AMBIPOLY Reed - Bb Clarinet Vivace - strength 2.5+

After the break-in period, this reed performed beautifully. I have never before hit the high-A in the altissimo range so effortlessly before using this reed. It seems to be a perfect match with my Behn mouthpiece. It blows freely and consistently. I love it!I might have to rewrite this in a while. Since I have not played much during the pandemic, I find that I squawk more often on this reed than usual, especially compared to the Legere. But that could be more me than the reed and based on the amount I was squawking the first couple of times I played compared to now, I say it's me.

I've used synthetic reeds for decades, not having the patience for the instability and capricious nature of cane. Throughout the years I've tried reeds from various manufacturers, and my favorites were always from a Japanese manufacturer that uses a mixture of bamboo and other wood fibre, and resin. I've been interested in these Silverstein reeds for a while and finally gave in and tried a Vivace in 3.5+. The difference pre- and post- mouthpiece pairing was not as dramatic as I had anticipated; this reed played well from the start! Very responsive and free-blowing without being flabby. Articulation is as clean as my tongue can manage. I'll be ordering more.