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Reeds Reed advice

Scoob

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Hello what are some good reeds for jazz and classical that will last a while
 
Hi, I have tried a few over the years and always go back to Rico Royals, and La Voz.
 
I've been happy with Rico Royals over a very long time.. At present I'm using `Marca Jazz on the alto and liking them as well. My reeds last long enough, and these days I use the reed cutter on them if they play soft prematurely.
 
On sop I used to use RJS then tried Gonzales which I quite liked abut am using Hemke at the moment. Try a few is the best advice.

What sax mouthpiece do you play?

Jx
 
Hello what are some good reeds for jazz and classical that will last a while

All of the reed brands that we can buy are presumably liked by some people, otherwise the companies would stop making them.
So I don't think you will get any sort of consensus in this forum about what reeds are best.
And the reed that is best for me and my saxophone and mouthpiece will not be best for you.
And personally I sometimes use different reeds for classical and jazz.

This means, unfortunately, that you will have to try various sorts of reeds yourself to see what you like.
This can be an expensive and frustrating business, particularly since the strengths are not consistent across brands.
When I started, I got a pack with a variety of different reeds to try, like these:
Vandoren Tenor REED-PACK - Sax.co.uk - The Worlds Leading Saxophone Specialist
The ULTIMATE Tenor REED-PACK - Sax.co.uk - The Worlds Leading Saxophone Specialist
 
NIgeld is spot on. Lots of views and lots of choices. If lasting and consistency are desired you may want to try some of the synthetics. I personally use fibracell except for sopranino (they don't make them). There are other brands that others like as well. The advantages of synthetics is that they last many times longer and (theoretically) each one is identical. With all cane reeds you are dealing with a natural substance that varies from one to the next, so consistency isn't usually that good. If cost per play time is considered, most of the synthetics will be cost effective as there are (usually) no duds and the life of the reed is much longer.

If I were teaching beginners I would specify that they should ONLY use synthetics. With all of the other variables and things that they need to get happening taking the reed (as a variable) out of the equation makes perfect sense. After they have got their act somewhat together they can join the rest of us in searching and quibbling about what reed is best. Ha!
 
For alto, I carry five different brands in two different cuts. Venue and company will decide which goes on. Inside, outside, solo, small ensemble, section, front line. New Orleans, Swing, Funk, Dance.
 
For alto, I carry five different brands in two different cuts. Venue and company will decide which goes on. Inside, outside, solo, small ensemble, section, front line. New Orleans, Swing, Funk, Dance.
Wow, that sounds really interesting. What kind of mouthpiece and reed are you using for outdoor?
 
Same mouthpiece. Lelandais. For recording and inside with backing tracks, Rico Reserve (FC). Outdoors Vandoren Blue FC. Outdoors with tired lip Hemke FC. also section because they blend nicely. Sitting in with a NO front line that requires more volume than subtlety Gonzales RC.
 
I used Rico Royals for most of my playing life, both for classical and jazz. I know a lot of players like to have a specific type for different applications but i found it easier with a good "all-rounder" instead. Now that i play less & less classical, i've moved to a more specific jazz reed, red javas vandoren.
R
 
Same mouthpiece. Lelandais. For recording and inside with backing tracks, Rico Reserve (FC). Outdoors Vandoren Blue FC. Outdoors with tired lip Hemke FC. also section because they blend nicely. Sitting in with a NO front line that requires more volume than subtlety Gonzales RC.
Thanks so much. This helps a lot!
 
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