The passing of time had always promised musicians new and better reed brands and models. However, they were soon disappointed because the “innovation” ended up being no better than what they had been using.

Reeds’ quality depend on three basic variables:

1- Raw Material Quality: Only a few manufacturers grow the cane themselves. The great majority buys wild cane from third parties who obtain it from many different places. The quality of this material does not always meet the required standards. Therefore, it is impossible to obtain high quality reeds from poor raw material.

2- Selected Model: Many manufacturers fail when they do not take musicians’ needs into account in the decision making process. Soon after the new brand or model is launched to the market, they discover that the product does not meet the public’s expectations.

3- Commitment to the Chosen Model: Some companies alter the original model involuntary along the production process. This is due to the lack of state-of-the-art equipment or lack of knowledge. The outcome may result in a completely new product.

GONZALEZ F.O.F. CLARINET REEDS
ISN’T JUST ONE MORE BRAND,
IT IS THE BRAND!

1- Raw Material Quality: The whole of the raw material used in the manufacture of GONZALEZ F.O.F. is grown in our plantation “3 de Mayo” at the Andes Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina. Only traditional methods of growing are used without resorting to any Chemical Fertilizers or Pesticides. The harvest of the cane is done manually in winter, preferably during the gibbous phase of the Moon.

Only 40% of the harvest is destined for reed making, while the rest is sold for other purposes.

a. Drying: It is done naturally, being laid out in the sun for a month, and rotated in order to get a homogenous color and drying.

About 5 % of the cane is discarded during this exposure in the sun due to imperfections in the bark.

b. Tube Cutting: Soon after drying, the cane is transported to our factory, where specialized personnel select them according to our quality standards and classify them by diameter, thickness and length.

c. Seasoning: The selected tubes are stored in bags for a minimum period of 18 months.

d. Splitting: After the seasoning period, each tube is cut in four pieces, and their thickness is measured to make sure they meet our quality standards. 

e. Segment Cutting: Each quarter is cut according to the required measurement, and only perfect segments are selected. The tip of the cane is also marked to show the growing direction of the plant.

f. Reed Tables: They are precision cut with a three heads machine. Each head has a different tool; hard metal knives, diamond tools  and, sandpaper that perfectly polishes the surface.

2- Selection of the Model: the Model for GONZALEZ F.O.F was not done at random. This model is the result of 17 years of hard work and a thorough research carried out among clarinetists from all over the world.

F.O.F was thought for those clarinetists who are looking for a reed with a dark sound. These reeds have more wood in the heart. Therefore, they need a lot of work to achieve stability. They are more scraped in the shoulders, thus producing deep low registers. The templates used for this model are perfect in conception thanks to the computer run equipment (CNC) employed.

3- Commitment to the Model:

a. In order to be faithful to the model during the production process, three-dimensional (3D) measurements are used.

b. Every time a knife is changed or a modification is done in a machine, measurements are made and compared to the original model’s dimensions.

c. All personnel are highly qualified in our factory, and only those who meet the highest requirements are involved in the processing of GONZALEZ. 

d. Employees do not only learn about the techniques involved in reed manufacturing, but they also take classes of clarinet, saxophone or oboe. In this way, they are better able to test the reeds themselves.

e. In addition, our production is constantly monitored by external clarinetists. They know well the original model, and are in charge of determining whether or not the product has been modified along the manufacturing process.

We are looking for new dealers and distributors for GONZALEZ Single and Double Reeds. If you are interested, please contact us at:

E-mail: argendonaxsa@infovia.com.ar - Telephone : (+54) 261 - 4454864