I'd have to add there have been quality concerns about Gabbanelli for years now. They were/are infamous for representing finest quality reeds at those eye- watering prices only for people to open up their $5,000 or $6,000 Gabb and find ordinary Durall macchina in there. They used to state "finest handmade reeds" in writing on the site, but that language seems to have vanished, possibly due to issues along these lines. Also internal construction issues per rumor.
The principal in Texas with the "legendary" last name was notorious for declining to give specs in writing. It was all, "Call me," for the sell. The later unproveable representations. The word about Gabb is, buyer beware, get specs in writing, see the insides before forking out that kind of $$$. No one should pay those prices without written information about reed grade at minimum.
Supposedly the also eye-wateringly priced Hohner Anacleto line (the PAs are the "Hohner Anacleto Latino" models) was launched to provide a quality alternative to naive border-region players who were being "had" by the Gabb mystique. The Anacletos are also overpriced IMHO, but at least they will put the reed grade in writing.
Serenellini and Brandoni have long and respected reputations. They will specify what you are getting reedwise for your $$$. They will stand by their work. A Serenellini or Brandoni with hand reeds is an investment but a quality one.
For Durall reeds, one of the nice Ottavianelli or Pietanesi LMM 30/72 LMMs is a quality instrument at thousands less than getting "had" by Gabb for reeds of the same grade. Heck, LB has two 30/72 Beltunas on sale right now for $3500 each. Don't buy the Texas line of cha-cha!
