A focused, warm reed with an even response 

Many of us will remember Selmer’s experimentation with reed production in more recent times.  However, perhaps not so many are aware that the French manufacturing giant produced reeds for saxophone and clarinet way back in 1885.

Selmer Paris has now officially re-launched its latest line of reeds, paying respect to its history, while also incorporating recent design innovations; this includes a complete commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their production by, as some others are now doing, introducing a much eco-friendlier style of packaging.

What makes Selmer reeds stand out is their use of wild cane, sourced from the Var region in the south of France.  This cane, known as Arundo Donax (or giant cane) is renowned for its density of fiber, allowing it to ensure longer-lasting reeds and greater resistance to variations in temperature and humidity.  Wild cane by nature is free from pesticides, again adding to Selmer’s environmental credentials.

The resulting reed is one that includes an emphasis on density and warmth of sound.  And further to this they are now available in quarter strengths to give musicians a greater chance of finding the perfect level of resistance.

Selmer promises us a greater consistency of reed, so important to us sax players, and this is in part due to the introduction of the KEYENCE laser profile reader which has been designed to scan and examine 80 points along the bevel of each reed to decide if it is up to standard…or not!

Finally, let’s take a moment to appreciate the reinvention of the packaging materials; each reed is individually wrapped in ‘kraft’ paper (with no plastic) and this still offers a high level of preservation.  The outer cardboard packaging is made from recyclable materials.  And now each reed is placed in a newly designed reed holder, specially designed to offer greater protection; these holders are made from bio-based and compostable materials, so you can stick them in with your banana peel and veg offcuts should you so desire!

FEATURES

• Organic wild cane harvested by hand
• Exceptional fiber content
• Increased longevity
• Resistant to variations in temperature and humidity
• Density and warmth of sound
• Eco-friendly packaging