Legere American Cut | Synthetic Sax Reed vs. Cane

An overview of the Legere Saxophone Reed: American Cut
Buy Dr. Wally a coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/dr.wally
00:00 Space, the jazzy frontier
00:00 Full disclosure
4:48 Cane and Abel
5:36 Signature Synthetic
6:26 American Cut
8:00 The Power of Science
9:00 Pros
13:26 Cons

[@mertzjd]

One Giant Steps for man, one Lester Leaps In for Mankind.

[@drwallysax]

Niiiice! Happy Monday, Jacob - hope your week is off to a great start!

[@clayandannasteinwinter8747]

I see what you did there

[@MrSpock71]

Doc, I think you missed one pro in your pros & cons list: for a developing player having a reed that gives you consistent feedback is truly a crucial advantage. With synthetics you have a fixed benchmark day after day and you see your improvements against that, rather than having to add to the equation the moodiness of your cane reed. For this reason alone I’ll never go back to cane… Thanks for your vids! Competent, informative, no nonsense and way too funny for a music channel.

[@drwallysax]

That's an EXCELLENT point! I'm learning Taekwondo with my son, I'm imagining how frustrating it would be if my uniform changed the way my kicks felt every time I practiced. That consistency is undoubtedly a game changer as well. I'm a fan of Legere now, obviously. Happy practicing !

[@MrSpock71]

@@drwallysax Tip for next vid: Taekwondo practice in space suits. Please?

[@drwallysax]

@@MrSpock71 *rrrriiiiiippppp* ooops!

[@lukeserrano62]

Great point! How I wished we had decent synthetics like this when I was starting out forming my embouchure back in the 90s. One less (big) variable to worry about.

[@russelljazzbeck]

I started clarinet at the end of February and it was the main reason I bought one early on and it's saved me tremendous time I was spending fiddling with cane reeds. I tried a vandoren cane reed today for the first time in over a month and it was really nice, but as usual after like 20-30 mins of playing it started to feel thuddy. I don't know how to handle that as such a noob, so I switched back over to my Alta for my lesson.

[@kevinngo9138]

Your friends must really love you to put that spacesuit on XD

[@drwallysax]

I'm a good saxophonist. I'm a very good teacher. My superpower: I can talk really smart people into doing really stupid $%#@. Happy Monday, Kevin!

[@angiefink5624]

I'm late to the party, but I just picked sax up again after 30 years away. I've been wrestling with cane reeds since starting back and it's been really frustrating while trying to develop an embouchure again and find a reed, any reed, that I wasn't constantly tinkering with. WOWOWOWOW! Hello Legere American Cut! Where have you been all my life. I can slap that puppy on and actually work on playing, rather than fiddling with the stupid reed. Game changer! And I never would have tried if I hadn't seen your video, Dr. Wally, so thanks!

[@bobbywhitney6262]

Dr. Wally I am a beginner "older" student on the saxophone and doing this as a "music" hobby and my instructor feels that when I brought the subject of using a SYNTHETIC reeds to cut cost of buy a lot of canes reeds he states that "beginner" sax players MUST use cane first and when I asked why he stated that it doesn't develop proper embouchure for playing. Well I have been playing now for a year and I have not had embouchure issues playing with Legere Synthetic reeds. I started with a size 2 and now I graduated to a size 2.75 and my instructor can't tell the difference. So I truly recommend that beginner sax players can start on synthetic reeds if they want to but also have the experience with cane reeds too.

[@JDReed]

I’m a high school band director. I’m also a middle school band director. I have also played in various ensembles which call for me to play a few doubles. As a performer I can’t recommend these enough. Which means(to me) that as a teacher I can’t recommend these enough to my students. Plain and simple. My beginning band students start on cane reeds and I introduce the plasticover reeds as an emergency reed. If they enjoy those then I suggest getting a Legere (signature or American) after they have settled on their reed strength. I demonstrate on occasion and they always ask “why do your reeds always just work no matter when you pick up your horn?” So, I tell them. Hope this helps.

[@JDReed]

Btw I’m a huge fan of the American cut! Something about that reinforced spine really works for me, however I did go down a 1/2 on strength instead of the 1/4 in comparison to my cane reeds (Rico Jazz Selects) Welcome to the dark side!

[@drwallysax]

Hey JD! Thanks so much for your perspective, it's exactly what I was looking for. Also, as a recovering middle school and high school band director - thanks for your service! It's a tough job, but has an immeasurable impact on young lives (as you know very well). As for the dark side - when do I get my Sith robes and red sabre?

[@bobblues1158]

You are covering all the points Doctor. I am a pro player with over 60 records ( jazz) and hundreds of jingle dates, shows, you name it.I am an old guy now and don´t tour any more. The last four years I was touring and recording (Jazz) I went over to Legere Signature on Tenor; Alto and Soprano and my stress level went to zero. The guys i was touring with asked " Bob, you are so much more relaxed on the gigs now. What´s going on? And I said " I´m playing on reeds that work every night, every set." I rotated them, wrote the number of how many gigs or sessions i used them on. Some mouthpieces are better with them than others. Now I am not touring and I have plenty of time to work on cane and enjoy the many nuances available with cane. It´s a hobby in a way. Legere were really good for me and I recorded some serious music on them and was very happy with the result. If I have an accident with a Legere, it is more expensive than a cane reed. Glad you addressed this issue. Can I get the space suits on Amazon? No one could hear i was play a synthetic reed.

[@drwallysax]

Love the perspective of a pro, thanks Bob! They don't have official Sononaut space suits on Amazon!!! That's crazy!!!

[@bobblues1158]

@@drwallysax Well I had my heart set on having my band, " The Vibration Society " suited up! But I will find them somewhere. Sononaut!

[@UncleTerry1001]

As a pro sax/clarinet player and teacher for over 50 years, one of the best features, which goes unsaid in your video, is for doublers. I can play a show or other performance, play on clarinet for 15 minutes, and pick up my alto without even worrying about whether the reed is dried out. I pick up my double and it just plays fine immediately-often its alto going to tenor- same reliable result. What a fantastic feature of the Legere reeds that I use on all my single reeds instruments! As you did cover, the weather situation is also totally eliminated- (except maybe for the temp of the surroundings, but that’s not the problem of the reed.)

[@FredBehning]

Absolutely! I played in a pit orchestra for "Suessical" last summer and the Reed 2 book called for Oboe, Tenor, Clarinet, and Bass Clarinet. I covered all with Legere reeds and it is such a joy to just "pick up and play" without constant reed management. Now if I could just get Legere to ship their English Horn reeds my world would be complete.

[@clairegoguen622]

Absolutlely. I play baritone sax with a Daddario Select Jazz unfiled 3S cane reed in a big band and double on bass clarinet using a Légère European Cut 2.5, which has more depth than the Signature Légère Reed. I also keep a baritone sax Légère American Cut 2.75 in my case and at time for playing home. Finally, I will definitely try a Bb clarinet Légère French Cut after.

[@clairegoguen622]

And I amso bought Légère soft oboe reed. Some concertists use them!

[@Alex-be8sk]

3D printed mouthpiece using a synthetic reed while wearing a space suit. Yup I’m at the right channel. Great review Dr. Wally.

[@drwallysax]

Video uploaded and comment by WallyBot 3000. Thank you for compliment human. Now. Go. Pratice. beep boop beep boop

[@brianclausen2344]

As a former "Pro" player and teacher who is now trying to get his chops back, I had my doubts due to the number of synthetic reeds I tried in the 80s and 90s. all of those, besides sounding like an electric razor stuck on high, left a bad taste in my mouth...literally! Since I have returned to a regular, as much as I can, schedule of practicing and hoperully gigging soon, I have taken an interest in Legere. I am primarily an alto player and Bari, but often do Tenor and soprano along with Clarinet. Having a good sounding/playing/tasting/feeling synthetic reed would take a lot of the concern I have while doubling. Your rough play testing today really showed how close these American Cut reeds sounded like a good cane reed! The sound was very very similar with just a hint of buzziness, if that is a word. The Signature cut sounded like a reed that was nearing the end of it's lifespan but still sounded better than many cane reeds out of a box. I like the idea of just pulling my alto off the stand and playing when I fit in my 20 minutes of practicing in betweenn work, chores, life! As for when a student should use one.... I would have to say when that student shows enough responsiblity with his cane reeds to understand the need to be careful with the synthetic. So That may be a shifty answer, but not all students are as responcible as another. If you need a year in schooling, Probably late Middle School to High School. You video, and others, have piqued my curiostiy. I will give a few a try and let you know my impressions. Now, I better go practice before Dr. Wallace yells at me again lol

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for your perspective, and I agree Brian! There is a buzziness, not unpleasant, but buzzier? Also agree with late middle to high school as a starter point. But this is all of course to say: GO PRACTICE!

[@scottabbott2269]

Band Director here, Brass Specialist. I LOVE these reeds!! I love the fact that my kids can go from playing inside with AC to outside in the Florida humidity and not worry about their reeds. I’ve told my kids these are required for Marching Band!!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Scott!! Even as a saxophone nerd, these seem like a no-brainer for marching band and many other uses. I remember playing at a conference at UF - man the humidity!! What part of Florida are you teaching? (and thanks for the input)

[@esalehtismaki]

One thing worth noticing is that wood (including cane) is naturally antibacteric, but the plastic reed you better sometimes clean thoroughly, same as mouthpiece.

[@joamon559]

'wood is naturally antibacteric' sounds like bollocks to me.

[@Gaz77a]

I play Alto in two concert bands and now only use the Legere American Cut reed in conjunction with the Claude Delange mouthpiece. I love the tone I get from the reeds. More importantly after we take rehearsal or gig breaks I don’t need to re-wet the reed. They are ready to play straight away. I love the consistency of the reeds and the longevity. The quarter strengths allow me to precisely select the reed for the mouthpiece being used. I do find the reeds soften slightly over time.

[@waxburner2781]

You are a great educator. I love listening to your channel. Keep it up you helped so many. Thanks...

[@Illuminati092]

I've been considering getting a Legere reed for a while, but finally chose to get one after your review. Got the soprano sax signature reed and I absolutely love it! Now time to get one for my alto...

[@hyrumbaird3950]

I’m a high school student and these have taken over-a huge portion of saxophonists and clarinetists have started using them, including myself. They eliminate a lot of the immature squeaks and squeals that characterize high school bands.

[@charlesbenoit5252]

I’ve been using them for years in my band. In the studio and on stage, they’ve never let me down.

[@drwallysax]

I've been impressed - and I'm super late to the party :0

[@jimimay33]

Hey Dr. Wally. I hope your having a great day. Thank you for creating this video. I just got the Legere American Cut reeds for my alto and soprano. I'm looking forward to working with them.

[@drwallysax]

They get the job done for sure! Good luck and happy practicing - lemme know how they work out for you!

[@CoffinZ12]

I was thinking about taking the plunge for going synthetic so thanks for the review Doc.

[@BruceWL]

I love the American Cut! It is all I play. Great review Dr. Wally!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Bruce! I'm a fan as well (though late to the party) 😉

[@debstephenson7299]

I have watched many of your Saxophone Academy lessons and have learned tidbits that I used when I taught students and now in my performances. I have used legere reeds for 4+ years and run into many professional musicians that criticize my use of “plastic” reeds. I enjoyed this reinforcement that I can now use in my responses. I rotate all my reeds and still have my first legere reed that has been used over 4 years.

[@genef3160]

Im 68 and just picked up the sax 5 years ago. I have never played an instrument so at my age every minute of practice counts. My biggest frustration with the sax was the reeds, too wet, too dry, always an issue when I wanted to practice. I started using Legere a few years ago and it solved my problem but I felt guilty not playing on cane. I thought every good player needed to play on a cane reed. I'm over that now and enjoy using the Legere American Cut. Thanks for this video Dr Wally, excellent!

[@miket101]

Great video, and as always I love your humour. I'm an adult learner and I use Legere American cut for the reason you mentioned - ability to fit a quick practice session in when I have a few moments spare without faffing around with a cane reed. Keep up the good work!

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Great review Dr Wallace. Hope all is well.

[@MattdaFlute]

Having a reed that just plays is just so useful for me. As a teacher of woodwinds I'll have several reed instruments on their stands ready to play. With the legere I just pick up the instrument and play no time wasted preparing my instrument in the students lesson. They are a gift for the doubler.

[@drwallysax]

As a doubler, you need all the help you can get! I can't imagine doubling and trying to keep 3-5 reeds working at a time!

[@wildman166]

You rock Doc !! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Smith family

[@chelsabailey1018]

Have started playing again after many years of being stagnate. So stagnate that I'd never heard of synthetic reeds until today!! Glad I came across this video!! I was having trouble with the lower notes and was happy that you said that playing a Legere reed can make ALL the difference on being able to play low notes better. ❤️ your tone when you play the Legere American Cut synthetic reed. Just ordered one!!! Cain't wait to start playing on it.

[@drwallysax]

Chelsa, this makes me so happy, thank you! So glad you're playing again, be sure to hit me up with questions and take advantage of all our great free stuff on the website!

[@sasakelala3360]

dang. now I wanna try one of those reeds. nice. Thank you for the review!

[@jaccar2020]

Bought one after this and wow 26 pounds for one reed but this has given me such a boost. Thank you just what the Doctor ordered.

[@mactech44]

I really enjoy your channel. As a repair tech I use synthetic reads exclusively to test instruments after repair. That way I eliminate a variable in test playing. By the way, a professional musician is one that has made more than they have spent on their gear when they die.

[@drwallysax]

Ha! I agree Don, that seems like an accurate definition!

[@williamglover5579]

Wow. I mean. WOW! For a long time (I started on tenor in 1973 -in 8th grade) I discounted the notion of even thinking about playing one of “those plastic reeds.” Over time I’ve started playing alto in my church worship team.. A month ago I got serious, bit the bullet and bought a Legere American Cut 2.5, 2.25, and 2.00. Gotta say that I was immediately impressed, blown away (insert your favorite adjective here) by the response that the 2.25 gave me! Dumbfounded. I do believe that beginners should have a good cane reed foundation, but instructors should be open-minded about synthetics! My low register opened up, I was able to play low C mp … I am a definite 63 yr old convert! LOL

[@mgman259]

Hi Dr Wally, it’s really reassuring to watch you agreeing with my own experience, that these Légère reeds are GREAT for adult amateurs with little time for fiddling about tweaking cane reeds. I bought good instruments to be sure that any shortcomings in the sound were down to me, but the cane reed was always an unhelpful variable. Légères are totally consistent. Also, I like to ‘double’ between sizes of sax, and a cane reed tends to dry out on the ‘dormant’ sax. I have had my Signatures for ever, but I preferred your sound on the American Cut, so I’ll certainly be giving them a whirl. Thanks for a great presentation of the pros and cons!

[@saxcowboy]

I as a doubler playing alto, tenor, soprano, baritone and flute i love these reeds! Always perfectly ready when you pick up the horn. Very good feature! I use all of these horns on almost every job. I like the American Cut!

[@joshonthatsax3660]

Great feedback. Sounds on par with what I've heard from a lot of educators.

[@francistaylor5097]

Dr Wally, I am now almost £90 poorer having bought American cut for Tenor and Alto, plus Euro cut on Bass Clarinet. These reeds are superb and perfect for me with limited practice time.

[@landonabernathy9063]

i have been using a 3.25 sig cut on my AL3 for all my college playing and it works for me lol

[@malcolmlund7938]

I'm classically trained, been playing for 40 years - now playing rock, blues, and a bit of jazz (my stretch goal!). Our prof in university back in the 80s was a Vandoren player 100%. 6 years ago I tried Legere - best thing that ever happened to me, never going back! All the reasons you mention are bang on - especially removing the reed variable - that's a HUGE plus, timewise and psychologically lol. Leger is based in a town not far from where I live in Toronto - I'm extremely proud of this Canadian success story. I've had to experiment with my style and strength several times - and every time I've used their exchange policy, they've been 100% supportive (even with some dialogue via email to help me decide). Currently looking at the Tenor American Cut 2.75 (quarter strengths rule!) I bought yesterday - took it out of the box and played a gig last night, no problemo. I agree with you on the case. In fact I wish they would not include a case and reduce the price. They should re-design the case for 4 reeds and sell it separately, so we only buy it once. If only I had these reeds 30 years ago.

[@justinjohansen5992]

Good stuff Dr Wally. I’ve been a Legere convert ever since they came out with the Studio Cut, and I was happy to find the Signature and American cuts are even better. One thing to note for young students or adult students considering them - I found they are more sensitive to placement on the mouthpiece than a cane reed. Specifically, if you don’t get the reed up to where it covers all of the tip rail, the response goes out the window. Can reeds suffer from this too, obviously, but the Legeres just seem a little more finicky about precise reed placement.

[@schorschkrs7430]

Yeah, observed that as well. Good Info!

[@BoninBrighton]

You're one of the good guys for certain. I'm currently playing a Legeres 1.75 American Cut. The 1st reed I ordered a 2.0 not American Cut didn't suit me at all, and Legeres offered to swap it free of charge, which was amazing and they said to keep the original one too. Impressive customer service.

[@jero2955]

hi!! how did you ask for a swap?

[@Danjocross]

Dr. Wally, I love you! Your videos are so good. Not only do you really know your shit, you are so funny, so lovably nerdy, and, as I realized after watching this video, you are really a phenomenal speaker! OMG! How do you rattle off all this information without ever stuttering, misspeaking, saying "uh" or "you know" all the time (like I do)??? I am a film teacher (day job) besides a saxophone player (hobby, weekend warrior) so I know a thing or two about video, and damn, you're so good! Your videos are well-paced, well shot, sound great, and maybe most importantly of all, always leave me feeling good, better than before I watched them. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with the world, encouraging other people, and genuinely taking pleasure in empowering others rather than showing off or demeaning others with your superior skill, wit, and intelligence (even though you could!). And wow, your glib, articulate delivery here is akin to someone playing note for note John Coltrane's amazing cadenza on "I Want to Talk About You" from memory. You are a treasure. Thank you so much for your great work, and if you ever have moments of self-doubt, please remember that there are people out here in Internetland who take great comfort from your work.

[@Danjocross]

PS: I just ordered my first Legere reed! And I've been playing on and off for 50 years.

[@drwallysax]

This means more to me than you might realize. I really appreciate these incredibly kind words. Thanks you my friend.

[@elliottmills4652]

Excellent content as usual! I started playing Légère reeds about 4 months ago. I originally ordered the Signature 2.75 and 3.0. With their replacement policy I tried to swap the Signature 3.0 for the American 2.5. Due to COVID they sent the replacement but didn’t require a return. It arrived about the same time as my 56 and I’ve been playing the American, with the 56 and MO ligature on the regular. I still play cane reeds but the Légère is super consistent. Kind of the reed Chick-fil-A!😆 Thanks for all the great and creative content!!

[@drwallysax]

Elliot!!!! You just made the best analogy on the internet! It's the Chick-fil-A of reeds! It's not the best, but it's ALWAYS good and you're never disappointed. You always know what you're getting! Well done my friend. How's the 56 treating you???

[@elliottmills4652]

@@drwallysax I love the 56!! Plays easy through out the whole range of the horn with little adjustment to my embouchure. With some mouthpieces I find I have to adjust too much (player problem 😁) I really like the sound. Not to bright or contemporary. I enjoy a saxophone sound that sounds like a saxophone, not that there is anything wrong with a super bright reverbish sound but not my preference. I tried with it with the stock ligature then moved to the rovner then landed on the MO. I didn’t notice a lot of difference in the sound but the MO fits perfectly to me. Plus the old gold just looks super cool with the white 56! 😁

[@EDuardoWilkinson]

I had been using the American Cut since they came out, got used to the material, and now I really enjoy been able to work in the sound instead of adapting to the never ending changing reed temperament, the cane sometimes gives you more color" but if you compare I feel the Legere tends to be more even through the hole scale, leaving me to work in the sound I can produce, thank you for you great videos.

[@Andrew-ql9hg]

Band director/saxophonist here. I love the Legere Signature reeds for classical. My friends and I always found that they work especially well for the lower horns. They’re also great for when you’re teaching a lesson/class and your horns sit in the stand for a long time. Doesn’t matter if they dry out: still works! I don’t recommend them until the student is at the high school level. By then, most all of them have learned to respect the reed tip.

[@p.w.2149]

I switched finally a year ago to legere synthetic reeds. My reasons were the problem with the humidity on hot summer day outdoorconcerts and the easy switch between the instruments without worrying of dry out the reed. I tested a lot of synthetic reeds the past years but the Legere American Cut was the first on my Alto wich I liked. For now I play the American cut on Alto and Tenor and a Signature on Clarinet. 👍 Very cool reeds.

[@ronjaemusic7777]

Great insight on the Legere reed. I’m a winery, pub saxophonist that have to setup all my equipment, lighting, and sound. I don’t have as must time to fuss with reed wetting or how it’s playing. The Legere reed is alway ready to go for a three hour show. Thanks for the unbiased review.

[@drwallysax]

You're the exact perfect person for them! Someone who's out playing in public with more to worry about than finding the right cane reed!

[@MrRbuxton]

Older relative newbie, thankfully found these early and believe I've practiced more simply because I was practicing not read geeking, or trimming. Yes it is far more economical over the long haul using Legere and each day I pick up my Sax(s) I have a good reed for many months.

[@alsiemens2186]

I play 2nd Alto in a concert band and have used Legere Classic, Signature, and American cuts. The product just keeps getting better and blending in with the rest of the section is not a problem. Playing outdoors is a no-brainer on Legere. Your comment on the AL3 is interesting. I still use Vandoren Blue Box for the best response on that mouthpiece.

[@1241fifeanddrum]

Some additional comments from a professional since 1976 ... I have played Legere' (signature initially) and now American for the past (maybe can't remember)) 10 years. Response to your cons ... 1. they don't break very easily ... I have rubbed, scratched etc. reeds many times and they just don't break (at least I have never had one) .. so for high school kids I think they would be a fantastic alternative ... 2. The case thing solved ... I bought a LaVoz reed guard (4 reeds) and keep four Legere' reeds in it. I rotate the reeds (as they all play the same) and it is easy to see the strength if you use different strengths (I don't) ... If you play different mouthpieces I would purchase an additional reed guard. Beside that ... The greatest pro is they all play the same every time... no fussing, no wetting (actually used Bourbon years ago) and in outdoor climates like Central Florida .. they are never affected by humidity. For me as a working pro, just knowing when I put the horn together that I will know exactly what the sound coming out will be every time is the greatest advantage. Also, it seems as if they don't wear out .... at least not for years if you take care of them ... And lastly as with any reed or mouthpiece over time if you practice and play enough on them, you adapt to the subtle nuisances to the point that I have never had any fellow professional complain about my sound (and there are many excellent players in the Central Florida area) ... I have actually convinced a few stogy ones to switch.

[@markblack7925]

Wally, thanks for the video. I have struggled with reeds over the last year or so. I switched to Fibracell reeds back in I think 91? Little sketchy but they had not become readily available when I was hipped to them. Each time they changed their “formula” it drive me nuts. I’m a commercial R&B player who also is a lead vocalist. Picking up the horn in all environments getting the sound and performance from the reed each time is primo to me. Fibracell changed the game for me. Over the last year I have been disgruntled. I even called them and a nice lady told me to find another reed company…. Not interested. So I’ve been doing JUST THAT. I’ll bet I have spent a couple hundred on reeds looking for the right replacement. A buddy suggested the American Cut and I finally capitulated and bought one. From note one it has been fantastic. I do lots of session work both in sections and solos and i have been ultra happy. One thing in the Con side you didn’t discuss that I had to get used to. I play an old Link on my Tenor and when I use the American Cut I had to get used to a different sound behind the horn versus the one that is out front. When I play openly outside or in a room I hear a strangeness to my sound. Walk straight to a wall or using a sound shield and it goes away. I have recorded myself using my gear and I hear the weirdness going in (so I think) but the recording sounds EXACTLY like I want. I like you, have changed my mind and very happy to do so.

[@drwallysax]

That's great, thanks for the perspective Mark!

[@jazzitupabit2997]

I used one in college and my saxophone professor was pretty neutral. He didn’t recommend them, but he also didn’t say I couldn’t use them. He left the decision up to me to explore and to see how it worked for me. I honestly love playing them because they’re so responsive and consistent and purchasing one that is on point especially after you find the one that is perfect vs having to sift through a box of ten cane reeds and only finding one or two that work is in my opinion a better investment. Not only that but synthetic reeds are moving up in the ranks due to the improvements in their design and the different cuts. Hence, I see them becoming a normal thing and cane will still be available but not for the faint of time to break them in. Great video and info as always Dr. WW! God bless!

[@zeldemalevitz4996]

Of the two Legere’s I clearly prefer the American Cut. Thanks.

[@drwallysax]

I think I agree, Zelde!

[@williamshepherd5209]

Doc - Always enjoy your reviews and all the amazing content you provide on the web (for free, no less). I use Legere American Cut on alto and tenor, about 1/2 strength below what I normally use for cane. Two things I like: 1. Every time I pick up the horn to practice, it's ready to go. No time wasted fussing with a cane reed or wondering if the problem is with the reed or me. (it's me) 2. If you're playing a gig with multiple horns, you can leave a horn on the stand, pick it up 1/2 way the second set and it responds like you just warmed it up. No surprises.

[@drwallysax]

Very much agree, happy Saturday William!

[@cheknfaks]

I purchased the Legere AT signature reed. I am impressed with the sound and how it keep its consistency..

[@drwallysax]

Glad you like it!

[@Ricardonsg]

I started using a legere american cut 2.5 on my tenor and it's simply amazing, I get consistently a good tone, wether it's inside or outside. Hard for me to go back to cane honestly

[@patporemba2806]

Great job (again) on this video. Thanks! I play all 4 main saxes (SATB) at least a couple of hours each day and, after trying a zillion different brands of cane and synthetic reeds, I eventually moved totally to Legere Signature (S/B) and American Cut (A/T) about a year ago. During that time, I chipped one and had two "die" out on me, but they've been amazingly consistent and durable. I love the dark edgy tone I can get. My only complaints: 1) I rotate 2-3 reeds per sax so I use reed guard/holders and the legere cases are a huge waste of plastic! 2) It's very expensive to try out multiple strengths when you use multiple horns and mouthpieces and their strength trade-in program is too limited to help much 3) the base of the American Cut is thicker so it doesn't always fit with all my favorite ligatures for cane reeds 4) in sound tests like yours, the signature has a bit too much brightness and buzz, the american cut is very smooth (Paul Desmond-like), while the cane seemed to be just a bit more alive with colorful harmonics. So, while I like the Legere for convenience, I'm still not 100% wow'ed by their tone.

[@drwallysax]

Points WELL taken, Pat! Appreciate your feedback my friend!

[@zecastello]

I just LOVE them! Simple as that! I remember to freak out in my graduation gig because my special reed that I played just one time a week to save it for the end of the month simply didn't work the way it should because of the weather that day! A nightmare!!

[@drwallysax]

Yup, they definitely remove the panic feeling knowing you have them as backup!

[@paulruffner469]

I used to teach quite a bit. Legere was a product I recommended pretty strongly to my beginning students, and anyone who wasn't studying or performing music full-time. I stick to natural products for gigging, recording ETC, but I'm perfectly comfortable using Legere for auditions, lessons, big band work ETC. I do notice a little buzz on the American cut Legere tenor sax 3 and 1/2 strength, but other than that, no issues with sound. I've played Legere products in so-called synthetic only bands, and nobody ever noticed a difference in my playing.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks for the insight, very much agree with your assessment.

[@artyaster5380]

Hey for what's worth, I get a lot out of your videos and the way you present information. It's been a big help to me as I continue to learn sax and use it in my music.

[@drwallysax]

I appreciate hearing that Arty - happy practicing my friend ;)

[@THECHARGEwithDennisMetzler]

Great video! Very helpful. Your tone is actually MUCH better on the real cane reed.

[@bdubgreene]

I play other instruments on gigs and will often put my horn down for 30-45 minutes a time. I switched to synthetic for this and it’s been awesome. Reed is always ready to go. I noticed they do get soft over time and they do not last forever.

[@austinsnider7269]

It’s interesting to hear that it didn’t work with your AL3. I couldn’t get it sound right on my Larry Teal(although its an older model that has some custom refacing). But on my AL3 it is unbelievable, such a great practice reed. I also used to use it for longer quartet gigs; the types of gigs where you play for 20 mins, rest for 20 mins while there’s a speech or something, then rinse and repeat. Only time I don’t use it is when I’m practicing a piece that has a lot of slap tonguing, too costly to ruin with a bad slap.

[@drwallysax]

Interesting! I only checked with one colleague (college prof) who found the same result on the AL3 - so it's a sample size of just two. I certainly take your word for it working with yours! Totally agree about practice slaps!

[@alexwillats]

I'm liking the sound of the American Cut from this recording. Will be interesting to see what they sound like when you get in the studio. I like the idea of having a dependable synthetic back-up but don't think I'm ready to take the plunge yet. Shame we can't play-test the Légères!

[@drwallysax]

Agreed, that's why I put it off for so long Alexadra :)

[@MessengersoftheCross]

I like my Legere reeds. Use it on my alto, tenor, and clarinet. One less thing to worry about. Also great when you double and triple on Instruments. The reed is ready to go when you pick up your horn to play after playing guitar for a few songs.

[@MikeFromMove2nz]

I initially head real problems with a synthetic reed as at the time I was using a 4 tip opening as the reed would seal, cutting off the air-column, when I didn't mean to. Moving to a 6 tip opening made a huge difference and I've been using these since as they give me consistency to build from.

[@nhr27]

I am a convert. I like them ever so slightly less than the best can reeds I have ever played on. I went back and forth and now, with the American cut, I am not looking back. Here is why.... I am a saxophone hobbyist with a family of 5. My schedule allows for small pockets of practice time. Typically, the start of my practice consisted of, at minimum, 5 minutes of getting my reed right and adjusting with my reedgeek. I actually liked doing this for awhile. Then, of course, storing the reed in a perfectly humidified container for the next usage and carefully marking the ends with a pencil so I can remember if it was any good. I switched because I can now leave my saxophone on a stand in my home office. I work from home at a computer all day. My sax is always ready to go with the reed in place. Now, when I can sneak a couple minutes of practice in, I simply pick up my saxophone and play. No wetting a reed and putting it on the mouthpiece. I do clean it after a couple of sessions but I put it right back on the mouthpiece. This has completely altered my ability to practice. So, unless I am suddenly able to retire and become a full time musician, I am sticking with the American cut legere. Another thing to consider...as technology advances, these things will just keep getting better. Great review!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Nate - VERY well put! (I was hoping to convey that in the video as well). Even as a "pro" (barf) - I have to record a ton of demo videos on alto and tenor and don't have time to fuss for the perfect reed. I've been using them on every KZbin and Academy video for the past month, and super happy with the convenience!

[@CJGospel]

I started doing this too, taking out my sax while working at home. It is great just playing right away without having to wet or warm up the Reed to get rid of the warping. I can start jamming right away!

[@drwallysax]

@@CJGospel absolutely!

[@normannklaussen9667]

Dr. Wally: Very popular topic. You play so well. After listening 3 times I would range the tone quality as cane no1, am. cut no 2 and the signature reed on 3. I think I can hear little of the plastic sound on the signature in the upper register, but doesn't disturb me much. Because of the time to search for a good read (and lack of carpenter skills) I was happy to start on synthetic reeds many years ago and heard no complain about the tone. The way we play are more important, I guess. After some time the synth reed will be bent and a little changed, but not as quickly as cane. If you play not more than an hour a day the synth reed can last for years. Also I think the Legere reeds with the same number are not completely equal, but way better than cane reeds. Warning: If you buy on the net, be careful. If too cheap maybe fake Legere. I bought once for alto. Thank you for the nice test performance.

[@BopalotBBoyce]

Lots of variables in saxophone tone. The list is daunting. Like the blade of grass, the primal people honed a tonal palette that stresses the individual tonal variants. Then man invented recording systems that featured the reed/blade nuances. The saxophone tone is modeled in schools and then the 'individual' becomes the artist. Though never 'perfect' long live the variant tones of the saxophone.

[@mickcarpenter2963]

I've found this very helpful, especially as you have long been a confirmed cane person and also you are a very skilled professional. I as an adult beginner to intermediate level have found Legere Signature especially good, but felt guilty as there is still a feeling they're not the REAL THING that a TRUE saxophone player would use. It's part of saxophone lore that you should learn how to select and use saxophone reeds if you aspire to being a PROPER sax player, even though I do not really feel up to it or know quite how to go about it. That can increases stress and self doubt and this removes one key aspect of discouragement. I suspect encouraging beginners to at least try a Legere (not any old synthetic reed) alongside a cane one, and NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT would enable many more to stay the course. It's very confirming indeeed that you like them, even saying you may switch. Thanks Wally I love your sage advice and good sense of humour in equal measure.

[@PlayerClarinet]

Very happy with the Legere Signature cut for classical clarinet work; really don't use cane reeds much at all now.

[@vncstudio]

Legere Signature is just fantastic for me and consistent with my Morgan Excalibur 6L and Oleg Ligature without the frustration of cane reeds. Very rich sound with my vintage Buescher alto. Like Dr. Wally says, lets me focus on playing and practice and take breaks without the reed drying out.

[@jooelewis]

I've been playing on Legere for ~3 years and never looked back. I have 4 that I keep in rotation and. I have only had one "fail" on me (which was the original one that I bought when I switched. The use cases for doublers, "international" gigers, marching performers, wedding musicians- There are just too many practical use cases that are common. Synthetics are not the same as they were in 2008 and i think some musicians and educators are bias toward the early days of synthetics when they were trying to figure them out. I would recommend them 100% to my students, which I already do. The only thing that I think is important is making sure you find the right strength that fits you best. It took me a decent amount of trial and error until I settled on stength. That is something that I could see as a barrier but the return/exchange policy is pretty amazing.

[@blainehoopes2153]

I haven't tried the Legere american cut (yet) but I have been carving my cane reeds for ages with those straight angles and the center peak similar to how these American cut look. I really like the way my cane reeds respond with that type of cut.

[@drwallysax]

You should give them a try - embrace the power of SCIENCE!!

[@rickyricardo7242]

Great review, Wally. Well; after playing for a few years, I decided to learn my scales! Anyway...I started off with cane reeds and I had a couple of problems with them. For one; I didn't like having to soak them before I used them. They could be finicky. Another thing that bothered me was; although a box of ten wasn't overly expensive, when I discovered that perhaps 3 or 4 were good and the rest were not so good, it was kind of a waste. I forget where I first heard of Legere; but, as soon as I tried one - I was hooked. I just attached it to the MPC and it worked. Not only did it work, but it sounded great - and they do last a long time. As "Sax Matters" mentioned, they play very consistently and it's one less thing to be concerned about; especially while learning. Nobody is paying me anything :( but I can tell you that I've used Legere exclusively ever since. I simply have no reason to try anything else. I'm still using a softer reed and it does everything I want it to do. I mentioned previously that I have to play with no teeth! That could be the reason that I'm using a softer reed...I have a softer mouth! ;) I began with Signature and now I prefer the Studio and American Cut. After I wash the sax and MPC/reed, I put it back together, place it on the stand; and I know that when I pick it up again - it just plays!

[@jeremyburke7060]

Looks like I’m not the only one that finds it interesting you had issues on your AL3. I switched TO an AL3 from a C* because it worked so well on the AL3. Works even better on the Profile series!

[@MrWIEBERS]

Can you do an episode, maybe with the recording session on how the measurement of the Legere compares to lose of Vandoren and other wooden reed strengths?

[@bobfixes7640]

I agree, Dr Wally I'm an older learner (18 months in) and I was fighting cane reeds and spending a lot of time tuning them rather than practicing. My son sent me a Legere Signature at the same strength as my cane reeds (2.5). It was too stiff and Legere has a one time replacement policy. You send them your original Legere and they send a replacement. I asked for an American cut 2.25 replacement and somehow got a Classic 2.5. Since Covid, they didn't want the old reed so I took it and dipped it in boiling water for 1 sec - 2 times. I didn't like the Classic as much. I've been loving it ever since (5 months) and my practice time has gone way up!

[@drwallysax]

That's fantastic! I think you're a perfect example of why they're such a great product for many.

[@ogbeisibor3193]

I used a synthetic reed a few years back. It was irritatingly horrible. But I guess it’s not enough to write off the whole world of synthetic reed. Thanks for the video, I’ll do definitely try this one. Promise to keep an open mind 😊.

[@oliverkollas4526]

I have played the signature for a while. I am happy with it, also because I can clean it well.

[@drwallysax]

I do like the easy cleaning aspect!

[@joamon559]

Yes! this is definitely a bonus. I wash mine with soap and water each time I have finished playing it. No probs.

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

I have used Legere Signature for some years now, and I’m not going back to cane reeds. I’m a tenor and a clarinet player. Some downsides of the reeds: They are not as consistent as they might tell you, some times there are important differences between the reeds with the same specification. I have a special issue with the clarinet reeds, the European cut. The clarinet becomes flat, by approximately a quarter. I have talked to Legere about it, but they don’t have any answers. The resolution was to get a very short barrel (58 mm, the most common being 65-67mm) from China that fits my Buffet Bb RC clarinet.

[@petegalindez9961]

A “Chamber Crawl?” That is some super geeky music stuff right there! Love it! I need to attend one of these to watch! Great review. Just bought a legiere reed after having bought a couple about a decade ago…the modern ones are soooo much better. Really like the product.

[@marydunn8513]

I am an “older” adult who played in high school. I would classify my ability on the low end of the intermediate level. I absolutely love the Legere reeds for their consistency! I get the sound that I want consistently and appreciate the length of time that they play well. I hated having having to “fiddle” with the reed to get it to sound good or worse yet have a box of cane reeds that three or four played well and the remaining were marginal or useless without a major time investment with the reed geek. I haven’t tried the American cut. I have used the classic and currently using the signature series. However, I’m considering going back to the classic for a second try.

[@kenjarczyk8535]

The 1/4 strength less than cane rule seems to be universal. I’ve completely converted to Legere, the European Cut on Eb, C, Bb & A clarinets, the Signature on Bass Clarinet, the American Cut for Alto & Tenor, and the Signature on Soprano & Baritone. No looking back!

[@stewartwforbes]

I found that with my Rovner Optimum ligature the Legiere slipped off or to the side in the middle of playing. I roughened the surface of the reed that touched the ligature and it helped.

[@drwallysax]

Stewart, that's smart man! I did notice a lil' bit more of ligature slip when tuning.

[@stewartwforbes]

@@drwallysax I had to use a sharp craft knife and basically scraped parallel lines on the top of the reed (I didn’t touch anywhere the flat part touches the mouthpiece). I like them but this was an issue when a reed fell off as I was taking a solo in a big band !

[@frankzona9867]

Great topic. I've been using Legere Signature for years, and now more recently American Cut. Why? I live in a dry climate and many times double Tenor, Alto, Soprano on a gig. When switching horns on a gig I don't have to worry about the reeds drying out. They always sound great and do the job. I've had some of my private students tell me that synthetics are forbidden in their class. Maybe that will change. But I do recommend them they old more advanced students. I find that one reed is about the cost of a five pack of top quality reeds, but last way long than a whole box of cane. Compared cane? With Reggotti or BSS reeds...pretty darn close and many times easier to get bell notes to speak. I'm a fan.

[@JS-zr6qf]

I briefly used Legere #3 on bari when rehearsing with a big band, changing back and forth with Rico Reeds but prefer Ricos on Tenor and Alto.

[@thewarhenk]

I'm playing an American Cut 2.25 on tenor now. It's quite good, but I like Silverstein's Alta Ambipolys better. Hard to put a finger on it, but it works better for me, all 'round. The American cut, is by far, the best Legere I've tried, and I've tried them all. I've literally been playing a 2 Jazz Alta on alto for 16 months with no degradation- practice and performance.

[@donl3248]

I looked away from the video when you started playing. My reaction to the 3.25 had a WOW! factor to the sound.

[@drwallysax]

Good Wow, or bad wow? 😂 I take no offense either way!

[@donl3248]

@@drwallysax Sorry! Good WOW! The 3.5 was a bit bright and edgy for my personal taste. When I heard the 3.25 I thought you went back to the Vandoren but a better reed than the first.

[@cj_ocean]

I started playing (Alto) Saxophone last September. From the beginning I played on Légère reeds. For a few months on the Signature series, strength 2.0 and then for another few months on the American cut, also strength 2.0. I liked playing on the American cut more, however I can't give details anymore on why exactly. I had a pleasing experience with Légères at first. You can put them on your mouthpiece, are ready to go and they have a consistent and sound thats hard to distinguish or not at all distinguishable from cane reeds. But: They don't suck up humidity, and after some time of playing in a session I started to get a bubbly, watery sound. I had to take my reed off and give a quick wipe to it and the mouthpiece (the table of the mouthpiece was always completely wet, idk if that was bad) to get a clean sound again. I tested if I got this issue with the only both ligatues I own (the BG LD0 and the Jody Jazz Power Ring) that fit on my mouthpiece (Jody Jazz HR* Custom Dark 7 [please don't hate me for having bought these products as a beginner 😅]), made sure that they fit tight and I had it with both. I got annoyed by this and for about a month now I play on Boston Sax Shop custom reeds (cane), strength 2.5. With these -I don't have the issue of getting an unclean sound after some time anymore -The table of my mouthpiece is always completely dry after a playing session -I can play the F# that's right under the altissimo range no problem, with which I had difficulties with Légère reeds (this might be because of me going up half a size in strength, but I also tried 2.5 strength Légères and couldn't play on as easily) -I don't have any problem playing when starting a session, when they are still dry and not yet played in. Since I got cane reeds I only play on them anymore, even though I still like Légère reeds. Maybe the problem I had was not because of the reeds, but because I'm not an experienced player yet. Thanks a lot for this video Dr. Wally ^^ P.S. I first got a ReedGeek for the Boston Sax Shop reeds and only used it for them (I think it really improves them a lot), but Mauro Di Gioia , President/Founder of ReedGeek, Inc. has a video on KZbin where he shows that ReedGeeks can also be used on Légère Reeds.

[@drwallysax]

I'll check out the video, thanks for the tip Kiato!

[@DynamixWarePro]

Since I started playing in 2018, I have used Legere Signature reeds on my alto sax and now sporano sax to eliminate any potential issues cane reeds have and I have tried all Legere reeds with mixed results. Legere reeds do vary a little from reed to reed but I love theor instant playability but when I play for example on Selmer mouthpieces (S80, Soloist, Claude Delangle) I noticed the Signature reeds give me the best tone, smooth and not too dark but sometimes would find one strength a little too hard and the next quarter strength lower was a bit buzzy and no inbetween resistance I like. Also on thinner tip rail mouthpieces I didn't like the response of the Signature reeds on those like on my Vandoren AL5 and V16 A5M I found them dull and bit buzzy or my JodyJazz HR* was too bright and edgy with them and not smooth enough for me. When I tried American Cut reeds, on some mouthpieces I had the exact resistance, response and feel I wanted, only the tone was on the brighter side. They didn't play well on all mouthpieces I tried but they gave me the inbetween resistance I wanted and I play them on my Soloist E as it had resistant low notes that the American Cut fixed and on my Selmer Claude Delangle.

[@jacquelamontharenberg]

Dr. Wally, as a 50 year sax veteran I was skeptical about the Legere reeds per my comments 7 months ago. However, 6 months ago I switched from a hard rubber Morgan Excalibur 6* to a Jody Jazz DV 7. That significantly improved my tone, intonation and ease of altissimo while still using D'Addario 4S filed reeds. However, I was still having some harmonic overtones coming out in altissimo A, Bb and B. So Jan 15th I move up to a Jody Jazz DV7*. I also bought a couple of Legere Signature reeds, in 3.00 and 3.25 strengths. Bingo... the 3.25 turned out to be the perfect reed for me. Excellent in all registers. I am very happy now. I can now focus my frustrations elsewhere. No more cane reeds for me. Consistency is the key... This reed works in the recording studio as well, even with my high end ribbon mic (AEA R84). I highly recommend the Legere reeds. Also get two so you can rotate them.

[@zzisate1801]

I have been using Legere for several years playing in a Concert band. After trying multiple mouthpieces I decided on the Selmer Concept which I really love. I now can spend my time practicing the repertoir rather than trying to make the reed work. I also often get praise on my tone quality, I know that does not entirely depend on the setup. The only issue is the condensation that builds up on the reed, that makes me have to wipe of the reed more often. But all in all, I will never change back to cane....

[@Microtonal_Cats]

Sold. I just ordered one.

[@greenockcut]

I live in Toronto. In summer I use cane on clarinet, sax and bassoon. Desember to March or thereabouts, I use Legere: summer concerts outdoors, Legere. 10 of my D'Addarios cost the same as one Legere.Now I keep the Legeres in the packaging they came in. The Legere Bassoon reed is the bomb but cleaning is a bugger.

[@drwallysax]

Ohhhhh, cleaning expensive bassoon reeds. That does sound like a "bugger." Buggers are bad, right?

[@greenockcut]

@@drwallysax Vinegar and baking soda for de-bugging, Never coffee!

[@OlivierGagnon]

What I like about those is that that work dry. I'm not playing very often and I like not having to worry about the humidity of my reed case over time.

[@drwallysax]

Absolutely agree. The no-water logged thing is great!

[@donjingle]

I love the Legere read, totally hooked, such a time saver, dont have to lick it wet it etc, just put on the mouthpiece and blow.Great over the whole range of the sax

[@patrickkyle4601]

Used to buy 10 packs of LaVoz or Rico and find that a few never worked so the consistency of Legere is a plus but they do cost as much as five standard cane reeds so the longevity is really par for the cost. I've tried other synthetics - Fiberreed, Forestone, Fibracell but found that Legere are closest to cane sound.

[@jrgreiner]

I truly believe the 3.25 sounded like it was still a tad stiff for you. Curious if you tried a 3 and what your observations are/were. In my Legere experience (I've been using them on clarinet for 5+ yrs), I tend to go *down* a full half strength with them compared to what I'd use if playing cane. I've just started playing the American cut on tenor after honestly and passionately hating every synthetic I've tried on that horn. A good friend finally talked me into trying them and although I'm still going through the adjustment process (I've played cane for 40 yrs!) their consistency, response and overall evenness is second to none. They are a tad brighter (more "edge") than cane, but it's also easy to control and definitely not one-dimensional. For me, the extra edge/brightness can be removed and/or lessened by backing off my air speed, yet can easily return when pushed more. That's something that's almost impossible to do with a single cane reed. Overall, I'm one very happy and surprised convert!

[@clintcaston4985]

Yes I have legere Alto reed 2.5 I love playing it, I play brass band marrage shows, event gigs in India Mumbai, feel comfortable playing with the reed.

[@tonyr5039]

As someone who is a Music Ed major, I will use these in symphonic band but for smaller ensembles such as duets or studio class, I will use the old cane reeds. I have ordered a few more recently to see how well they play and may make them part of my rotation with my cane reeds. I'm also working with a local high school and have suggested to my sax and clarinet players to avoid going through a bunch of reeds (so long as they can be careful) to buy a reed. I'm hoping to have a better idea of strengths compared to other cane reeds so I can make better suggestions.

[@julielv5300]

Yes!!! Haha... I knew you'd like them!!!

[@drwallysax]

You uh, got a good recipe for humble pie?

[@julielv5300]

@@drwallysax No recipe, but am super happy that you tried them and actually like them!!! They are a great option to cane. I agree with you about the cases, but they are new and I bet the good people at Legere will listen to your feedback. In the meanwhile, a sharpie works great!!!

[@drwallysax]

@@julielv5300 We might have discussed it a bit in our Zoom call ;) Hope you're having a great week!