Formerly in common use throughout the non-German-speaking world, it has since the 1930s been replaced by the German
model. There is controversy over their respective merits – the light, free tone quality of the French contrasts with the
dark homogeneousness of the German. However, much depends on the style of playing and of the reed chosen by
the individual player. In general the German instrument may be considered ‘safer’ and easier to control for the
player