We encourage you to experience VENN as designed before sanding or attempting modifications. However, VENN can successfully be sanded at the musician’s discretion. While typical cane reed modifications may be helpful for VENN, musicians should anticipate differences in how the reed responds to changes made by hand.

To mimic the organic structure of cane, we reverse-engineered cane itself, layering different strengths of polymer fibers with food grade resin and organic reed elements to make up the reed blank. The result? VENN outperforms anything else like it – all while sounding and playing like your favorite cane reed.

VENN is used just like your cane reed although requires no break in period and does not need to be moistened before use. We do advise experimenting with the position of the reed on the table of your mouthpiece for achieving optimal playability and response. Over time, fibers may break through the resin matrix—at that time, we recommend replacing your VENN reed.

VENN reeds can be cleaned with appropriately diluted alcohol-based cleaners or mild soap and room-temperature water. They should be wiped from the heel towards the tip of the reed using a paper towel or non-abrasive cloth.

Although VENN reeds can be cleaned and disinfected, we recommend that players do not share reeds.

VENN is designed to work out of the box without the care and maintenance needed for cane reeds and is resistant to adverse environments. However, the tip of the reed is still delicate and should be carefully handled. To best protect VENN, we recommend storing it in a reed holder or case such as our RVCASE04 Multi-Reed Storage Case.

VENN reeds strengths are similar to the premium cane reed strengths you are familiar with (Reserve, Select Jazz, Vandoren). We highly recommend visiting the strength comparison charts for your voice before choosing your VENN reed strength. Note that the range of resistance VENN features will change depending on the size of your mouthpiece model and tip opening, and the positioning of the tip of the VENN reed on the tip rail of your mouthpiece.

With proper care for the tip of the reed, VENN is designed to provide roughly 3-6 months of playing. While priced comparably to a box of ten conventional reeds, VENN will outlast them, giving a player up to three boxes worth of playing time.

Over time, tiny fibers may fray slightly on the side of VENN. This is normal, not harmful, and does not affect the performance of the reed. If you find this bothersome, any loose fibers can be carefully clipped away with scissors. Take care to not clip the reed itself and do not pull on the fibers.

VENN does not soften over time like cane. We recommend trying the strength on the comparison chart and the next softest strength.

We recommend VENN strength 2.0 or 2.5 for Jazz players who use "open" or more resistant mouthpiece facings.

D'Addario Woodwinds will ship you a FREE alternate strength of VENN with your proof of purchase through the VENN Alternate Strength Program. Click here to fill out the form.