My verdict? I did try-out my new reed, Hartmann Fiberreed Hemp. It’s a little harder which is to be expected as I’ve gone up a strength for the improvements to my altissimo but a little too hard on my low end. I’ll give it another blast and see if its any better. I can adapt to it in two weeks say but I’m playing this weekend and need to break it in before then. Worst case I might have to shave a little off the heart but I’ll see.
The one thing I definitely did not like is, the taste!!! Urg!! In all my years this is the first reed which tastes sooo chemically. The previous one I had did not do so, so I’m guessing it might be this specific reed – at least I hope so. Did check it out on their website. Who would have known you can use toothpaste to clean their reeds. Cool! Will definitely do this before I play again to see if I can shift that awful taste.
My new reed try-out verdict? Not a concrete Yes, almost there, to be continued…

Speak soon.
ms