For a durable option for your sax, look to the Forestone White Bamboo soprano saxophone reed. Forestone uses a combination of polypropylene resin and cellulose wood fiber. Over half of the wood fiber used is bamboo. The material is tasteless, odorless and non-toxic. The material results in exceptional sound, resilience and flexibility.

Fabrication
Forestone reeds are made by proprietary injection molding developed in Japan. This results in reeds with smooth vamps that are uniform and consistent, reed to reed.

Construction and Profile
Forestone reeds are perfectly balanced side to side and front to back. The profile tapers down to 0.1 mm thickness across the tip. Held up to the light, the reeds have the classic upside-down “U-shape”.

Performance
Forestone reeds maintain their strength and resistance over time. They vibrate well and hold the center of the sound in a manner similar to that of a good quality cane reed. The basic timber is robust, clear and strong, with enough “buzz” to ensure projection and carrying power. Intonation is stable and the reeds articulate well throughout the range of the saxophone.

Feel
The difference in feel between Forestone and cane is minimal. Player should spend time getting comfortable with Forestone to properly adjust.

Adjustment
Blowing resistance can be adjusted with Forestone reeds by slightly raising or lowering the reed on the mouthpiece table (lower placement = less resistance, higher placement = more resistance). Other types of adjustment are usually not necessary. However, the material is hard enough that players can still do so using blades, files, sandpaper, reed rush or other tools. Forestone reeds can also be clipped.

Longevity
The life of a Forestone reed will vary from player to player since their embouchure address stresses the reed differently. Forestone reeds will outlast cane as the proprietary composite material is impervious to water-logging and breakdown by saliva, and will not warp due to changes in humidity or altitude. After a number of hours, however, the reeds will be less lively and responsive. The loss in vitality indicates it’s time to change out the reed.