09/12/2024

Seeing this need, Gonzalez Reeds decided to step up. They worked closely with the musicians who missed their old reed, designing something that would capture that familiar feel of the Vic Olivieri while also adapting to what players needed. And, because they created it with their friends in mind, they called it FOF—short for For Our Friends.

Following the success of the FOF reed, Gonzalez Reeds continued to innovate by forging a new partnership that would give rise to a distinctive reed model, the GD. This reed emerged from a unique association between two families, the Gonzalez family and the Davolos family, each bringing their own expertise and passion for the art of reed-making.

The GD reed was named as a tribute to this collaboration, blending the initials of both families—Gonzalez and Davolos—to reflect their shared commitment to quality and craftsmanship. This partnership allowed for the fusion of ideas, techniques, and experience, resulting in a reed that stands out for its character and sound.

Both the FOF and GD reeds are more than just products—they are symbols of the deep connections between musicians, artisans, and families. The creation of the FOF reed was a heartfelt response to the discontinuation of a beloved model, bringing musicians together to create something new while honoring the past. Similarly, the GD reed represents the power of collaboration, merging the expertise of two families to craft a reed that reflects the values of dedication and craftsmanship.