I am frustrated. I play Vandoran reeds and am on a 3, but they all turn to mush after a couple times round. The 3 1/2`s are like timber on my mouthpiece. Does anyone have suggestions? Alternate brands, or even synthetic? I`m tired of the roller coaster-or is this just life?
Thank-you for any encouragement or suggestions.

I have got hooked on Alexander Superials they come in 3 varieties to match your playing style. Go to http://www.superial.com/ and check them out.

First: How many reeds do you rotate?
Second: Do you allow them to dry properly and do you keep them clean?
Third: Hopefully you`re not biting them to bits
Forth: A reed normaly, I read somewhere, needs replacement every month/second month.
Last: Vandoren normaly is a good read with high quality but needs to be played just a little in the beginng when it`s new and then you can use it,
Hope this helps

Rico Royal are good reeds.
They come in every size

Try Fibracell. They are Synthetic Composite. They sound great, last up to 6 times longer than cane reeds and never get water logged. Jazz people love them I also use them for classical as well. They are excellent for practice either way, I don`t have to change every 15 minutes to avoid waterlog.

Depending upon your mouthpiece facing and playing skills try #2, 2 1/2 or 3. They come in numbered sizes from gigdust.com 8 or 9 bucks each. With cane reeds I get about 2 good reeds from a box of 10 at $20. They last about a month. A Fibracell will last about six months, even more. Much cheaper, was less hassel.