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The Forestone material is a mixture of synthetic resin and wood fiber, more than 50 percent of which is bamboo. It is tasteless, odorless and non-toxic. The exceptional sound, resilience and flexibility of Forestone reeds is due mainly to this special material. Forestone reeds are made by a proprietary process developed in Japan resulting in optimally smooth vamps that are uniform and consistent, reed to reed. They are perfectly balanced side to side and front to back. The profile tapers to a 0.1 mm thickness across the tip. Held up to light, the reeds display the classic upside-down-U shape associated with cane reeds. FEEL The difference in feel between Forestone and cane is minimal. That said, we recommend to take some time to get comfortable with Forestone, in the same way you would with any new equipment. ADJUSTMENT Blowing resistance can be adjusted with Forestone reeds by slightly raising or lowering the reed on the mouthpiece table (lower = less resistance, higher = more resistance). The material is also sufficiently hard that you can use your usual reed tools for adjustment. LONGEVITY The life of a Forestone reed will vary from player to player but will outlast cane as the material is impervious to breakdown by saliva and will not warp due to changes in humidity or altitude. After a certain number of hours, however, the reeds will begin to feel less lively and responsive. This signals the time has come to retire the reed in favor of a newer one. MODELS Traditional: French filed cut and is very free blowing for easy playing. It has a bright round sound. Hinoki: American unfiled cut, for a lively response and a free sound. More character and dynamic range than the Traditional model. Black Bamboo: French filed cut, More resistance and more control. It produces a dark classical sound. White Bamboo: French filed cut with a Lively response and a free sound. This is the all-rounder, made for use in all styles.