During several years of research and development aimed at finding a synthetic material comparable to the natural cane Arundo Donax, Harry Hartmann had a key breakthrough.

During a gig with his band, he realized that the best approach would be to replicate the natural material as closely as possible—retaining all the positive attributes of cane while eliminating its drawbacks.

Through further research, Harry Hartmann discovered that the superior acoustic properties of Arundo Donax stem from two main features: the longitudinal vascular bundles running through the plant, and the surrounding cellular structure. Thus, nature's design became the principle behind Fiberreed.

The Mind Behind the Idea

Harry Hartmann has been playing the saxophone since 1976. He holds a degree in music performance with a focus on saxophone from the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart, where he studied under Prof. Bernd Konrad. A professional musician since 1982, he teaches both privately and at music academies, devoting himself to jazz, Latin, and classical music.

“As a musician myself, I naturally set out to satisfy every requirement expected of an innovative reed. However, to ensure I can also address your personal needs and suggestions, I would love to hear about your experience with Fiberreed. Thank you in advance for your valuable input.”
— Harry Hartmann

Acoustic Properties

By combining high-tech materials with artistic sensitivity, a material with exceptional acoustic properties was born: Hollow Fiber Foamresin Compound, or HFC for short.

HFC replicates the vascular bundles of natural cane using hollow fibers and replaces the cellular matrix with foamable resins. Combined with a balanced ratio of longitudinal to transverse stiffness, this structure produces acoustic properties that not only match those of Arundo Donax cane, but surpass them in many respects—achieving a level of performance unmatched by any other synthetic material to date.

Key Advantages

Harry Hartmann’s Fiberreed made from HFC combines superior tone and playability with a lifespan 20 to 30 times longer than that of a traditional wooden reed. Furthermore, these saxophone and clarinet reeds deliver outstanding response, remarkable durability, long-lasting hygiene, and exact reproducibility: even years later, you will receive a Fiberreed with the exact same excellent characteristics. The break-in period required by wooden reeds is completely eliminated—Fiberreed is 100% ready to play from the very first note.