A Quest for the Perfect Reed
Inspired by the idea during a gig, saxophonist, music educator, and inventor Harry Hartmann set out to replicate the sound qualities of natural cane while offering greater consistency, durability, and resistance to damage. The product of many years of research into synthetic fibers, Fiberreed combines superior sound and performance with 20 to 30 times the longevity of a traditional cane reed. In addition, every reed meets exacting tolerances, ensuring the last reed you pull out of a box plays every bit as well as the first. Even years from now, your new Fiberreed will perform with the same excellence that you experience today. And there is no need to warm up as there is with cane reeds. With Fiberreed, you’ll get a full response from the very first moment.
Innovation Meets Artistry
Fiberreed is driven by a desire to merge state-of-the-art technology with passion and craftsmanship — all in pursuit of the highest quality and best sound. In practice, that means future-forward designs and materials, meticulously hand-shaped and formed to exacting standards. Never one to rest on his laurels, Harry Hartmann continues to seek new ways to deliver richer tones and more joy when making music.
Premium Hollow-fiber Reeds
Fiberreed’s hollow-fiber models come in a variety of styles to suit different musical tastes. Their best-selling Carbon and Carbon Classic series lend a cane-like buzz to the reed’s sound while adding distinctly bright, edgy overtones, which are especially nice when you need volume and clarity to play alongside amplified instruments. They also produce a fully saturated subtone when you play softly and low in register. Their Natural and Natural Classic series are among the more expressive models in the hollow-fiber range, producing a pure sound that empowers the musician to utilize their playing techniques to create a wide range of tonal qualities. They also offer a full spectrum of overtones and are ideal for altissimo playing. The Classic series has a steeper cut, making it sound darker and smoother than the thinner regular cuts. Classic series reeds also produce more resistance and a fuller tone due to their bigger heart.
RPL & Carbon G-Sax Artist Series
Developed in collaboration with Portuguese music professor Rodrigo Pires de Lima, RPL reeds are primarily designed for classical music. However, their full-bodied tone, free-blowing nature, and easy articulation also make them attractive for jazz and pop. The Carbon G-Sax reed was developed in collaboration with the popular Swiss saxophonist Roland Graf — a.k.a. G-Sax — with orientation toward jazz and pop styles. It features a full-bodied sound, more resistance, and a slightly heavier tip for more pronounced articulation.
Carbon Copper Classic & Carbon Onyx Series
Made of epoxy infused with carbon and copper fibers, Carbon Copper Classic and Carbon Onyx reeds are superior for both high-register and altissimo playing while exhibiting less buzz than Fiberreed’s hollow-fiber models. Carbon Onyx models, however, are freer-blowing, brighter, and clearer whereas the Copper Carbon Classics have greater resistance and produce a darker, rounder tone.
