How modern technology transformed synthetic reeds and why I now recommend them to my students

For most of my career, like many saxophonists, I was a cane reed player. I grew up going through boxes of reeds, searching for “the one,” adjusting them, breaking them in, and dealing with the natural inconsistency that comes with cane. That process is almost a rite of passage, but it can also be frustrating.

My first experience with alternatives came through plastic-coated reeds like Rico Plasticover. They were more durable, especially for outdoor performances, but musically they still felt like a compromise. They solved one problem, but not all of them.

The real turning point came out of necessity. As a baritone saxophonist, I was constantly dealing with the higher cost of reeds, how quickly they wore out, and how inconsistent they could be from one to the next. It became difficult to justify the time and expense, especially when reliability was so important in performance. That’s when I began seriously working with synthetic reeds from companies like Legere and BARI. At first, the decision was purely practical. I needed something dependable. Over time, that practicality turned into preference.

What started on baritone gradually expanded to tenor and eventually to alto saxophone. As I continued performing and teaching, I began to appreciate something that goes beyond tone alone, and that is consistency. Being able to pick up the instrument and know how it will respond every single day is something that has real value, especially for students who are still developing their fundamentals.

Synthetic reeds have been around since the mid-twentieth century, but early versions never gained widespread acceptance. They were often too stiff, limited in tone, and unresponsive. For many years, they carried the reputation of being a backup option rather than a serious tool for professional musicians.

What has changed is the level of science and engineering behind them. Modern companies such as Legere, Fiberreed, and Forestone have invested years into refining their designs. This is not simply a matter of manufacturing a piece of plastic. It involves engineering materials that can mimic the grain structure of cane, carefully controlling flexibility and stiffness, and going through extensive cycles of trial and error with input from real musicians. These reeds are the result of a long process that combines experimentation, acoustics, and material science.

Today, there are several strong options available, each with its own feel and response. In my own playing and in my teaching, I have found that the specific setup matters more than the brand itself. The combination of mouthpiece and reed, along with choosing the right strength, is what ultimately determines how a player responds. For beginners, keeping things simple and predictable is usually the best approach.

For a long time, synthetic reeds carried a stigma. They were often viewed as inferior to cane, associated mainly with beginners, or seen as a shortcut rather than a legitimate choice. That perception has been changing. More and more professional players are using synthetic reeds in live performance, on tour, and in demanding environments where consistency matters. The reason is straightforward. They offer reliability, stability, and predictability, all of which are critical in real-world situations.

As a teacher, my goal is to remove unnecessary obstacles so students can focus on making music. One of the biggest challenges beginners face is not a lack of ability, but the difficulty of working with equipment that is inconsistent or unresponsive. When a reed does not respond easily, when the sound is unstable, or when there is too much resistance, it slows progress and affects motivation. This is one of the main reasons I often recommend synthetic reeds, especially in the early stages. They allow students to produce sound more easily, build confidence, and focus on developing their technique and musicality.

My own journey with synthetic reeds began as a practical solution, but over time it led to a deeper appreciation of how technology can support musicianship. Cane reeds still have their place, and I continue to respect that tradition. At the same time, synthetic reeds have evolved into a serious, reliable, and musically valid option for both students and professionals. In today’s environment, having tools that promote consistency and steady progress is not just convenient, it is essential.

Nestor Zurita.