Reeds [Poll] Favourite Tenor reed strength

[Saxlicker]

I think I know what will come out top but anyway....

The strength comparisons are from here
http://www.ricoreeds.com/SaxophoneStrengths.htm
They are based on most of the rico range (Standard through plasticover, la voz e.t.c.)

Happy Holidays all!!

 

[Bobby G]

I voted 2.5 as I use RJS, Rico Royal or Alexander 2.5's, but if I used Vandorens I would have voted 2, as they seem to come up a little harder.

And again, happy holidays to one and all

 

[Linky Lee]

I voted 3, for tenor. I use Vandoren ZZs. I use 2.5s on alto though, I prefer them to the 3s.
When I used to use RJS I used 2H on alto/tenor.

 

[frankb]

2.5 for RJS 2M's

 

[spike]

Hmmmn, grrrr, when I was a young long haired whippersnapper I'd use fives with the ends chewed off and a heavy bottom whisky glass down the bell, . . . forty years later I'm on sanded down two and a halves with a lumbar support waistbelt and high heels, sorry, what was the question?

 

[Pete Thomas]

2.5 here. Gradually worked my way up to them from 4s and 5s

 

[DaveW]

Hmmmn, grrrr, when I was a young long haired whippersnapper I'd use fives with the ends chewed off......

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

 

[bobk]

When I started playng tenor (after a couple of months of alto) I got the impression that the reed was much floppier somehow than on the alto - it was harder to keep a constant pitch. I found it easier to maintain pitch with a slightly harder reed. No idea if this makes sense, but I prefer a harder tenor reed (3-ish) than alto reed (2 or 2.5-ish, van doren classic for pref, although I've found I also like pasticovers after Hannah said she'd like to try them becaise of the taste - or lack of it).

cheers,

Bob

 

[Linky Lee]

I've never really understood this 'reed taste' thing as a problem.
I don't like the taste nor dislike it, but that's beside the point. It only seems to last for a few seconds and then it's gone so even if you loath it, it's a very small sacrifice for a nice reed.

Though I did play a plasticover almost a year ago now, and didn't really notice any difference at the time to a cane reed. Sounded fine, responded fine and probably tasted fine too. I don't remember it being particularly lively like a nice cane reed though.

I may give some a go in the new year, Christmas money and all (hopefully 😛)

 

[frankb]

I didn't have any problem with the taste of reed until I opened a box of RJS 2M this week. God, but they were bitter! Horrible! >.<

I dunked them in Listerene for an evening and it's... well, it's helped! They might need a few more soakings as time goes by.

Haven't had a problem in the past. Must just be a bad box...

 

[Bobby G]

I reckon the taste of cane reeds is akin to wine-tasting; to me, the RJS can be a little harsh on the taste-buds at first, but have a nice finish. Whereas the Superials have a unique full-bodied yet mellow roundness to the taste; these are my favourites...

 

[Jules]

Plasticovers taste foul, they really do have a chemical, synthetic taste to 'em. They work superbly though and it's worth persevering with theri disgustingness, which quickly goes away...

 

[Bobby G]

Yup, I agree about the taste of Plasticovers (which I use on soprano), but it doesn't last very long.

 

[mfox]

i voted 2.5s i use superials and DC cut