It's taken some time to adjust to using a synthetic reed, but I have grown to appreciate not having to soak reeds during long rests and breaks. I particularly love this aspect when playing in modern pit orchestras where multiple instruments are the norm in reed books. I resisted trying these reeds, secretly wanted to dislike them, but tone is not compromised. In fact, it has a surprisingly nice sound. There's definitely a learning curve, as adjustments I was used to making throughout the oboe's range on bamboo reeds are different on synthetic. I still keep the reed in my mouth when moving around rehearsal spaces, mostly out of habit, but that still seems to be the safest spot for it! Although much less fragile than cane reeds, they are not indestructible. I found out the hard way in an unplanned encounter with a music stand.
I appreciate Légère's flexibility to exchange hardness levels. So far, I believe I will save time and money on reeds in the long run.
