Reeds

[altosaxguy1]

I am looking to get a different kind of reed i have narrowed it down to Rigotti Gold, vandoren v16's, and Alexander Classique. Does anybody have any feed back on these reeds?

Garrett Ledbetter

[xuanvu]

I've been playing Alexander superior #3 with my Lamberson 5M for awhile and they have been really good, I suspect that the Classique is similiar to that. I also just ordered couple Rigotti gold reed from WWBW and they should be here soon, don't know how they will turn out thought.

Kenny.

[Vortex]

Aah, the quest for 'the ideal reed'.

i have narrowed it down to Rigotti Gold, vandoren v16's, and Alexander Classique

How? Did you try every other kind of reed and decide you didn't like them? Or are you just reading "product descriptions" and/or reviews? Those reeds are IMO completely different from each other and I don't know how you came to narrow your choices down to that selection. I think it's kind of preposterous to blindly think that only one of three different makes of reeds, which vary from each other quite a bit, could satisfy your sound and playing wishes. What exactly do you mean by a "different" reed? What do you want your next box (or tin) of reeds to do that your current brand doesn't do? The only way to decide which reed you like (or would like) is to try them. Don't listen to what anyone says about "This reed plays kind of like a hard java..." etc because mileage often varies. Don't even listen to other players using various gear, because how they sound on it could be very different from how you would sound on it. If I say ZZ's are dark and you say they're bright, then why should they be compared to anything? Now if you have some experience with reeds (and cash) and are just looking to survey the marketplace and see what's available, then that's a different matter. That's not the impression I'm getting, however, though you've given so little information that I don't even know what my impression should be.

Also what reeds are you currently playing? What strength? What kind of cut? How well do you take care of your reeds? Do you do any reed modification or adjustment? Do you prep your reeds (well)? Sorry, I can't give you any good advice without knowing all of this stuff. On that note, I'm a classique user, but have had very good experiences with Rigotti's in the past. Buy 'em a little hard. Sorry if I seem a little rude, I promise I'm just keeping things straight.

[saxamaphonegirl]

I've found the Rigotti's to be VERY soft and buzzy, the Classiques tend to be stuffy and the Vandorens are a good all around reed.

I used to play Classiques, but they can be very finicky. I think the D.C.'s are right down the middle with the Alexander reeds. Superials being soft and buzzy, Classiques being hard and stuffy, and the D.C. has the better of the others.

I've also heard that ZZ's are great reeds. I might try them the next time I need reeds. Right now, I have a stack of D.C.'s. No new reeds for me.

I heard that someone is coming out with a reed sampler sometime this year or next. It's supposed to have 2 of every size and nearly every brand of reed in it. It's probably going to be around $70. I'd buy one in the never ending search for the right reed brand. :)

[Vortex]

I heard that someone is coming out with a reed sampler sometime this year or next. It's supposed to have 2 of every size and nearly every brand of reed in it. It's probably going to be around $70. I'd buy one in the never ending search for the right reed brand. :)

Interesting idea, not for me though. Gotta play at least one box of reeds, preferably two, to decide whether any given brand of reeds is something I'd like to explore further. I'm settled though, of course (question for self: was that a joke?)

[saxamaphonegirl]

LoL.

Yeah, I remember when I was in Jr. High and I thought the only brand of reed I'd ever play were Ricos (orange box). :) Those were the days. ;)
Then some evil, evil person told me about other reed brands and now I know it will never end!! :)
It's a conspiracy. By whom and for what reason, I do not know.

[xuanvu]

I've found the Rigotti's to be VERY soft and buzzy, the Classiques tend to be stuffy and the Vandorens are a good all around reed.


Interesting (well, not really... that's the nature of saxes/accessories) how we have different results with Rigotti reeds... I received the Rigotti reed today, #2.5 Strong and they are REALLY GOOD... Out of 10, 5 plays like a dream; 3 really good, 1 ok, and 1 stuffy... That's not a bad number at all. Before that, I plays D.C #2.5 or #3... I guess the Rigotti is the right combination (as of now) for me then :)

Kenny.

[Brendan Muse]

Well, the ten Alexanders I've got are all great. It's a matter of personal preference and setup. Go forth, young man, and play!