Sax Reeds

Sax Reeds

The universal reed, Vandoren Traditional Saxophone Reeds are widely used amongst pros in all genres. This reed is designed to construct a quality of exceedingly pure sound due to a very thin reed tip (the area of reed with greatest or most complete or best possible vibration) and a solid vertebral column (more cane in the area which climbs gradually to the heel). These reeds are recognizable by a straight line to delineate the limit of the area of bark. The favored reed of recognized saxophonists like Stan Getz, Lee Konitz and Marcel Mule, Vandoren Traditional Reeds have always been used with equivalent success by numerous players.

In this article we explorer respective methods for choosing saxophone reeds. This article is written for the novice player, but experts might find the selective information utile as well. Let us get started.

As most players know, saxophone reeds are not cheap. Furthermore, they may be rather inconsistent in quality unless a synthetic reed is purchased. Saxophone reeds are made from natural productions that cause huge quality differences. These deviations are present among sax reeds of identical brands and styles. Most manufactures do not utilise rigorous quality control exercises to see to it consistent production. However, in defense, we may not suppose each reed to be inspected or played before shipping. This may cause issues for players of all skill levels. What do we do regarding this? Let us consider a few scenarios.

Some stores will not permit a elaborated search of the sax reeds to find the best. In this situation, you buy a few of them, and hope it works out. In other situations, the store will grant a exhaustive inspection to find a good reed. Most high end shops will permit this type of action. Here is how we proceed:

First, take a good look at it. Hold the saxophone reed up to a bright light and thoroughly examine it for any chips, cracks, or holes. Do not choose any with those defects. Be alert for discoloration in the wood grain. If you see discoloration with a non-uniform wood grain, then discard that reed. Ensure that the wood grain is not coarse and has a consistent width. The reed ought to look as uniform as possible. Inspect for flatness, and watch for imperfections. A slight curvature is acceptable, but it will have to be limited.

Now, lets check for stiffness. If the store allows, gently flex the reed. Be careful not to break it! A nice reed will have to be more or less stiff. If the reed feels loose (you will get better at this with experience), then choose another. A loose reed may indicate that it is out of balance, and it is primary to eliminate this potential problem.

If you carry out the steps above, you will unquestionably increase your probability of finding quality saxophone reeds. Now keep in mind, it is not always possible to eliminate bad reeds. Since it is not possible to play the reed before purchase, I commend buying multiple reeds at one time in case of problems. I hope this article increments your chance of selecting quality saxophone reeds

Sax Reeds Pic

Sax Reeds Picture

Sax Reeds Picture

Sax Reeds Image

Most helpful client reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
Only 1 good one per box
By Videospeile spieler
These are great reeds with an amazing lifetime, but whenever i buy a box i only get like two good ones a box. that is to say, outstanding sounding. If you are a beginning student this won’t matter. but in high school, if i have to pay $26 for 2 reeds that i actually like…not so cool. These r outstanding for marching even though cause u may beat them up cause the bad ones do not sound good to begin with

1 of 1 persons found the following review helpful.
Not for a beginner player
By Arthur J. Campbell
I just started learning the alto sax and figured I try a #3 reed, but found out that the #2 or #2.5 is better for a beginner.

The product was fine it was genuinely me.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
Great Reeds
By C. McBryde
These are commended from the band director. They are much more costly at our local music store. This is a outstanding product and a outstanding price on Amazon.

See all 8 client reviews…