D'Addario Venn Generation 2.0 Synthetic Saxophone Reed Review

D'Addario Woodwinds are back at at it again with the latest iteration of the Venn Generation 2.0 Advanced Synthetic Reed for alto saxophone! The latest version of the Venn has amazing improvements and offers the most cane-like experience of a synthetic reed I have experienced so far. Improvements are largely due to removing the 1st generation’s protective film on the table, selecting a new stronger fiber material, and refinements to the resin. I also noticed changes to the cut of the reeds themselves, although this was not noted in the official white paper that I received from D’Addario Woodwinds. Finally, the latest generation of Venn’s are designed to run more true to strength, as opposed to the 1st gen which tended to run very stuff.

The Venn Generation 2.0 to be the most cane-like synthetic reed that I have ever tried. Compared to Légère Signature reeds, I found the Venn had more projection, body, and ring to the sound. On the other hand, the Légère’s are capable of more quiet playing, particularly in the lower register. I also found Légères to be a little more consistent from one reed to the next, although I am sure Venn will continue to improve in this regard. Thankfully, unlike Légères, D’Addario says that the Venn reed can safely be worked on with sandpaper and other reed working methods.

Be sure to check out my video with playing samples, below, and tell me what you hear!

Selmer Paris S80 C* vs S90 190: What's the Difference?

I’ve had many students ask me about the differences between two similar mouthpieces: the classic Selmer Paris S80 C*, and the somewhat newer Selmer Paris S90 190. Both of these mouthpieces feature a similar square chamber, tip opening, facing curve, and in theory should play similarly. However, I feel there are some significant differences between them.

I generally find the S80 C* to be an easier blow, but it will accept lesser maximum air and becomes brighter as you push it. Meanwhile, the S90 190 requires a bit more air support, however, it offers more room to push and generally will not cap out when using lots of air. Both mouthpieces offer ease and clarity of articulation. In general, I find the S90 190 to sound and feel more homogenous across registers, especially when entering into the altissimo; the S80 C* has different response and player feedback across registers. Overall, I find both to be a great option but serve different purposes.

The S80 C* is the classic first step-up mouthpiece but also scales well into advanced playing for general use. It pairs especially well with horns featuring a bore more similar to that of the classic Selmer Paris Mark VI, such as the Selmer Paris SA80 Series II and Yamaha Custom Z. Meanwhile, the S90 190 requires a bit more mature air support but in exchange, offers more flexibility for advanced players and pairs especially well with modern-bored horns like the Selmer Paris SA80 Series III and Yamaha Custom EX.

Listen to difference for yourself, below:

D'Addario VENN Synthetic Reed Impressions: A Redemption Arc?

NOW OUTDATED! PLEASE READ MY NEW POST ON THE LATEST GEN 2.0 VERSION OF THE D’ADDARIO VENN.

The D’Addario VENN Synethetic Reed, which released in late spring 2020, was perhaps one of the most controversial and underwhelming launches in the history of the company. There were widespread reports that the initial batch of reeds suffered from numerous defects, such as splits, fraying, stray hairs, and splintering. This was quite surprising, because D’Addario is normally known for above-average consistency with their natural reed products. Worse still, these launch reeds often played poorly with ill-defined tone, unexpected resistance, and lack of flexibility. This was especially shocking for me because I experienced none of these issues while trialing prototypes of the VENN reed at the 2020 North American Saxophone Conference.

I was recently informed by D’Addario that they have since revised the reeds and expect many players’ complaints to be addressed in this new version. I received a box of six of the “new batch,” three in 2.5 strength and three in 3.0 strength. I am happy to report that the reeds have massively improved! While there was some expected (normal) inconsistency from reed to reed, none exhibited the debilitating problems of the initial release. The reeds generally play with a darker sound and more resistance than a comparable Légère Signature reed; I’d say about half a strength harder. While the latest VENN reeds do not quite line up with my personal aesthetic and total concept, they are an excellent option and especially viable for players who are looking up to darken up their sound!

Listen to the reeds and more in the video below: