I've played Fibracells for a bit on a Rico Royal Metalite M5 on my tenor. I usually played 3 1/2s and I found that after one or two really loud gigs that to me they definatley softened quite a bit. Out of all the synth reeds I've played I like them the best- to me they sound and feel most like a cane reed but I can't afford to go thru several of them a week so for me it was back to cane.

 

I've played Fibracells for a bit on a Rico Royal Metalite M5 on my tenor. I usually played 3 1/2s and I found that after one or two really loud gigs that to me they definatley softened quite a bit. Out of all the synth reeds I've played I like them the best- to me they sound and feel most like a cane reed but I can't afford to go thru several of them a week so for me it was back to cane.

I can understand the reeds softening up a bit, but this was like a total calaps during the 2nd set of the very first gig.

 

Fibracells have some of the same problems as any other reed, some are good and some are not so good.

I have some 2 1/2 and 3's that I have played for months and they still sound good. When I play gigs or jams, I am often playing very loud and very soft. I suppose like any other reed there is a break in period. Maybe you need to harder reed if they seem too soft after the initial break in period.

Is this just a one time thing, or is it several reeds that you have this problem with?

Where do you buy them from? The new Fibracells are marked with numbers (ie 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5...) a lot of places are still selling the old ones. I buy mine from Charlie A's. They are a couple of cents more expensive than Woodwind & Brasswind, but I would rather support the little guy over some large chain store.

 

I've had it with Fibracell reeds. Some with inconsistant strengths, some that delaminated, and a batch that were all poorly balanced. Never had one that wimped out, though.

Recently, I've found a lot more joy sorting through a box of cane reeds. Marcas are very impressive. As far as synthetics go, Legere Studio Cut reeds are worth trying out. So far the three I've bought were winners, just a little buzzy to be "THE reed" for me.

 

I like the slight variation in Fibracells from lot to lot. I grade them into 1/4 strengths for even more options.

After 20 minutes or so of hard playing I find they get slightly softer. On long gigs, I usually start off with a harder strength and let it settle in. It is only a temporary softness. The next day they start off the same way.

 

I have had #3 reeds on my alto give out in less than a month. Lest anyone find this acceptable, I have NEVER had Fibracells last less than a year when Fibracells were only rated H/MH/M/MS/S.

Something is amiss, and I'm disgusted that I have to find a replacement brand. I hate when companies dick around with a working formula that I depend on. :evil:

 

I've found that if you soak them in a mixture of mineral oil and ****** for 10 minutes that takes care of the problem.

 

Right... and then it behaves like a #4. Har har har.

 

Plus after playing the reed for a while my tongue goes stiff....and I'd swear I get taller......

 

I've been playing Fibracells almost exclusively for over 5 years. I usually rotate between two so I always have a backup that I have spent some time with. It usually takes months for them to go bad. I only had one that went bad prematurely. It delaminated at the tip while I was warming up for a gig. The backup reed saved my bacon.