Marca UNIC JAZZ Alto Saxophone Single Reed

Innovation in reed technology - fusion of natural cane and synthetic fibers!

Using ground-breaking techniques, Marca Reeds have created a new hybrid reed that combines natural cane with hidden synthetic fibers. The results are astounding!  A completely natural sounding reed with incredible durability.  Most 'synthetic' reeds, while being consistent in performance and offering a good lifespan, don't deliver tone and response with the familiarity of natural cane.  The UNIC reed, on the other hand, performs just like a high-quality cane reed, only the newly introduced, enhanced synthetic construction allows it to last 6 to 12 times longer than usual!

DETAILS

The UNIC reeds feature a special vacuum impregnation technology. The raw cane tubes are placed in a vacuum chamber, which opens their natural porosity.  Under these conditions, high-performance synthetic fibers are introduced directly into the structure of the cane. These fibers distribute evenly within the micro-structure, reinforcing its internal cohesion without altering its fundamental acoustic properties.  If you didn't know it, you'd assume you were looking at a regular cane reed; the synthetic fibers are not visible to the eye!

This process is radically different from competing solutions that try to artificially imitate cane with external polymers or composites. With MARCA UNIC, the reed remains a genuine natural cane reed — its vibration, elasticity, and response remain intact, only stabilized and prolonged by the internal integration of fibers.

LONGEVITY AND PERFORMANCE

During the development stage Marca completed real-world testing protocols, including intensive playing sessions, controlled humidity, temperature variations, and long-term storage.  The results have shown that a UNIC reed typically maintains its acoustic and mechanical properties for up to 6 months of regular playing. By comparison, a traditional cane reed generally loses about 50% of its performance after 2 to 4 weeks.  This enhanced resistance is directly linked to the synergy between the synthetic fibers and the natural cane matrix.  Reinforcing the cane with synthetic fibers also helps ensure exceptional stability against temperature and humidity variations, guaranteeing consistent performance and extended lifespan.

JAZZ CUT

The MARCA UNIC Jazz reeds for alto saxophone are designed to offer a warm, vibrant, and dynamic sound, ideal for jazz styles. Their unfiled cut allows for quick responsiveness and clear articulation, while providing great flexibility for musical expression and nuances.

MARCA MAINTENANCE AND STERILISATION SPRAY

Marca have developed a specific disinfectant and cleaning spray that can be used not only on UNIC reeds, but also on traditional cane reeds and mouthpieces. It removes bacteria and organic deposits, maintaining hygiene and extending the reed’s lifespan.  The product can be purchased separately and is highly recommended if you wish to achieve the maximum possible lifespan from each UNIC reed.

STAFF REVIEW

I have tried many synthetic reeds over the years and, believe me, I have always so wanted them to be the saviour to my reed woes (let's face it, as sax players we all have them), but I have never quite found anything that has given me the sound and feeling of cane.....until now.

The UNIC reeds in the Jazz cut sound almost identical to a good level D'addario Select Jazz reed, and in theory they will last way longer.  I guess I'll have to wait to find out.  As this is a very exciting discovery for me, and I hope for our customers at SAX too, I'm going to enjoy the longevity challenge and be sure to take care of the reed on its journey with me.  There is a maintenance solution that Marca recommend can be applied to this reed to help boost its lifespan so I will be using this to give me the best possible chance!

Jim Cheek