperature.

Here’s what our woodwind specialist, Carly, has to say:

“I think that synthetic reeds are perfect for players who need a reed to be ready quickly or are playing in an unstable environment. They also do last longer than cane reeds, if cared for. Traditional cane reeds are helpful when developing a core sound on your instrument, and I prefer them in a concert band or orchestra setting.”

There are pros and cons to any type of reed. The trick is to find what works best for you. When you find a the style and cut that suits you, your instrument will speak clearly in all registers and you will have a real sense of control over your sound.

What type of reed do you prefer?!

#iplayhere