Reeds Alexander Superial reeds

[Bobby G]

I've used these in the past, and have just put an oldie on the tenor which sounds wonderful, richer than the Rico Royals I have been using, and less buzzy than RJS reeds, therefore I'd like to get some more. The problem is, the Superials don't seem to be widely available. Any ideas where I can get them? I'd prefer to walk into a shop rather than get them online, unless online is the only way. Thanks, Bob

 

[Saxdiva]

Hi Bob,

If you don't mind too much getting them online, Dawkes sell them for much less than elsewhere and have fantastic delivery. I use Superial DC on alto and tenor and think they're fabulous in terms of sound and consistency. Reeds Direct are another later native for great prices but stock levels aren't always great.

Dee

 

[wol916]

Plenty on line I usually buy a tin at a time, I like the fact you never seem to get a bad reed so on line is not as risky as with some other makes.

Warren

 

[dooce]

I've used these in the past, and have just put an oldie on the tenor which sounds wonderful, richer than the Rico Royals I have been using, and less buzzy than RJS reeds, therefore I'd like to get some more. The problem is, the Superials don't seem to be widely available. Any ideas where I can get them? I'd prefer to walk into a shop rather than get them online, unless online is the only way. Thanks, Bob

I would think WWR at Cambridge will stock them if you want a walk-in service.

 

[rhysonsax]

I would think WWR at Cambridge will stock them if you want a walk-in service.

Which is the physical shop presence of Reeds Direct. I wonder whether they offer the same price. I have had very good experiences with Reeds Direct, with rapid service, free postage and a helpful attitude.

But I have also had great experiences with Howarths, Dawkes and others.

Rhys

 

[Jules]

We've got 'em...

 

[bariandyf]

reeds direct - usually the cheapest around £29.25 versus £46 at sax.co.uk and £42.50 at Howarth's - I don't know how reeds direct do them so cheap.

 

[wol916]

I once asked an electrical retailer "how come your fridges are so much cheaper than everyone else" he said "buy 10,000 and you can sell them at that price as well".

 

[Saxdiva]

reeds direct - usually the cheapest around £29.25 versus £46 at sax.co.uk and £42.50 at Howarth's - I don't know how reeds direct do them so cheap.

Dawkes price is the same as Reeds Direct. Had good service from Reeds Direct, Dawkes is exceptional for service. I can collect from sax.co.uk and usually prefer face to face but with Alexander reeds, no contest.

 

[kernewegor]

Superials sound as if they ought to come from the Bristol areal - you know, where they talk about primul donnul ballerinuls...

I've dealt with Rapid Reeds several times. They are rapid, and some reeds are available singly (and very reasonably priced) which is handy if you want to try a different brand or strength. I get the impression that their stock levels aren't high across the board, but if they have what you want they give great service.

I have just got some RJS from Ackerman's - Rapid Reeds didn't have the strength I wanted to try in stock. Ackermans seem to have an enormous stock of an amazing variety of brands and their prices looked keen - well worth a browse online.

I looked at Dawkes but they were a couple of quid dearer 'cos they charge postage...

Changing the subject slightly, I once got a mouthpiece from a shop in Carlisle and for some reason instead of doing it from their website I had to phone them. They were very friendly and efficient and let me have it for the price advertised online even though it was out of date. I can't find the invoice, can't remember their name, but maybe someone here knows of them. They struck me as very good to deal with...

 

[Bobby G]

Good suggestions so far, thanks. There are a couple of shops I occasionally go near when I am working so I will drop in, or order online if I'm not in the area quite soon. My main reason for wanting to back to the Superials, apart from they have a sound and feel that I like is that, as has been remarked on by a few people, they are very consistent so it's rare to get a complete clunker in the tin.

 

[wol916]

I use the Superial DC as mentioned earlier by Dee and found them to have a better feel and sound with the metal mouth piece but it's a personal thing we are in the end all individuals.

 

[Andrew Sanders]

The tins are versatile too. Good for plectra, sowing requisites and my mate's thin stogies or homemade cigareets.

 

[wol916]

The tins are versatile too. Good for plectra, sowing requisites and my mate's thin stogies or homemade cigareets.

What is it about things that come in small tins that makes them seem that bit more special.

 

[Bobby G]

What is it about things that come in small tins that makes them seem that bit more special.

I don't know, but it is true. My lovely Doreen gets through exactly one tinful of my exquisitely constructed rollies per day, and I don't mean Jazz Woodbines

 

[TomMapfumo]

I like the Alexander Superials but they are still rated behind the Marca Jazz, and Alexander NY on Tenor for me!

 

[mrblackbat]

Anyone have input into how the three different types of superial reeds stack up, and in particular compared to Marca American vintage, Gonzalez jazz local and Rigotti gold jazz?

Strength, durability, tonal qualities, etc.

 

[EdJ]

Their website describes what they are closest too and how they were developed. I find them great. 4 types:
a) Superial (all are “superial” but these ones with a yellow label don’t have anything else after Superial ie they are not DC, NY or Classique) - like RICO brown box / orange box
b) Classique are like French cut reeds eg Vandoren classic. The only option for sopranino sax and bass clarinet and great on both.
c) DC similar to Classique a bit less stiff ie French cut I think but a bit less resistant at the same strength number as Classique.
d) NY are American cut maybe more jazz orientated. I think they were developed with Brecker

 

[EdJ]

Alexander Reeds-Superial Reeds

www.superial.com

 

[mrblackbat]

Yeah I've read all that before, but marketing is marketing. Real player opinion is far more important to me, especially from someone who might have tried them all.

I really like Gonzalez in the past, but I'm finding the thin tips are making them die too quickly, and perhaps with the increased practise I'm doing my chops have strengthened and they're sounding fuzzier than before. Previously I would have said Rigotti Gold Jazz 3Ms were too hard for me, but I've now been playing those for a few weeks with good success. In the process of ordering and thought I'd throw some others into the mix to see how they fair; Marca have been OK in the past, so was curious how the superials stand up.

In any case, I've thrown some NY and yellow box into the cart, so we'll see when they show up.