Boston Sax Shop Reeds vs Rigotti Gold

This is an expensive reeds comparison review. Let's compare the Rigotti Golds #2.5 Medium and the BSS #2 reeds to each other. Which sounds best to you?
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Rigotti Reeds via wwbw:
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Cheap Reeds Review Pt 1: • Cheap Reeds Review Pt. 1
Cheap Reeds Review Pt 2: • Cheap Reeds Review Pt. 2
**
La Voz $18.99 /5 $3.80 per reed
Rico Orange $32.99 /10 $3.30 per reed
Royal $34.99 /10 $3.40 per reed
Giardinelli $21.95 /5 $4.39 per reed
Hemke $18.99 /5 $3.80 per reed
Juno $19.99 /5 $4.00 per reed
**musiciansfriend prices as of May 2021
***
Rigotti Gold $38-$43/10 $3.80-4.30 per reed
Boston Sax Shop $46.99/10 $4.70 per reed
***Amazon Prices as of May 2021
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[@HB-ve4wi]

It's so refreshing having you doing reviews without obvious kickbacks. Thank you!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@Medicine1477]

This is what makes his reviews trustworthy.

[@grantkoeller8911]

60 years old and been playing Vandoren Green box Java 3.5 alto and tenor for 50 years...

[@hmoore76]

Thanks for creating and sharing this!

[@michaelmcdermott7349]

Sir valor, you seriously have my attention and respect! Love ya Man.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@crugil]

Thanks Sirvalorsax, very informative and honest..based on this video I ordered some rigotti gold 2.5s..I play alto and have been using Boston sax 2.5s which I like tremendously..I find they play best when left a bit longer in water.. I should say I'm a fairly new player; about a year, so, much of my practice time is auditioning different reeds so I don't end up in reed Hell..my favourites are Boston sax and with Legere Sig reeds I can be pretty consistent on the low notes..

[@drewismynick]

I was finally able to pick up your altissimo book! this will give me some great fun when i take breaks from learning MRI scans! thanks, brother!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Sweet, I could probably use an MRI myself! LOL

[@drewismynick]

@@Sirvalorsax well, if you get one in Athens ga, ask for Andrew!

[@Zephoshyrule]

I have to say there was something about the sound you were getting from the boston sax shop reeds that was just superbly soft, smooth, and lush.... If I had my way, I'd vote BSS for you all day!!!

[@linuskarlsson9529]

If you look at the back of the Rigotti Golds you’ll see that some of the reeds will have the “O” in gold filled and some will have the “D” filled and some will not be filled anywhere. The ones with O filled is 2,5 Light, the ones with D filled is 2,5 Hard and the ones that isn’t filled is 2,5 Medium. So if you like for example the reeds with filled O you can buy a box of 2,5Light and your reeds will be even more consistent. Not to defend rigotti but they have a couple of cuts, they have Gold classic and wild and some more. Rigotti is actually the company who makes the BSS reeds. I’ve been playing D’addario Select Jazz for many years but I’ve been experimenting with both these reeds for a while now and think I’ll convert to the BSS. I like the feeling and sound of the Boston Sax shop reeds more but I find the Rigotti Golds a lot more consistent, especially if you buy with micro strength. The Boston Sax shop reeds are more consistent than what I’ve been playing before so I’m happy with them but I think Rigotti Gold is the most consistent reed out there.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Great info, I'll look at those reeds

[@UserUser-pv2wo]

excited with alto sax announcements! ))

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@rickyhoward8025]

Yay I’m so excited and can’t wait till the release

[@Sirvalorsax]

Sweet, Thanks

[@mpbraendle9621]

Thanks for the review. I'm using Rigotti Gold 2.5 medium or strong on my bari. Very consistent, good sounding and long lasting reeds. Being lucky to be able to order them directly from my neighbor country France.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Sweet!

[@kevindeibert3369]

I just picked up some Java Reed s and so far so good

[@jseligmann]

Excellent presentation. By the way, I, too, play the Yibuy 9, and love it (after decades playing an old Larsen HR).By the way, the Francois Louis metal tenor small ligature is a terrific match for the Yibuy. Thanks again for all you do.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'll look into it, thanks for the tip

[@user-hv4nl9rn8t]

Make sure you get that plated.

[@samonsax1588]

Definitely Boston sax , Love the 2 1/2 I use on my NY 7 Otto link

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for sharing!

[@saxmusic7483]

Thanks you so much to try our Rigotti reeds. There is 3 size in your box. When the O of gold is black, it’s sOft one. When the D of gold is black, it’s a harD one and when gold is normal, it’s a medium one. After you can buy only 2S or 2M if you prefere. Hope I’d help you. Kind regards Eric Fillou of Rigotti reeds.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Amazing product. I hope to buy more with the specified strength designation in the future. 😀

[@user-zt3dv5cl4b]

Definitely will try out the Rigotti reeds. Concerning the fact that I agree that the van Doren's aren't consistent at all..

[@Sirvalorsax]

Good Luck!

[@PhinAI]

You definitely sound fantastic on the saxophone! ... and when you're playing the clarinet ... or flute.... Yes, Sir, your playing compliments those reeds very well!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@TWO20]

Even though you described the altissimo on the first BSS reed as a little soft, I think it sounded really full and rich.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I make on the fly adjustments that are very subtle.

[@km6206]

oh, it's a real review. On KZbin. Haha, I wasn't sure that they actually existed, haha.

[@Sirvalorsax]

😆

[@kevindeibert3369]

Nice sub tone

[@mprenn1547]

Both brands sound wonderful, but to my ears the Rigottis have a presence that is a bit more intimate....I use Rigotti on tenor and will definitely give Boston ones a go!

[@marcusbarstow7509]

In the UK we have difficulty in getting the Boston Sax SHop Reeds, I have seen the really good reviews on these and wanted to try some, however the import charges to the UK made this not a cost effective exercise. I did some research on the internet and found that the Rigootti Gold factory at St Tropez supply the BSS with these reeds marked up as their own brand (nothing wrong in that). I have just double checked this info and it’s still out there on the internet and that they are the same reeds. Don’t mean to sound negative as I do love your reviews and have followed your advice on several occasions

[@Sirvalorsax]

Rigotti makes the Boston Sax Shop reeds according to the specifications of Jack Finucane, the owner of the BSS brand. I'd try some if I were near the Rigotti shop in Europe. These reeds are cut differently from the Rigotti Gold reeds and have a brighter sound in my opinion.

[@jambajoby32]

That sounds correct but they’re a half & half cut so sliiiightly modified

[@TedMaciag]

I play both and plastic cover for outside when nothing else works. The BSS reeds for jazz, Rigotti for for the horn section on Bergs.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Nice. I moved away from Plasticover many years ago. They seem a lot stiffer now than from before

[@johnrogers7411]

BSS reeds are good. I’ve got similar order issues with them sending a strength I did not order. I checked order and requested 2s for Bari ended up with 2.5 but with reed geek I could work it down. Only thing I like about vandoren minus inconsistency is they last for a while. BSS don’t last as long in my opinion.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'll take that into consideration. Thanks for the heads up

[@thesunalsorise]

I agree with you that BSS seem to be shorter life comparing to Daddaio Select.

[@kevindeibert3369]

The Rigotti ‘s sound a tad darker (to my ear). These are hard to find here in the San Jose area. Hard to find Lupafaro too. Mostly Daddario & Vandoren, but there are quite a few to choose from here too

[@Sirvalorsax]

I've posted links if you want to buy online. I also get a small commission if you buy something from that link. These products can be difficult to find otherwise

[@TimothyGay]

Thank you for doing this video. Now do Rigotti vs Lupifaro. They're all made by Rigotti but they have subtitle differences.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I didn't know Rigotti made Lupifaro

[@TimothyGay]

@@Sirvalorsax Yup. They also make the Boston Sax Shop reeds and Roberto's Winds' reeds. The way I understand it via Better Sax, those companies partner with Rigotti to make reeds to their specs, which is why they all sound different. Either way, I'd love to hear a comparison.

[@Sirvalorsax]

@@TimothyGay Maybe I should have my own cut of reeds made by Riggoti!! 😆

[@PostMasterNick]

The traffic in the background sounds like waves crashing on the beach

[@Sirvalorsax]

I wish LOL!!

[@torvarrisevans3961]

Nice bro, I have a Jody jazz dv 7# , what you recommend the rigotti gold reeds for that setup. Am looking for a bright and edgy cutting sound

[@Sirvalorsax]

The Boston Sax Shop reeds are differently cut Rigotti reeds. I would go with the BSS reeds for a bright edgy sound

[@torvarrisevans3961]

@@Sirvalorsax thank u

[@MrGuto]

I've been playing the Rigotti Gold for a couple years now (out of my 20 years experience on tenor). I recently tried a box of BSS but they are not for me. They do feel very free, and that gives a nice first impression, but that fell wears out very quickly and you are left with a reed that is very hard to control. My embouchure actually tires up much quicker on them because of that fight to control it. I believe that comes from them hardly having any heart. I'm back on Rigotti and continue to love them.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Good point. I haven't played them long enough to know and I need to alter the reed strengths for the ones that I have picked. Thanks for the tip.

[@torvarrisevans3961]

Hi , well the rigotti gold reed work good with a Jody jazz DV 7#

[@MrGuto]

@@torvarrisevans3961 sure, as well as with many other mouthpieces. it's a great reed!

[@thesunalsorise]

I am looking for new reeds after 2 boxes of BSS. Like you said BSS appears to wear out very quickly.

[@diamondsnake4499]

Any baritone sax videos in the future?

[@Sirvalorsax]

I have to wait until I can get access to another baritone sax. I do have some videos already though

[@rickyhoward8025]

How would you compare these two brands to vandoren Java reds? I was actually looking into changing.

[@rickyhoward8025]

@Keanan thank you 🙏🏾 I will give them a try!

[@Sirvalorsax]

I like the sound of the Vando-Reds the best but.....I need the right size reeds to be really fair.

[@MrRTH10]

The BSS reeds are actually made by Rigotti, but with a cut designed by the owner of BSS. I found that the Rigotti Wild One reeds seem almost identical to the BSS reeds. I'm pretty picky about reed strength/feel, so I particularly like the micro steps Rigotti Gold offers that BSS and Rigotti Wild One doesn't. While I'd never turn down a free box of the BSS or Rigotti Wild One reeds, I'm willing to pay for the Rigotti Gold.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I was looking for the Wild ones but I couldn't find them anywhere

[@MrRTH10]

@@Sirvalorsax If you get some, I'm curious to know if you think they're like the BSS reeds. I went with the same strength as I do with the BSS (2.5) and Rigotti Gold (2.5 firm).

[@nickychuck]

Hi Sirvalorsax. This was a good video. Do you have any opinion on something I'm having trouble with ? I purchased a brand new Selmer Paris Soloist Tenor "E". This thing is awful for me I can't get high F# with out scooping for way too long. And that is really hard to even do that. Should I sell it ?

[@nickychuck]

Actually you know what ? Today must be my lucky day I am starting to believe I can play this thing ! I'm hitting that F# pretty decently right now. Maybe I was intensely observing you playing and learned some stuff. You the man Sirvalorsax

[@nickychuck]

Actually my mouthpiece can't play the Legers. Kinda funny since I posted this and learned it on this particular video. I'm going to learn how to buy reeds...

[@Sirvalorsax]

You know this is a classical mouthpiece, right? They usually have a very low tip opening which can make the extreme register of the instrument difficult. I would try stiffer reeds. Try slurring into it from the highest note you can hit which I'm assuming is an "F".

[@nickychuck]

@@Sirvalorsax Hi again. Yeah I'm able to play it now, except most of the time I have a lot of trouble hitting high F# without a "Scoop" or delay of sound. Also it just feels like I'm going against the grain. One more question though I thought you said there are many classical players who can play the extreme registers ? Thank you for your response and I will start back with a jazz mouthpiece now.

[@saxyric8992]

were these the 2 1/2 light medium or hard? The pink label on the box is signifigant.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Oh snap!!, Good Point, These are the mediums. I'll keep that in mind for next time

[@alejandrosantana5133]

Dude you convince me that someone can strap a 2x4 on a sax mouthpiece and sound amazing on it

[@Sirvalorsax]

😆

[@soulsax58]

Both reeds along with a lot of other brands are made from Rigotti cane. My experience (I play on #3) is that the BSS reeds are harder that the same strength Rigotti Gold Jazz because they have a thicker tip. So your mileage may vary but your strategy for ordering your next boxes is backwards from my experience.

[@espr7564]

You sound best on those Vandoren Red Box 😎👍

[@Sirvalorsax]

:)

[@JeremyPlaysSax]

8:30 - That's the strychnine.

[@kevindeibert3369]

Java Red box

[@rakuuun4582]

Any soprano book in the coming future?

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'm working on a saxophone tone production development book

[@rakuuun4582]

@@Sirvalorsax looking forward to that

[@OniChimmy]

so based on your usage of that yibuy mouthpeice is it worth it?

[@Sirvalorsax]

Ohhh Yeah!!! Keep in mind, I have a lot of experience with playing many mouthpieces, and I have worked on this mouthpiece a little bit.

[@OniChimmy]

@@Sirvalorsax Yeah so I'm not gonna buy that. Also according to some Amazon reviews you need a cork the size of an elephant foot right?

[@josecervando786]

Tenor sax ya tengo con su boquilla normal y quiero cambi asé boquilla música moderna que estaría bueno gracias

[@willipuga]

epic

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks

[@michaeldezelar6264]

I assume you know they're both made (and grown) by Rigotti. The difference is that the BSS cut was designed by Jack (Mr BSS himself). BSS has a thicker tip for a darker sound. Weird the perceived differences in the cane, since they both come from the same cane fields in South France! 😄 Also, for classical, Rigotti does have a Gold Classic reed that they make (in a red box).

[@Sirvalorsax]

Thanks for the info. The different cuts make a huge difference in response

[@lucassstache8069]

6:55 you got an alto???

[@Sirvalorsax]

Almost....

[@thepianokid27]

All that ‘worse of the bunch’ rigotti needs is a little stroking from a reed geek and it should turn out be a winner!

[@Sirvalorsax]

Sand paper is pretty good too

[@josecervando786]

No entiendo el ideoma pero te sigo viendo.

[@simonhassen9583]

Thanks for the video. You'll lower your potential bias using a double-blind study.

[@Sirvalorsax]

I'll consider it, They sound/feel super different to me though

[@simonhassen9583]

​@@Sirvalorsax Yes, Sir.

[@grantkoeller8911]

BSS reeds are made by Rigotti, so really these are the same reed.

[@Ambaryerno]

Now to really screw with you: Boston Sax Shop reeds are actually manufactured by Rigotti. BSS are made to play darker.

[@Sirvalorsax]

Yep, I found that out after I finished the video

[@Ambaryerno]

@@Sirvalorsax Incidentally, I've found that the BSS reeds tend to be softer than comparable jazz cuts reeds, so you may need up your strength by a half to whole strength to get the darker sound they advertise.

[@Sirvalorsax]

@@Ambaryerno I agree.

[@Zigrund]

Короче..Все лажа..

[@UserUser-pv2wo]

a disappointing comment.... can you highlight what exactly you consider as LAZHA and why?

[@Sirvalorsax]

?

[@UserUser-pv2wo]

@@Sirvalorsax never mind. It was just a guy with bad day