Yes, harder reeds require more air. Harder reeds vibrate more, so they need more air to produce sound.
There is a lot of debate among musicians about whether thicker reeds sound better. Some say that thicker reeds vibrate more, creating a fuller sound. Others say that thicker reeds are more difficult to control and can produce a muddy sound. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some musicians prefer thicker reeds for their fuller sound, while others prefer thinner reeds for greater control. Ultimately, the best way to find out which type of reed is right for you is to experiment with different types and see what works best for your playing style.
No, you don't need to soak saxophone reeds. Some people like to soak their reeds in water for a few minutes before playing, but it's not necessary. Soaking your reeds can actually make them softer and less responsive.
If you're getting an airy sound on your saxophone, it's likely because of a leak in the instrument. Check all of the saxophone's pads and cork to make sure they're seated correctly and there are no cracks or holes. If everything looks good, try playing with a different mouthpiece or reed. If the airy sound persists, take the saxophone to a professional for a tune-up.
4.7/5
Also available in other strengths
Vibrates over a longer palette producing a bright sound with immediate response
More flexible than Traditional and V16 reeds
Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
$234
35 years ago, when I was a tenor, I used Rico Royal reeds exclusively. The sax I purchased for when I picked up again up a few years ago came with some vintage Rico Royals. They were just like I remembered them, but when I bought a box of new ones, they were all consistently subpar. Their quality had declined over time, according to a friend who plays the saxophone but hadn't stopped for 35 years. I then tried a sample pack from Vandoren. I purchased a box because I was in love with the Red Java reed, which had a rich and vibrant tone, but none of them lived up to its promise. I also tried a package of the Green Java sample reeds because I thought they were nice — a little mellower than the Red. Every reed in the box sounded fantastic this time. And now that I've switched from version 2.5 to version 3, every reed in that box sounds even better, so I've discovered my new go-to reed.
4.6/5
Immediately responsive without sacraficing the brightness or tone quality required for this style of music
Also available in other strengths
The unique relationship between the heart and tip provides extaordinary color, great response and a durable life
Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
Combines medium-thick heart, spine and rounded tip of V16 reed with the flexible platte design of the JAVA reed
$234
Since I'm still learning how to play the tenor sax, I like reeds with little resistance and a jazzier tone. I've tried Vandoren ZZ, Vandoren Java (filed and unfiled), traditional Vandoren reeds, Rico Plasticover reeds, Rico La Voz, Rico Select (unfiled), traditional Vandoren reeds, and even a Legere Signature Series reed. The ZZ tenor sax reeds were consistent, ready to play right out of the box, and simple to play with both an open mouthpiece and an ebonite mouthpiece in the traditional style. (UPDATE: IN MAY 2015, I TESTED FIBRACELL REEDS WITH MY T75 JUMBO JAVA MOUTHPIECE.) RIGHT NOW, ONE OF MY FAVORITE REEDS ARE THE FIBRACELL REEDS. THE QUALITY AND SOUND ARE CONSISTENTLY GOOD, AND THEY LAST LONGER THAN ANY REED I HAVE TRIED).Here is what I've learned from using the numerous reeds I've tried over the past six months:With Vandoren ZZ and Rico Select Jazz (unfiled) reeds, I have been able to produce my best sound, and these reeds didn't need to be sanded in order to play well. I would recommend visiting the Rico Reed website to view their strength comparison chart ([...] to help you choose the proper strength for you as the Rico Jazz Select (unfiled) can be a tad stiff. Both the ZZ and the classic Vandoren reeds, which I found to be comparable, play well.I recently ordered Vandoren Java reeds, and because the Red Javas (filed) were hard to play with and weren't very brilliant, I'm hoping they'll get softer over time. I recently tried the Java Green (unfiled), which were a little less resilient than the Java Reds but more enjoyable to play. (UPDATE: 5/2015: THE JAVA GREEN READS WERE EXTREMELY EASY TO PLAY WITH MY NEW T75 JUMBO JAVA MOUTHPIECE——VERY PLEASANT SOUND TOO.) It has a deeper tone, if I were to define it. The Java Reds did not work for me at all, but I will give another box of Java Greens a try in the future.Rico Plasticover reeds are lightweight and durable. The Plasticovers play nicely right out of the box, and you don't need to wet the reed to enjoy them. The Rico La Voz reeds have received a lot of positive feedback, however I found them to be average. Many of the reeds in the box I received were warped and needed to be sanded in order to play properly. I flattened the La Voz reeds using 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper (I positioned the sandpaper on a very flat surface and slipped the reed over the sandpaper, sanding only the area of the reed that lies on the table of the mouthpiece). I would choose the Rico Jazz Selects (unfiled) over the La Voz reeds since they played nicely right out of the box and have a dynamic sound (realizing the price is higher).If your sax has to sit for a long period, drying out your reed, the Legere Signature Series plastic reed can work for marching band. The highs on this reed, however, tried to separate, which I never experienced with any other reed, therefore I didn't care for it. I would recommend trying Rico Plasticover reeds for marching band or concerts (or any time you are concerned about reeds drying up).I think this will be useful to other novice players because different reeds will work for different persons depending on the mouthpiece, ligature, embouchure, etc.
4.6/5
Priced affordably for educators
Strength 3.0, Unfiled cut, box of 10 reeds
Also offered in 3-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
$234
I've always used Rico reeds. They have always been my preferred game when I learned to play in elementary school to the present. Even though I've tried other brands, I keep going back to Rico Reeds. They just work for me, therefore I feel comfortable using them. I've been playing the tenor sax for more than 35 years, and they just feel right. I don't bite down on my sax mouthpiece with my teeth like they teach the younger generation; perhaps this is why Rico reeds appear to fit my playing style. They succeed in my book any way.
4.6/5
Relative of JAVA reed family
First file cut reed from Vandoren which is ideal for jazz and popular music
Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
Also available in other strengths
$234
These reeds produce really excellent results for me. On a Jody Jazz DVNY 7*, using the 3 strength. I play a wide range of music, but I focus on early punk, experimental rock, and blues/rock songs 75% of the time.All five reeds in a package are opened and tested by me, and typically I find one or two star players. I can use them for one to three weeks each. I don't even remove them from the mouthpiece until it's time to discard them.I can now cycle through the remaining reeds in the box. I usually end up with one or two absolutely worthless reeds (reeds are terrible like that), but the rest of the box will play just as well as the first two reeds did with some care and break-in.I perform jazz, deep house, reggae, experimental rock (think The Stooges and T. Rex), and other genres. I find the mouthpiece and reed combination to be quite adaptable. Depending on my approach and air, I can blow nonstop for the rock and house stuff or get seductive, growly, and smooth à la Stan Getz. This is perhaps more of a mouthpiece feature. However, reeds have a lengthy lifespan. Some of them could appear "blatty," but all they require is to truly stretch and wear in the fibers. Once they break in, the "blatty" reeds, in my opinion, endure the longest and sound the best.On the other hand, the "blatty" reeds stayed stuffy and overall "flat"/"dead" when I was using blue box filed Vandoren (same strength), and they never really "woke up" like the red Javas do. With a metal mouthpiece, reeds have never lasted this long, but I still think they sound wonderful, are a terrific value, and are generally a lot of fun to play.However, a reed is just a reed, thus...
4.6/5
Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
Strength 2.5, Unfiled cut, box of 10 reeds
Priced affordably for educators
Also offered in 3-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
$234
I've always used Rico reeds. They have always been my preferred game when I learned to play in elementary school to the present. Even though I've tried other brands, I keep going back to Rico Reeds. They just work for me, therefore I feel comfortable using them. I've been playing the tenor sax for more than 35 years, and they just feel right. I don't bite down on my sax mouthpiece with my teeth like they teach the younger generation; perhaps this is why Rico reeds appear to fit my playing style. They succeed in my book any way.
4.5/5
Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
$234
Amazing reeds like these. They sound fantastic and are very reliable. However, you do need to break them in, and it's not too difficult. You place the entire reed in your case after soaking it in water for a few minutes each day. Then take it out later and play on each reed for no longer than 5 minutes; often, these reeds will play beautifully after 4–5 days. There are several subpar reeds in the box, but this is standard. Rico reeds perform better than even junk reeds do.
4.5/5
Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
$234
Vandorens are wonderful because they are consistently reliable. They are created by some of the world's most well-known and popular reed brands. Vandoren has perfected the reed producing system. To preserve its moisture content, each reed is individually made and packaged in its own plastic sleeve. I have used Vandorens ever since I played the saxophone for the first time, and I still do. I've experimented with several brands and fashions, but never skimp on reeds. Bring on the Vandorens.
4.5/5
Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
$234
Amazing reeds like these. They sound fantastic and are very reliable. However, you do need to break them in, and it's not too difficult. You place the entire reed in your case after soaking it in water for a few minutes each day. Then take it out later and play on each reed for no longer than 5 minutes; often, these reeds will play beautifully after 4–5 days. There are several subpar reeds in the box, but this is standard. Rico reeds perform better than even junk reeds do.
4.5/5
Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
Strength 2.5, Unfiled cut, package of 3 reeds
Priced affordably for educators
Also offered in 10-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
$234
I've always used Rico reeds. They have always been my preferred game when I learned to play in elementary school to the present. Even though I've tried other brands, I keep going back to Rico Reeds. They just work for me, therefore I feel comfortable using them. I've been playing the tenor sax for more than 35 years, and they just feel right. I don't bite down on my sax mouthpiece with my teeth like they teach the younger generation; perhaps this is why Rico reeds appear to fit my playing style. They succeed in my book any way.
4.4/5
Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
$234
Amazing reeds like these. They sound fantastic and are very reliable. However, you do need to break them in, and it's not too difficult. You place the entire reed in your case after soaking it in water for a few minutes each day. Then take it out later and play on each reed for no longer than 5 minutes; often, these reeds will play beautifully after 4–5 days. There are several subpar reeds in the box, but this is standard. Rico reeds perform better than even junk reeds do.
There are a few ways to tell if you need a new reed. If the reed is chipped or cracked, it definitely needs to be replaced. If the reed is starting to fray or split, it also needs to be replaced. You may also need a new reed if it doesn't vibrate as well as it used to or if it doesn't produce the same sound.
If you are having difficulty producing a sound on your instrument, or if the sound you are producing is not the same as usual, your reed may be too hard. There are a few ways to test if your reed is too hard: 1. Try bending the reed. If it does not bend easily or at all, it is too hard. 2. Try playing a note on your instrument. If the note is sharp or does not sound clear, the reed is too hard. 3. Try wetting the reed with your mouth
If you are having trouble getting a sound out of your reed, it may be too soft. If you can bend the reed without it breaking, it is too soft.
If you are a beginner saxophonist, you may not be able to tell if your reed is bad. However, there are some signs that may indicate that your reed is not in good shape. If your reed is cracked, chipped, or damaged in any way, it is probably time to replace it. If your reed is not vibrating properly, it may also be time for a new one.
Tenor sax reeds last anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on how often you play, how well you take care of your reeds, and the quality of the reed. If you play your saxophone every day, you will probably have to change your reed every 2 weeks. If you take good care of your reeds and only play a few times a week, your reeds could last 2 months or longer. The quality of the reed also plays a role in how long it lasts - cheaper reeds will not last as long as more expensive reeds.
Saxophone reeds usually take around 24 hours to break in. However, this can vary depending on the reed and the player. Some players may find that their reeds take longer to break in, while others may find that the process is quicker.
COPYRIGHT © 2019
