The reed itself is actually quite good. Although it’s labeled as a 2.5, it feels closer to a traditional 3 in terms of strength.
I’d say this is probably the only semi-synthetic reed that I know which doesn’t sound too synthetic. In fact, it has a pleasant, natural tone with good harmonics. So far, it seems to do the job really well. It plays much more like a traditional cane reed that has simply been reinforced.
That said, I’ve never tried a Plasticover, so I can’t really compare the two.
Clearly every time you pick it up, you already know how it’s going to play which is the biggest advantage for me. It also seems to resist wear much better, although I’ve only been using it for about a week, so it’s still too early to judge its long-term durability.
If it really lasts the six months claimed by the manufacturer, that would be roughly equivalent to using about ten average-quality traditional reeds. Coincidentally, that’s also about what this reed costs.
Overall, I think it’s a very good product, but I wouldn’t call it the ultimate solution to the reed problem. It doesn’t march a truly great cane reed, but it offers a level of consistency and convenience that many players will appreciate. If your usual experience is buying boxes of reeds just to find one or two good ones, this could be a worthwhile alternative.
Better than a VENN, in my opinion.
