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Question: What are good plastic reeds for a bass clarinet!.!?
With Marching season I really want to try a plastic reed because of all the different types of weather here in Nebraska!. What are some good brands of plastic reeds, and what are the pros/cons about them!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I am a symphonic bass clarinet player and I use Vandoren reeds!. I too was looking into getting a bass clarinet plastic/synthetic reed more as backup during concerts and performances because the quality is more constant than having to change cane reeds all the time!. The weather in my country (Singapore) is also quite variable, but I don't think it would be as bad as Nebraska!.

My friend (also a fellow bass clarinetist) uses Fibracell reeds (Hard)!. He let me have the opportunity to try both Fibracell Premiere and the original Fibracell!. Out of the two, I preferred the way I sounded on the original Fibracell!.

However there are something you have to take note when purchasing Fibracell reeds!.
1) The reed strength chart they provide is not proportionate to Vandoren reed strength!. The hardest strength they had (which was what my friend uses) is really quite soft already, softer than my usual Vandoren reed 3!. I like soft reeds so it's alright for me, but if you're the sort that prefers to use hard reeds then perhaps it might not be the one for you!.
2) When I was trying it out I noticed the sound is slightly inferior compared to using a real cane reed, but perhaps with practice this may be solved!. My friend's sound quality is quite good despite using it!.

Perhaps it would be better if you got the opportunity to try out different brands and reed strengths though it's not always feasible unless you have friends that use synthetic reeds already!.

Yup that's about it!. Hope it was helpful to you!. :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

i use vandorens because they have such a nice tone!. ive never used a plastic reed and honestly i dont really like the idea of them, but if you must use one and vandoren do them, that would probably be your best bet!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

There are none!.
When I taught, I would insist that no one use plastic reeds!.
Take care of your reeds, use a quality reed holder to store your reeds!. Keep them in a case when not in use!.Www@QuestionHome@Com