Yes, they do give out that quick Steve. There is a short warning on them: you start sounding a bit like a duck, and if you don't change it watch out--major sick duck coming. If you're an altissimo player, then you do have more of a warning, because you will notice a decreased performance in the altissimo range first. That's when I rotate my performance reeds into my rehearsal reed category. But if you're not an altissimo player, then the duck noise is the warning that a sick duck sound is on the way.
Getting back to the original question.
Originally Posted by Sole
I was wondering what exactly the differences are between cane and synthetic.
Here is a partial list of the differences between cane and synthetics. This is in no way intended to be a full list, but it covers some of the highlights. Hopefully others will chime in with more differences as well.
Synthetic
- Last longer
- Do not need to be wet--great for doubling
- Do not need to be adjusted with reed knives or dutch rush--YMMV depending on brand used, and personal preference
- More consistent reed to reed
- Cost more initially, but because they last longer, tend to be cost effective in the long run. (You do have to look after them however.)
- Can be cleaned.
- Good quality ones sound the same as cane.
Cane
- Have a shorter lifespan
- Need to be wet in order to play well & respond correctly
- Most need to be adjusted to get optimal peformance out them
- Completely inconsistent reed to reed and box to box
- Require maintance and care in order to keep them playing well as long as possible
- Can't really be cleaned
- Good quality cane reeds are getting increasingly more difficult to find.
With regards to using synthetics in a HS setting, as I already mentioned, I usually have my students use Fibracell reeds because they are consistent, and last a long, long time. Usually 2 reeds will last an entire school year--as long as the reeds are looked after, and stored in the original container. This will of course vary depending on how much you practice and play outside of school.
Saxplayer1004 already mentioned that some teachers don't allow or like synthetic reeds. If that's the case, then you might not have a choice, but depending on the circumstances, you might still be able to use Fibracells. These particular reeds look and sound like cane reeds. A teacher might not even know that you're not using cane. I've had students use them for the entire year before they told their teachers that what they're playing on is a synthetic reed.
Just a few last points I should mention:
- Not all synthetic reeds are the same. Different brands do definitely sound different and respond differently.
- Some synthetic reeds should not be adjusted--according to the company that makes them at least. For example, Fibracell recommends that you do not adjust your reeds because the Kevlar fibers in them can be exposed during the fiddling process.
- Some synthetics are better for certain types of music, or are made for certain types of music. For example, Fiberreeds by Harry Hartmann are available in different versions for different styles of music.
As I mentioned in my first post, I have used Fibracell reeds since about '97 or so. I use them on all my horns soprano through bass. I have played multiple saxes in all the bands I have worked in, and these reeds are great, because they do not need to be wet. I swap horns, and can immediately jump from low Bb to an altissimo F (F4) without worrying about my reed. It's there. It's immediate. I use them for all styles of music I play from jazz through rock, and everything in between. I solo a lot in all the bands as well, that's why I can't have my reeds let me down. I'm also a heavy altissimo player, so my demands on my reeds are multi-faceted.
Before I switched to Fibracells, I used the Rico Plasticoats, and before that Rico Royals. I just got so tired of the inconsistencies of cane reeds, that I started trying out the various synthetics until I fell in love with the sound and response of the Fibracells.