D'Addario Woodwinds are back at at it again with the latest iteration of the Venn Generation 2.0 Advanced Synthetic Reed for alto saxophone! The latest version of the Venn has amazing improvements and offers the most cane-like experience of a synthetic reed I have experienced so far. Improvements are largely due to removing the 1st generation’s protective film on the table, selecting a new stronger fiber material, and refinements to the resin. I also noticed changes to the cut of the reeds themselves, although this was not noted in the official white paper that I received from D’Addario Woodwinds. Finally, the latest generation of Venn’s are designed to run more true to strength, as opposed to the 1st gen which tended to run very stuff.
I found the Venn Generation 2.0 to be the most cane-like synthetic reed that I have ever tried. Compared to Légère Signature reeds, I found the Venn had more projection, body, and ring to the sound. On the other hand, the Légère’s are capable of more quiet playing, particularly in the lower register. I also found Légères to be a little more consistent from one reed to the next, although I am sure Venn will continue to improve in this regard. Thankfully, unlike Légères, D’Addario says that the Venn reed can safely be worked on with sandpaper and other reed working methods.
Be sure to check out my video with playing samples and comparisons below, and tell me what you hear!
I found the Venn Generation 2.0 to be the most cane-like synthetic reed that I have ever tried. Compared to Légère Signature reeds, I found the Venn had more projection, body, and ring to the sound. On the other hand, the Légère’s are capable of more quiet playing, particularly in the lower register. I also found Légères to be a little more consistent from one reed to the next, although I am sure Venn will continue to improve in this regard. Thankfully, unlike Légères, D’Addario says that the Venn reed can safely be worked on with sandpaper and other reed working methods.
Be sure to check out my video with playing samples and comparisons below, and tell me what you hear!
