Please help me Choose

[nagukush]

Hi Friends !

Just wanted to request for some help and guidance. One of my Friends has promised to buy me a reed in a few weeks and I cant decide which one to go for. I promise that I've read quite a lot of threads on reeds here and I'm posting this because I need a little urgent advice (I have to inform him)-

Considering my situation (I cant buy reeds regularly - or I should say I cant buy them at all because they're not available here in my Country !) which one will be the best for me-

1. Rico Reed of 2 Strength

2. Vandoren Reeds of 2 Strength

3. Fiberreed - http://www.fiberreed.de/webshop/index.php/cat/c1_Alto-Saxophone.html/XTCsid/e3a122d64d3f10ab5dcb817d8275aaaa

If Fiberreed, then which of the 4 models and which strength for me asa beginner.

4. Légère reeds - Alto Regular Cut or Alto Studio Cut ? Also which strength ?

5. Anything else which is better and will last very long ?

Also wanted to ask if Synthetic Reeds are harder than the natural cane reeds ? I mean will a Synthetic reed of 2 be same in softness as a Natural reed of 2 ?

Friends, I currently have only one reed of 3.5 and 2 reeds of 3. I cant really play with them because I find them very hard. Also they're of very poor quality (not branded) Gary has kindly sent me a mouth piece and a few reeds (which I'm yet to receive) and I thought that it would be good if I can have an extra reed also.

Kindly help me friends - I desperately need your advice and guidance. This is really a very serious and a precious chance to me because this may be the only chance in many coming months, that I can get a reed. They are not available anywhere in here... and I really dont want to make a mistake.

Kindly advice.
-Kush

[nagukush]

Friends, Kindly help me here please...

[Twombles62]

Different brands don't use the same measurements of strength.

[BertieB]

Hi there!

A synthetic reed will last longer but cost more. I have used and recommend a Bari * (Star) Soft Reed.Other synthetic reeds have their fans buy I have simply not played them Otherwise I recommend Rico Jazz Selects 2M as a very durable reed with very good sound. Try and get at least 4 or a whole box if you can. I have played Rico Royals, & Vandoren Jazz/Java/V16's which are all pretty good, but find the Jazz Selects better, and very durable.
Depending on the climate where you live I can see that a synthetic reed may be a better option.

Are Rico and Vandoren the main reeds available to you and, if so, which types?

Let us know!
Kind regards
BB8-)

[nagukush]

Hi there!

A synthetic reed will last longer but cost more. I have used and recommend a Bari * (Star) Soft Reed.Other synthetic reeds have their fans buy I have simply not played them Otherwise I recommend Rico Jazz Selects 2M as a very durable reed with very good sound. Try and get at least 4 or a whole box if you can. I have played Rico Royals, & Vandoren Jazz/Java/V16's which are all pretty good, but find the Jazz Selects better, and very durable.
Depending on the climate where you live I can see that a synthetic reed may be a better option.

Are Rico and Vandoren the main reeds available to you and, if so, which types?

Let us know!
Kind regards
BB8-)


Hi there !

Thanks so much for the kind reply and for caring.

Actually none are available to me here - I just mentioned Rico and Vandoren because I read about them here on the forums. I really dont know what other brands are there etc...

All I have now is a unbranded reed of 3.5 and 2 reeds of 3. They are not branded and just came wrapped in a old news paper bit... I tried to search everwhere here in India but I cant fnd even a single store that has Saxophone reeds etc

I really wish I could atleast have even 1 reed of a softer strength (like a '2'). Gary has sent me mouthpiece and a few reeds but they've not reached me so far... I hope I'll have tem soon...

Kindly advice on what should I get because I dont really know what to do... Will a synthetic one last atleast for year or so ? Are they very expensive ?

Kindly guide me a little...
Thansk again for caring :)
Kush

[al9672]

I'd go for some 2.5 reeds either vandoren or rico if you can afford it.
Stay with normal reeds for now.

There has to be a few band supply shops somewhere in India, you guys have plenty of bands.

Kush where are you in India ?

If any of these guys sell saxophones they should have some reeds

http://www.dazzleyellowpages.com/Search/?Musical+Instruments/Hyderabad
http://www.indianindustry.com/musicalinstruments/19534.html
http://www.zoomyellowpages.com/suppliers/musical-instruments.php

[BertieB]

Hi Kush!

I'm not the world's expert in reeds - if 3 strength reeds are too hard I would certainly go for a 2 strength. My preference would be Rico Jazz Selects 2M or LaVoz MS, closely followed by Vandoren Java/V16 2. A synthetic reed usually costs the same as a packet of 10 alto reeds in the UK. A normal reed lasts me at least 5 months if not damaged, and it is useful to follow the instructions for reed preparation found on the Alexander Superials website - they will last longer in this way. I soak mine in mouthwash before playing and generally rub them down afterwards with my thumb/fingers to compress the reed before storing.

From what you say are you not in a position to order online?
Do look at the Rico website for reed strengths - it seems pretty accurate to me.

Sorry I cannot help more at this stage. What sort of music do you play/want to play?
Kind regards
BertieB

[nagukush]

Hi Kush!

I'm not the world's expert in reeds - if 3 strength reeds are too hard I would certainly go for a 2 strength. My preference would be Rico Jazz Selects 2M or LaVoz MS, closely followed by Vandoren Java/V16 2. A synthetic reed usually costs the same as a packet of 10 alto reeds in the UK. A normal reed lasts me at least 5 months if not damaged, and it is useful to follow the instructions for reed preparation found on the Alexander Superials website - they will last longer in this way. I soak mine in mouthwash before playing and generally rub them down afterwards with my thumb/fingers to compress the reed before storing.

From what you say are you not in a position to order online?
Do look at the Rico website for reed strengths - it seems pretty accurate to me.

Sorry I cannot help more at this stage. What sort of music do you play/want to play?
Kind regards
BertieB

Hi there !

Thanks for all the help. I can purchase them online, but I'm saving for my Saxophone... My friend will be purchasing them online for me...

So should I just go for the Rico Jazz Selects 2M, a box of 10 Reeds ? Even in that, there seems to be 2 options of 'Filed' and 'unfiled' - which one would be better ?

Thanks again for all the care...
-Kush

[Canadiain]

Kush, do you know what sort of mouthpiece it will be going on? The right strength to choose will be influenced by the tip opening of the piece...on a small tip piece (like a Selmer C or Yamaha 4C) a 2.5 or a 3 would probably work (the softer one for a beginer) On a more open piece like a Meyer 6 or 7, or a selmer E size, then something softer might be better, like a 2 or 2.5 , BUT, there are no hard and fast rules.

Vandorens are harder than Ricos of the same number, and generally more expensive. Ive played Legere artificials, and they were OK for me, but took some getting used to. Studio Cut for sure, the others are like planks, and they tend to run on the stiff side, I wouldnt go for more than a 2 in a legere studio cut as a relative beginner, but would probably recommend cane for starters anyway normally. They do have the advantage for you that barring physical damage they will last a very long time, and are not affected by heat and humidity. If thats a factor where you live then you might want to consider the Rico Plasticover reeds too. These are essentially the same cut as a Rico Royal, which is a good reed in its own right (and what I use, cos they are good value). They are a bit more than the regular Ricos, but might be better if its humid where you are...sort of a cross between a regular reed and an artificial one.

People get very wrapped up in their reed choice, but as a novice I would start with the tried and tested bog standard choices...either the basic orange box Rico, the Rico Royal or the blue box vandoren reed. For a closed or regular tip a 2.5 might be best, although I confess that when I started to play again after a loooooooong break, I went for something softer (2) until I had strengthened up my chops again. Once you have a decent basic technique, then I would start to experiment with other brands and see what subtle differences they have can do for your tone etc. All my reed strengths here are based on Rico...remember vandoren are probably a half strength harder...but comparison charts are easy to find online.

Good Luck..remember, be prepared to be wrong first time and ready to get a different strength, as really until you have played a bit it will be a guess...another reason not to buy something more esoteric and expensive...

Eventually you will probably move up in strength from whats right for you now as your chops develop, so I would err on the high side at first, then at least if its wrong now you will probably not be wasting money on reeds you will never use...even if you may have to go down a strength or half strength to find a reed for where you are at now...

It would be great if we could just send you a selection of types and strengths, god knows Ive got enough spares and cast offs of different strengths in my drawer at home...

[cymru97]

If anyone does have spares and cast-offs you could drop them in the mail to me and I will load them up with Kush's horn. I've got a handful myself that I'm including, I think I tossed in a Legere 2, can't remember at the moment...

PM me if you want to send something along in the package and I'll be happy to include it.

-Andy

[nagukush]

I'd go for some 2.5 reeds either vandoren or rico if you can afford it.
Stay with normal reeds for now.

There has to be a few band supply shops somewhere in India, you guys have plenty of bands.

Kush where are you in India ?

If any of these guys sell saxophones they should have some reeds

http://www.dazzleyellowpages.com/Search/?Musical+Instruments/Hyderabad
http://www.indianindustry.com/musicalinstruments/19534.html
http://www.zoomyellowpages.com/suppliers/musical-instruments.php

Hi there !

Thanks for the kind reply... Honestly, I've tried everywhere and searched all over the internet too. I've also enquired the biggest music store in India ( who supply to all celebrities, People in the Movies etc but they say that they can only import something that I want and only if its in big quantities...

Its really hopeless... they say that to get the reeds, I'll have to wait for 4 to 5 months more atleast (that is when they'll be importing all the orders together...)

Anyways, thanks for caring so much and for the links....
Have a wonderful day !
Kush

[nagukush]

If anyone does have spares and cast-offs you could drop them in the mail to me and I will load them up with Kush's horn. I've got a handful myself that I'm including, I think I tossed in a Legere 2, can't remember at the moment...

PM me if you want to send something along in the package and I'll be happy to include it.

-Andy

Hi Sir,

Thank you for caring so much for me :) How is my Angel doing ? I'm really excited and I think about her everyday (I think I should say every minute :) ) I just wish that everything works fine and I'll have my Angel very soon...

As I've said before , we both (me and my Angel) are going to achieve great things in life - We'll become the best Saxophone-Player pair ! (sorry if this sounds overambitious or over confident, but this thought motivates me more and more)...

Thanks again for caring so much - I'll always be grateful to you, forever :)
Have a great day and keep smiling :)
Kush

p.s Angel is my darling Saxophone which cymru97 is kindly selling to me... I'm getting closer and closer to my dream of having her in my hands :)

[bluesaxgirl]

Hey Big Bro, :)

I started on a Rico 2, but a Vandoren 1.5 would be the equivalent, and IMHO, is a better reed. But Rico's are cheaper, and at your stage, I doubt you could tell a difference, so for now, I would go for price. You may end up really liking them in the long run too.

[nagukush]

Hey Big Bro, :)

I started on a Rico 2, but a Vandoren 1.5 would be the equivalent, and IMHO, is a better reed. But Rico's are cheaper, and at your stage, I doubt you could tell a difference, so for now, I would go for price. You may end up really liking them in the long run too.

Hi Little sis ! :)

Thank you so much for caring and for the kind advice... Then I guess I should go for the Ricos for now ? I'll let my Friend know, but I'm not sure when he'll be getting them for me...I spoke to him on phone a few minutes back and I guess he will buy a few reeds for me by next month or so...

Anyways thanks lot my little Sis :) Have a wonderful day and always keep smiling :)
Lots of Care and Affection
Your big-bro :)
-Kush

[nagukush]

To Canadiain


Hi Sir,

Thank you so much for the advice. I guess I cant really decide by myself... there are so many choices, brands etc and I've never even seen or held a good branded reed in my hand... I'm not even sure if the reeds that I have are for Alto saxophone. The Shopkeeper said that he got them about 2 years back and he too was not sure if they were for Alto Sax... He said that these were universal and could be used on any type of saxophone...

Anyways, I guess I should study more about the reeds before getting any. I also have some time because my Friend would be getting the reeds for me online, after a month or so...

Thanks anyways for taking the time for me and for trying to help me out...

Regarding the mouth piece, I'm not really sure what Gary has sent me, but I know that it will be a very good one. More importantly it is a gift of love and Gary has really been like an elder brother to me, guiding me since I joined the SOTW Family... I'm sure he know what is best for me...

Thanks anyways, Sir - I'm really grateful :)
Have a nice day !
Kush

[Bebopalot]

Nagukush, you are the most humble, nicest and well mannered SOTW member I have ever encountered. It's a pleasure. :)

I would suggest to anyone starting out on sax, to try as many different reeds as possible, even if you live in India where there are not any opportunities to purchase many reeds. Keep it simple. Rico 2 or 2.5's should work with a new player, depending on your mouthpiece of course. Rico reeds are available from a wider source also.

[nagukush]

Nagukush, you are the most humble, nicest and well mannered SOTW member I have ever encountered. It's a pleasure. :)

I would suggest to anyone starting out on sax, to try as many different reeds as possible, even if you live in India where there are not any opportunities to purchase many reeds. Keep it simple. Rico 2 or 2.5's should work with a new player, depending on your mouthpiece of course. Rico reeds are available from a wider source also.

Hi Sir,

Thank you for the kind and friendly words - Sir, its YOUR kindness that you think about me like that - Thanks also for the caring advice :) I just wish that I can prove myself worthy of all this love one day , through my Sax playing - I really want to make you all friends proud of having me as a SOTW Member. I desperately want to prove myself and to be known as a good musician and a sax player rather than what I'm now - a person who just talks and keep asking questions :) ;)

If I may speak personally here, I wish that I become a good player and develop good technical knowledge soon, so that I can help 'future' beginners and students with all their questions and doubts. I really want to contribute a lot to SOTW rather than just being present here...

Anyways, I'm sure I WILL someday, and also very soon, if I have the blessings & love of all you wonderful people here...

Thans again !
Have a beautiful day !:)
Kush

[CooolJazzz]

I'm happy to hear that you may be receiving some donated reeds. That should help for now.

[barisaxi]

if you'll be playing for long periods of time (or outdoors) get the synthetic reed.

personally, i don't like vandoren reeds....

try to see if you can buy a single reed from each pack ( not the synthetic, at these tend to cost a bit more money)

try it out to see what you like best.

[nagukush]

if you'll be playing for long periods of time (or outdoors) get the synthetic reed.

personally, i don't like vandoren reeds....

try to see if you can buy a single reed from each pack ( not the synthetic, at these tend to cost a bit more money)

try it out to see what you like best.

Hi there ! :)

Thanks for the kind advice and for caring - Thanks for the reply.
Have a Wonderful day ! Keep smiling :)
Kush

[nagukush]

To CooolJazzz


Hi Sir !!! :)

I hope all is well and great there !

Sorry for the delay in replying - had some problems with the PC & Internet. Actually I had typed a long reply to your kind advice, but when I clicked the submit button, it all just vanished because of the internet problem :cry:...anyways thank you so much for caring and for all the affection Sir. :)

Sir, I perfectly understand and agree with what you've said and I guess I'm already starting to understand the great importance of Reeds. I just wish that I was in a more advanced place, with atleast one music store and a few musicians...

I'm also happy to let you know that I've been reading a lot, collecting a lot of study material, and have been praciticing Long Tones, Articulation, Dynamics, Vibrato etc... I know that it will take a lot of time to develop all these and I'm truly prepared to have patience and more importantly, to enjoy every single step of my Sax education... I know its going to be VERY challenging but with the kind help and blessings of all you wonderful SOTW Friends, I'm sure and confident that I'm gonna make it ! :)

Sir, as you had adviced and guided me before, I understand that this Sax education will require much investment and though my Financial situation is not very good now, I can literally feel the burning desire inside me, to learn and to e able to play the Sax - I truly want to work hard and play well Sir... I did think a lot before jumping in, but then I decided to leave it all in God's hands and take life as it comes...

If I may speak personaly here, I firmly believe that investing in ones education is the wisest thing to do and is the best investment in the world, as it continues to pay back throught ones life... Anyways, I just wish I was in a better situation and had more money to spend on my education and equipment...lol.. :D

Anyways, sorry for the long reply Sir - Kindly excuse me if I've said anything wrong or conflicting...

Thank you so much for caring for me and for guiding me always - I'll always remain grateful to you, forever in this life, because YOU were one of the first reasons that inspired and motivated me to take up the Sax :) Thanks for being so wonderful and caring :)

Take care and Have a Beautiful day !
Lots of Love and Warmest Regards
Your No-1 Fan in the World (no butterings intended):)
Kush

[Jolle]

I vote synthetic too : less prone to changes in humidity and temperature, lasts longer.

I've used the Bari reed, and it is nice to start on, but not really the Holy Grail tonewise... hum hum...
Fibracell gets good comments from quite some people, but I personally never used them.

These reeds can be ordered online in fact in quite some stores (as normal reeds can be as well).

[gary]

Kush, do you know what sort of mouthpiece it will be going on?

I have already sent him a new Yamaha 5C and some 2 and 2.5 reeds.
If his friend is willing to get him a reed, then probably a #2 for the time being would do.
Kush, practically any decent reed will work for you at the moment. This doesn't have to turn into an encyclopedic treatise in the practical. Just get a soft or #2 reed from any reputable brand and make the best of it.

:) Now let's all go hug a tree and sing "We Are the World" arm in arm. :)

[nagukush]

I vote synthetic too : less prone to changes in humidity and temperature, lasts longer.

I've used the Bari reed, and it is nice to start on, but not really the Holy Grail tonewise... hum hum...
Fibracell gets good comments from quite some people, but I personally never used them.

These reeds can be ordered online in fact in quite some stores (as normal reeds can be as well).

Thanks for the kind advice and for your opinion - actually I desperately want to buy & try a Synthetic Reed and I've found many websites selling them. This one has many options - http://www.sax-plus.com/ but its just that I cant afford one right now... Anyways, thanks again for caring... I'll keep your advice in mind :)

[nagukush]

I have already sent him a new Yamaha 5C and some 2 and 2.5 reeds.
If his friend is willing to get him a reed, then probably a #2 for the time being would do. Kush, practically any decent reed will work for you at the moment.

Hi Gary !

Wow a Yamaha 5C !!! I've read a lot about it and if I'm not wrong, Its considered to be one of the best Mouth Pieces ! Thank you so much Gary - I'm really so happy and excited ! I'm just desperately waiting for my package to arrive and I guess it should be reaching me any day now (if I may speak personally, i have a strong feeling that the package will arrive tomorrow...)

Anyways, thanks for the advice and for caring as always, Gary - I just asked this because my friend offered to get me a reed and I didnt want his money to be wasted on something that I wouldnt be able to use... but for now he's postponed it a little (for a month or so) and I guess I'll ask him not to order the reeds for now - I'll be getting a great mouth piece and softer reeds anyways from you.

I desperately wanted to ask before, but I just didnt ask you regarding the mouth piece and reeds that you've sent me because I thought it wouldnt be decent and I was afraid that I might sound greedy if I asked... Thanks anyways for the precious gift, Gary - more than it being a very good MPC, It will always be very precious to me because its full of love and affection of a dear friend - a kind caring brother (if I may say) :)

Thanks anyways, Gary :)
Have a Wonderful day !
-Kush

[gary]

No problem, Kush. And you do know, don't you, that if you roll the mouthpiece in your hands three times while rubbing it, you can make any wish and it will come true. :D


;)

[nagukush]

No problem, Kush. And you do know, don't you, that if you roll the mouthpiece in your hands three times while rubbing it, you can make any wish and it will come true. :D


;)

Hi Gary !

LOL... :D:D:D if it was true then the first wish I would make is to be able to fly to Germany in a wink, so that I can give you big-warm hug, and study Saxophone under your guidance :):):)