Reeds Fun with a new box of reeds

[TimboSax]

It seems strange that both of the 3 samples were good reeds, I wonder if they have a different methodology for selecting sample reeds vs. standard reeds. Hard to imagine.

I found exactly the same thing when I bought a load of singles to try different brands, strengths etc. Odd, innit

 

[TheSooz]

I'm currently loving my Boston Sax reeds. Not had a duff one yet.....
.
.
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Well..that's the kiss of death then....

 

[rhysonsax]

I'm currently loving my Boston Sax reeds. Not had a duff one yet.....
.
.
.
Well..that's the kiss of death then....

Boston Saxophone Shop reeds are made by Rigotti whose own reeds are very consistent and long lasting. Rigotti also make reeds for Lupifaro, Roberto's Winds, Regal Queens and Francois Louis, all of which seem to be pretty good.

I've just bought a box of baritone Boston Sax reeds from Headwind in Bristol and Roberto's from reedsonline in France and am comparing them with Rigotti Golds which have been my favourites for several years.

Rhys

 

[TheSooz]

Good to know.. thanks.
My BSS ones came from Headwind too. Not actually sure where else sells them.

 

[turf3]

I have found over the years that the more I practice, the more I notice slight differences in reeds and the more discriminating I become about which reeds are acceptable. When I was practicing 4 or more hours a day preparing for my master's recital it seemed as if none of my reeds played as well as I wanted.

I have decided the way to save money on reeds is to never practice so most of the reeds in a box play "pretty good".

Interestingly enough, when I'm playing and practicing a ton, I never notice any reed issues, only when I'm not well practiced. When my chops are up to snuff I can just make them do what I want them to.

 

[thomsax]

I wet, play each reed for 20 mins or so, and label each one with a number. If it plays really well, I give it an additional mark. A couple of real good reeds will be reserved for a gig or rehearsal. The others I rotate each practice session, no matter how they play. Sometimes a duff reed will eventually play well. I've never had any success scraping, adjusting or anything - it always seems more trouble than it's worth, and I'd rather get on with my practice.

To "wet"a reed by sticking it into your mouthfor a few minutes is not enough. I use a plastic reedgaurd holder and place the rg+reed in a glas with water( just enogh to cover the end of the reed) for some hours or maybe over the night. The channels in the cane are soaking up water like all other tree materials ....

 

[BigT]

What does "Unfiled Reeds" mean on a pack of Rico reeds?

 

[Dave Dunn]

What does "Unfiled Reeds" mean on a pack of Rico reeds?

When the cane is cut it leaves a U shape in the bark on the back, a filed reed has had this part filed to be a straight line.

 

[BigT]

When the cane is cut it leaves a U shape in the bark on the back, a filed reed has had this part filed to be a straight line.

So is there an advantage to having a filed Reed?

 

[spike]

Have a look at this Rico Reed TipBook from one of my websites. It'll tell you all and a lot more besides about reeds that you didn't know. I found it after playing for over 30 years and was surprised by much of the info.
Rico Reed Tip Book

 

[sunsetandlabrea]

So is there an advantage to having a filed Reed?

Not according to Vandoren:

Filed reeds, or French Cut as they are sometimes called, are reeds with straight horizontal line cut just above the bark. Unfiled reeds, or American Cut, are identified by their distinct “U” shape at the bottom of the vamp, and no line. This feature has very little, if any, influence on the tone color of the reed.

 

[Dave Dunn]

So is there an advantage to having a filed Reed?

That's debatable as you've probably worked out by now, but some think them more flexible.

 

[Kenny Garrick]

I got some Boston Sax reeds for Alto also from Headwind and i am loving them, a great find and highly recommend you try them.

 

[Jimmymack]

Do you have any findings yet Rhys? I’ve tried the BSS and FL reeds and am a regular user of Rigottis. All are good, slight differences but in the end I’m probably going to carry on using the Rigotti as the differences and possible benefits of the others aren’t really worth another £1 per reed to me. Of the three I probably like the FLs the most but they are a bit on the hard side and take a fair bit of breaking in.

 

[JamesOxford]

Have a look at this Rico Reed TipBook

Thanks for this link.

 

[Ballymenaboy]

These days I open the packet, slap it on and play it. They must obey. Sometimes a quick scrape if they're stubborn.

Same could apply to condoms

 

[Jimmymack]

Has anybody tried the Rigotti Wild Ones? I know, silly name and a lion on the box doesn’t help, who knew there were wild lions in the south of France, but there’s them as says they have a different cut.

 

[Phil]

Synthetics:

I WOULD NOT, COULD NOT, IN A BOX.
I WOULD NOT, COULD NOT, WITH A FOX.
I WILL NOT PLAY THEM IN A HOUSE.
I WILL NOT PLAY THEM HERE OR THERE.
I WILL NOT PLAY THEM ANYWHERE.
I DO NOT LIKE PLASTIQUE IN STRANDS.
I DO NOT LIKE THEM, SAM-I-AM.

 

[Nick Wyver]

I really don't care any more. If it's about the right strength then it's fine. The difference between makes is inconsequential. My only issue with reeds is still playing them when they are somewhat past their best. For example, sop reeds that are unwilling to play A3.

 

[Guenne]

Boston Saxophone Shop reeds are made by Rigotti whose own reeds are very consistent and long lasting. Rigotti also make reeds for Lupifaro, Roberto's Winds, Regal Queens and Francois Louis, all of which seem to be pretty good.

I will try the BSS reeds in my shop on Friday...
Any comments (I'm also a Rigotti Gold player)? How do strenghts compare?
Tried the Rigotti Wild, but the tip is to thin for me.....

Thanks, Guenne