Advice Please - Need Durable Reed

[hockeyfreek7]

Okay, I'm sure that there are tons of threads like these out there, but please bear with me.

I've been playing the alto saxophone for 4 years now (high school band). I play mostly lead alto in concert band, and 2nd alto in jazz band, and I usually play every other day. However, I'm having a hard time finding a box of reeds that will last me, while still providing a good sound. I've mostly been using Rico's (3s), though the Royal's have sounded far better to me.

Are there any suggestions out there. I'd like a reed that has good durability and tone quality. Many people seem to like the Vandoren ZZ's and V16's (over any of the Rico's). Though, I haven't tried either yet. I own a Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Sax.

Thanks very much for the help.

[kavala]

Okay, I'm sure that there are tons of threads like these out there, but please bear with me.

I've been playing the alto saxophone for 4 years now (high school band). I play mostly lead alto in concert band, and 2nd alto in jazz band, and I usually play every other day. However, I'm having a hard time finding a box of reeds that will last me, while still providing a good sound. I've mostly been using Rico's (3s), though the Royal's have sounded far better to me.

Are there any suggestions out there. I'd like a reed that has good durability and tone quality. Many people seem to like the Vandoren ZZ's and V16's (over any of the Rico's). Though, I haven't tried either yet. I own a Yamaha YAS-23 Alto Sax.

Thanks very much for the help.
Sorry to give you some bad news Hockey Freak, but when you have been
playing for forty years, you will still be asking this same question. :D

[TJS]

I have been using and recommending to my students Rico Jazz Select. I find they are nice quality and pretty consistent. I also like how they are graded in thirds. it's easier to dial in the best strength for you. Check them out.

[hockeyfreek7]

Okay, I haven't heard of those before, but I'll check them out. Thanks.

[Saxproof]

Try out the Vandoren Traditional for Classical (not consistent though) try Alexander reeds, very consistent to me.

[hockeyfreek7]

By the way, I'm also not looking for a super-expensive-top-of-the-line reed. I want something affordable, but good.

[hockeyfreek7]

Yea, I've heard a lot of people raving about the consistancy of Alexander reeds.

[Razzy]

I alternate between Rico Jazz select and Vandoren Java. They both play along the same lines, with the Javas being a bit of a "brighter" reed perhaps. Both brands are pretty consistent and the Javas tend to last me a little bit longer and require less of a thorough break-in process. Good luck!

[Joey the Saint]

Hockeyfreek, welcome to the world of sax playing.

Lately, I've been playing on Hemkes. The tone is sublime but they don't last for crap. I'll burn through one in a 3-hour gig; sometimes I'll burn through two. The cane just goes dead faster. I keep hoping I've gotten a couple of bad boxes, though.

In my experience, Rico Plasticovers last the longest but I don't like the sound that much.

Good luck, and let us know what ends up working out for you.

[hockeyfreek7]

Alright, thanks for the help. I'll be sure to post once I've tried a couple.

[hockeyfreek7]

Ok, so I've gone out and bought a box of Vandoren V16's. (Unfortunately...my local music store has basically just a choice of these, or Ricos) So far, the V16's seem alright. The second reed I pulled out of the box was pretty bad, but then again, you can't expect a perfect box.

The V16's seem kind of bright, not really the type of reed that I would prefer for concert band (classical). However, they should be perfect for when I play jazz.

[Brendan Muse]

Do you play one reed until it dies, and then pull out another?

If so, that's why they don't last as long. I break my reeds in slowly and cycle them, and over the last year, I've bought four boxes of five reeds apiece. And that's all I've needed.

[JL]

So far, the V16's seem alright. The second reed I pulled out of the box was pretty bad, but then again, you can't expect a perfect box.

I've found that V16s last longer than many other brands and also I seem to be able to push them pretty hard for playing blues/funk. I'm speaking tenor primarily, but also use them on alto when I play it (rarely). One thing I've noticed is a break-in period is required (this is true for many other brands as well). Some of the reeds that initially are hard to play end up being the best ones after a break in period. So don't just play a reed right out of the box once, then decide it's no good.

There are several threads on reed preparation. Here, I'll just point out that it's a good idea to play all the reeds in a box for a few minutes each, then come back the next day and do the same thing. After 3 or 4 days you'll begin to see which reeds perform the best. Generally, with the V16s, I can get about 4 out of 5 reeds to play well.

[58tenor]

Fibracels. The end to reed anxiety and frustration.

[JupiterSaxMan]

Hey,
I'm a real fan of Vandoren JAVA's they have a great tone quality, pretty free blowing and they last pretty long when you compare them to ricos. But again like everyone says every player is different and you'll have to try them before you find one you like.

[BariSkaJazz]

Fibracels. The end to reed anxiety and frustration.

I second that idea, just make sure you dont mess with the laminated underside of the reed (the side that comes into contact w/ the mouthpiece)

one reed will for the most part last until you break it, but they can be worn out.
they're like $10 a reed, buy two, alternate them, and you'll have at least a year's worth of playing for 20 bucks.

Not bad

[Ari]

Ok, so I've gone out and bought a box of Vandoren V16's. (Unfortunately...my local music store has basically just a choice of these, or Ricos) So far, the V16's seem alright. The second reed I pulled out of the box was pretty bad, but then again, you can't expect a perfect box.

The V16's seem kind of bright, not really the type of reed that I would prefer for concert band (classical). However, they should be perfect for when I play jazz.

Nice to see someone from the lower mainland on the board.
You just have to try a bunch and decide for yourself - reeds are a personal issue and if you ask 10 sax players you'll get 20 different opinions.

Yes, I know that selection around here is not as good as some of these guys are used to in the US - try Prussin Music in Vancouver on West Broadway, they have a great woodwind section and a decent selection of reeds.

[Ari]

sorry dupe post - server problems

[hockeyfreek7]

Nice to see someone from the lower mainland on the board.
You just have to try a bunch and decide for yourself - reeds are a personal issue and if you ask 10 sax players you'll get 20 different opinions.

Yes, I know that selection around here is not as good as some of these guys are used to in the US - try Prussin Music in Vancouver on West Broadway, they have a great woodwind section and a decent selection of reeds.

Thanks for the tip. I've just been going to various Long & McQuades...though they are quite disappointing for saxophone material. I'll try Prussin Music next time.

[imamfaja]

i agree with javas
javas rock, best reed i've gotten out of my selection of few reeds that i have tried.

[bubblegirlsax]

Synthetic reeds last longer. You could look into the Rico plasticovers.

[hockeyfreek7]

I'm thinking of trying out a fibracell. Which size would match up with a Vandoren V16 size 3?

Thanks

[Grumps]

Current Rico's almost had me dumping cane after about 30 years of their exclusive use... but it's just Rico. Apparently, whoever they've been sold to isn't making the same quality reeds of the past. Experimenting I found that Alexander makes decent reeds. Going with them for the time being.

[kavala]

I've been trying Francios Louis, $43.00 for a box of 10
from Roberto's in NY, at the suggestion of another forum member.

So far they are excellent in all respects.

[AlistairD]

I've just switched to Daniel's. They're cheaper in the UK than Rico Royals.... And a whole lot better....

[Ruediger Kramer]

try the vandoren reeds, the zz is 0.5 softer

[pearcey1024]

I agree with the suggestion of fibracells, but I've found they are a fair bit brighter than the cane reeds ive used (zz's and jazz selects) so they might not be ideal for concert bands or orchestras. You might want to also look into Legere reeds (normal cut, not studio cut) for a darker synthetic reed.

[barelytone]

Great, interesting darker tone, and much longer lasting than all the Vandorens = Zonda. Require a little more break in time. Also, they have sub strengths, so you can get a harder or softer 2.5, for instance.

[Giganova]

Fibracels. The end to reed anxiety and frustration.
I just bought my first Fibracell after too much frustration with cane reeds.

I have to admit that I am very disappointed: the fibracells sound dull and too harsh. Hate the sound. Sure you put them on and they work, but they have a horrible sound compared to the canes I use (mostly Zondas, sometimes Rico Jazz). The last thing I would do is compromise with my sound. I happily went back to cane reeds again.

[JoeyG]

My vote goes to Legere Studio Cut

Not dark at all like i've heard about the regular Legeres... very easy blowing, but good bright tone and projection throughout the range... much more flexible than other synthetic reeds so less chance of cracking

[speyman]

I've been trying Francios Louis, $43.00 for a box of 10
from Roberto's in NY, at the suggestion of another forum member.

So far they are excellent in all respects.

I'll also agree the Francios Louis reeds are good. Just a slight balance to the reed and they play great for a long time. I've only found 1 (reed) out of 5 boxes that was cut improperly.:D

[Rahspeak]

the original poster was wondering what reeds are not super-expensive, but still good quality. so for me the answer is immediately "La Voz". only a few bucks more for a box of ten than Ricos which makes them cheaper than most other brands, and, I think, still really really good. if you're used to Rico 3s try a La Voz medium.

[retread]

I agree with Rahspeak. LaVoz are durable, reasonably consistent, and reasonably priced.