The Best Sax Reeds? Vandoren, D'Addario, Rico and More!

[@tfsushi]

I like the Boston black box, but am now using - and enjoying - the Legere American cut on my tenor.🎷

[@drwallysax]

Boston Lobster Rolls Royce Reeds!

[@FruityPebbles-420]

I liked them to a degree, but they are a bit on the hard side for me. I prefer Nexus.

[@billpatterson8997]

On my Selmer Series III tenor I use a Theo Wanne Slant Sig 8 and found that the D'Addario Select Jazz filed 3S works best for me. I rarely have to adjust a reed, as they consistently play out of the box. I agree with you that now that I have stopped chasing different mouthpieces, ligatures and reeds and concentrated on my embouchure, my tone and the playability of the reeds have improved.

[@drwallysax]

excellent, player first!

[@GetYourSaxTogether]

Gotta say, not a brand that you mentioned, but I’m totally team Nexus at this point. Man I love those reeds. I even pay more in shipping than the reeds cost themselves to get them in the UK. I’d go as far as to say they’ve added an extra level of enjoyment to playing saxophone for me. ❤

[@joeblankenship377]

Last cane reeds that I really liked were a brand called Lupifaro--tried them on a whim after seeing them recommended in a video. They were impressive. Back in my college days, I was a big fan of Alexander DC reeds. And La Voz was pretty dependable on bari, if I couldn't order the Alexanders. But nowadays, the convenience, consistency, and longevity of synthetic reeds has won me over.

[@davidr2863]

Which synthetic reed do you prefer?

[@LarryKatz53]

On tenor I just tried a Better Sax reed (2.5) for the first time. I like it very much. Playability is a close tie with the Boston Sax Shop (Black box) for tone and facility across the horn's range. Maybe it's a slight edge better. Low end could be articulated softly without a bark, overtones were easy to control, and altissimo (other than G#) came smoothly (no donkeys today). Other than taking my reed geek to the facing surface to assure flat opposition to mpc, no other adjustments needed. I like that they have moved away from plastic reed holders to paper ones. I store my reeds in a reed holder box anyway, so the plastic was simply going into the waste stream. Well done Better Sax!

[@unclemick-synths]

It's nice to see a real-world opinion on the Better Sax reeds. I'm looking forward to Jay getting Canadian distribution sorted so I can try them myself. I too like the fact they're not using plastic. Unfortunately at the moment the cost of postage exceeds the cost of the product.

[@andriivodolazov]

I like D'addario Jazz Select the most. Sometimes I want to try something new and I think "Oh, this new reed pretty good" but when I return to Select Jazz I always stay with it. It gives me all I want. I play on 8 opening mouthpieces and I pick 2H for tenor and 2M for alto.

[@ryanc1001]

After a 20 year hiatus, I've recently started playing again. Cracked open my unused Blue Box and V16s (predating flow packs released in 2005). They were stored in a standard indoor temp and humidity environment. Yeah, 4 gigs so far on 20 year old reeds. I feel like I'm missing out on all this French bagged air.

[@StephenB_LE9]

I use Boston Sax Shop 2.5 on a Jody Jazz HR* 7 mouthpiece on alto ( and the same set up on Bari). Playing 20 hrs / week a reed lasts about 6 weeks, which I’m happy with.

[@drwallysax]

That's better reed life than I get! Excellent!

[@twoprinces2871]

Silver or black label?

[@marcodioguardi6426]

Great comparison Dr. Wally. I play tenor and found that the Boston Sax are very consistent and play all good out of the box. I will try the Better Sax new ones that are made also in France

[@drwallysax]

let me know what you think!

[@davidplatt3428]

Playing Vandoren 2.0 Tenor - and I am a loyal customer because of their fantastic customer service. They sent me some free reeds when I mistakenly followed another KZbin instructor said unequivocally I should be using a 1.0 reed, wrong! So I’m very impressed. They play great and much better than the cheapest reeds I could buy on Amazon (lesson learned).

[@jorge_oliveira]

I have played my first 12 years with vandoren traditional. Then, in a degree Vandoren V12, and in master degree with Daddario Reserve. Now, 6 years later, I still play with reserve but I am falling love with Legere french cut honestly

[@Illuminati092]

I switch between Legere American cut 2.5 and Vandoren red box 2.5 reeds for alto, Legere American cut 2.5 and Rico Royal 2.5 for tenor and legere signature 2.5 and Vandoren Blue Box 2.5 for soprano.

[@dksax]

I have found that the Vandoren green box javas have been very consistent for me and are my preferred jazz/pop reed. Vandoren blue box 3s so far have been my favorite classical reed.

[@drwallysax]

Definitely consistent! The javas are just a tad bright for my aesthetic. Have a great weekend, Donny!

[@dksax]

@@drwallysax Thanks and you as well, Dr!

[@iancorbett7457]

@@drwallysaxWhat is your opinion on the Vabdoren Zs? I find them to be ever so slightly darker and the tone feels just right on my meyer.

[@drwallysax]

@@iancorbett7457 they're just as good as other cuts - just different. If they work, they work!

[@stephenfutch3327]

Have used only synthetic on Alto since going through the cane reed gauntlet on clarinet. I really just grew tired of trying to determine all the variables that might be causing problems. When I bought sandpaper and a piece of clear glass I said, this is crazy, enough! Consistency, durability and sound great. Legere standard is probably my favorite. Have tried the American as well and note that they run about .5 stiffer than the standard but really jump out, very bright.

[@zacarias4055]

My fellow saxophonist, a hug from Brazil. I'm also a saxophonist, I play tenor. I use Rico reeds from the orange box. I use Gonzalez Local Jazz and Vandoren Java green. I use a mouthpiece with a raised baffle, because I like playing Latin music, and rock too. ❤

[@bostonsaxshop]

Awesome video as per usual Wally!! 👍 ❤ 🎷

[@ntxmt]

Interesting video. I like Vandoren red javas, the Royals, and Fibracell synthetics.

[@drwallysax]

Me too!

[@Tigerblade11238]

Dr. Wallace sounds good on every reed! I am only a couple of months into my return after probably 30 years away. I'm still trying to experiment with finding "comfortable" gear (mouthpiece and reed) while trying to practice good techniques. I know everyone says "gear doesn't matter", but I don't think that's true for the part that goes in your mouth. I play by myself (for now) so I use Vandoren ZZ 2.5 reed

[@rudigerwouters1213]

Some time ago I opened pandora's box of mouthpieces... after heavy battles with Otto Link, Drake, Berg Larsen, I ended up with Vandoren V16 and Java (not the Jumbo !) So for now, on my alto I use the java A45 with rigotti gold 3 soft or in some cases V16 A8 with rigotti gold (mostly bluesy jazz, cool, some hardbop). Searching Paul Desmond, Art Pepper or some Cannonball sound. For my Tenor It's the java T75 with Vandoren V16 reeds (more aggressive but not too) or the V16 T8 with Rigotti 2,5 hard for more jazzier, bluesier stuff. After hearing the Vandoren traditional bluebox reeds in combination with dr. Wally, I was blown away ...I thought I heard Paul Desmond with his cool, dry sound...have to try this ! Thanks Dr. Wally.

[@Craig2760]

I started out decades ago playing Rico Royal. Played Alexander until recently switching to Vandoren. Just got a couple boxes of Daddario and really like them.

[@markwhite-what-da-jazz]

I loved your sound with the Boston black reeds, Dr. Wally. I play the Custom 875 Yamaha alto EXII and the Custom 875 Yamaha tenor. I love the Boston black with my brighter sounding neck (VI) on both saxes. I use the Gaia 4 mouthpiece on alto and tenor. With my warmer sounding neck (EI) I like to use Roberto's Winds reeds (another cut of the Rigotti reeds) on both alto and tenor. Sometimes I will use Rigotti Gold reeds on tenor with the warmer sounding neck (E1).... the bright sounding reeds pair well with the warm sounding neck. I play the P Mauriat System 76 2nd edition soprano with a Gaia 4 mouthpiece. I love the D'Addario Reserve reeds on my soprano... these reeds are great for getting a pure warm sound with no edge. On Bari, I've been loving the D'Addario Jazz Select reeds on my Lawton (Plain chamber) and Burnin' mouthpieces... oh yeah, I also love these same reeds on my Brancher metal E bari mouthpiece.

[@scomdnz9]

I have the same approach as you do for the Vandoren Traditionals but with Hemke reeds. I use the 2.5s reeds for Jazz most of the time and will even pop in a 3 from time to time. Now that I think about it, I would probably still use Vandorens if $$$ wasn't the issue. Vandoren should really consider selling boxes of 5 reeds instead of 10.

[@drwallysax]

Agree, one more thing I like about BSS - boxes of 5

[@samersaxman]

Thank you for the tutorial. I use Marca reeds for Tenor Sax with metal mouthpiece.

[@hanskok3862]

I like to be able to pick up my sax and play right away, put it down for a break in the program and play again. Cane reeds get dry and make that rather difficult. So I went for plastic. That also tastes much better. I never enjoyed the taste of cane. Legere seems to be the plastic reed of choice for many, but I found that it softens up, so over time it changes. Also, it is quite fragile for an expensive plastic reed. After searching even longer than this post is becoming I settled on Forestone Black Bamboo reeds. Good sound, lasts nearly forever and plays well right from the start without moistening. The only drawback I find is that it is a bit hard to adjust a black reed on a black mouthpiece.

[@drwallysax]

The convenience is no joke, but the sound my friend, nothing like natural cane for jazz!

[@MrRTH10]

First off, my mind was blown finding out La Voz and Rico are the same reed! I'd say my favorite tenor reed is the Hemke. However, I find they wear out pretty fast. I've been messing with the La Voz, but don't like them quite as much. I've had not great luck with Vandoren. I'm excited to compare the La Voz and Rico reeds. I'm also very interested in trying the Royal (played them in high school) and the Traditional (the only Vandoren I haven't tried). Thanks for the video!

[@EricTorreborre]

I gave up on cane reeds but just came here to say that I enjoyed your playing ❤

[@bernarddaigle2830]

I play primarily jazz on tenor and alto. The Vandoren traditional has been my reed of choice for nearly 30 years. I occasionally try others (V21, jazz select etc...) but always come back. The only other, so far, that comes close is the D'addarrio Reserve.

[@joezilla07]

Thanks for this video; affirmed my enjoyment of Royals, and now I can buy more without any doubts! :)

[@joezilla07]

PS: I used to struggle through Vandoren 3.5 on my alto C*, then accidentally put a Royal 3 on one day and I haven't stopped smiling since. The higher number isn't necessarily the better number!

[@davekband]

I play Vandoren blue box for classical and Vandoren Java (green box) for jazz. I keep it simple. I also use different mouthpiece/ligature setups for each.

[@drwallysax]

Solid, work horse choices! Have a great weekend, Dave!

[@hmfernandes1]

I really could listen you play all day long. Unfortunately can't find anything on any of the streaming platforms.

[@drwallysax]

Well, you're now my new best friend. No take-backs.

[@Georg-qp1je]

I play the new Selmer reeds No. 3 on the Selmer Concept mouthpiece both on alto and tenor, this setup works really well together for me. What I really don't like is the flow pack system Selmer more or less copied from Vandoren - just a lot of plastic that is not really necessary. I remember buying Rico/LaVoz as a kid in a cardboard box with paper padding inside - this worked just as well as all the plastic.

[@olaflangness2907]

I haven’t seen the Boston Sax brand in any stores (assume they are only available online). Your other two suggestions are probably good ones for the beginner and even intermediate player. I seem to gravitate towards the D’Addario products (broader sound, more easier to bend to a full octave range, and an award point program). Vandoren traditional blue box seem to produce a more focused tone, and last a longer time. Some stores only carry one brand, but most seem to carry both D’Addario and Vandoren reeds. Other brand groups are just not carried in my region. This past year I noticed that the school districts were telling their new music students to only buy synthetic reeds in a strength of 2.5. I have not done the synthetic thing yet, but I understand that the strength you choose is usually a lower value than your natural reed strength, so that seems to be really stiff for young beginners to start with.

[@albanforest7208]

I use Rigotti of course on my Tenor with V16T6 mouthpiece,... Boston Sax Shop, Gold or... Wild one! in 2.5...

[@Simonjmfarmer]

Great video…love the talking retriever too! Another vote for D’addario Jazz Select from me, find them to be a very good match for the Vandoren V16 mouthpiece.

[@m.w.]

Marca, Hemke, Francois Louis, Rigotti: These are my most favourite reeds. 👍🎷🌿

[@drwallysax]

You've got a reed hipster vibe going ;)

[@m.w.]

@@drwallysax 😀👍🌿

[@petegalindez9961]

I’ve actually been loving the Boston Sax black 2.5 reeds with my JJ HR* Custom Dark mpc and silver Mark VI…

[@Gea-do1qp]

For both the tenor and the soprano I l prefer the Vandoren classic. More recently I have used the Legere signature and The Venn of D'Addario on the tenor. The latter having a more 'reedy' sound that I quite like. For the soprano I have yet to find a decent synthetic reed. I will probibly try the Venn clarinet reed.

[@EricPalmerBlog]

Channeling an old Saturday Night Live skit, Caveman Lawyer. I'm just a simple caveman, anyway, using Rico. When it goes to buzztown I chuck it and draw another one.(caveman: "fresh reed, feel good") Variable on that endurance. So right now the least of my issues. Came back in June after a 43 year pause, doing well, daily practice and cleaning up other items.

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

I've really been enjoying the V-21's on alto and soprano especially.

[@drwallysax]

I really dig those for classical!

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

​@@drwallysaxI use them for everything, I like them for jazz a lot!

[@unclemick-synths]

A very timely subject for me but first to answer your question... I love Rico orange box reeds. Each box is a mix of playability and tone and I enjoy going through rating each one and tweaking the also-rans. I love a very reedy sounding reed and in my opinion the Royals and Vandorens throw those beautifully unrefined babies out with the bathwater. But having said that, because my Yamaha hates being subtle I tracked down a Buescher just like my first sax and now I'm back deep in the reeds because I want to bring out its delicate tone - there's no point having two altos that sound the same. I'm trying out some Vandorens and will try the Royals, but when Jay gets Canadian distribution sorted out I'll be trying the Better Sax reeds if only because he's addressing the excessive packaging issue. Incidentally, Parisian air DOES indeed have a different smell - if only they'd make their police dog-handlers scoop the poop instead of leaving those doggy deposits behind to be spread automagically along the Metro escalators. Oh la la, Paris au printemps !

[@drwallysax]

quick update: BSS is getting sustainable packaging as well ;)

[@eugenemtk5789]

Ahhh...the joy of playing for the pure sake of fun. I'm relatively new to my alto sax experience. I'm not "good enough" to expect a difference between reeds, except for my choice of cane over synthetic. I play a #2 Rico. I don't have the box anymore, they're in a reed case now. So much gear! From mouth pieces to neck straps...ligatures to necks...it’s difficult to not become fixated on the next "shiny object"...as the answer to becoming better player. I take my sax off the wall, get a reed on the mouthpiece, and the sax on the strap...and voilá... I'm happy! Long tones. Scales. Work on improving a current song...learning the first few bars of a new song...playing along by ear to songs on my "learn these" sax playlist...I may never be on stage, or make anyone say wow...but at 65...having this much fun is such a sweet return during those moments when it all comes together...when there is no I.

[@drwallysax]

If you're having fun, you're doing it right!

[@eugenemtk5789]

Oh yeah...

[@hflynnjr]

Wally, I’m enjoying the new time slot. You’re tone is on fire! Nice video, and I learned some really cool new fun reed facts. Reeds is so personal, it’s really hard to give good advice on the subject. Plus, there are SOO many really good reed brands to choose from these days. I liked you on the Vandoren blue box best, but to be honest, I couldn’t tell much difference. I love BSS black box until I tried out the Nexus line. Same consistency and quality, but they feel really comfortable to me. Until next Friday! 👋

[@drwallysax]

Have a great weekend Hank!

[@robstevens9590]

Thanks Wally! After much trial and error I came to the conclusion that (for alto) the D'Addario Select Jazz 3S are best for me. I've tried some synthetic reeds, but didn't like any of them. I also often play the D'Addario Plasticover #3, Even though they do not have the same dynamics of the normal cane reeds, they are consistent (and don't dry out between sets.) On soprano I am still in the process of trying different reeds, but so far the Vandoren #3.5 seem best (I think it is the dark blue box, but like you said, they have so many types I'm not sure that was the one).

[@drwallysax]

Good choices, Rob! Have great weekend man :)

[@erickruse4679]

poison, was the Venn Gen 1. Way harder than specified strength. I actually started to get nervous that they might actually be unhealthy to put in my mouth when the sides started fraying and the rear film coating was peeling, even on new ones, and I got fibers in my mouth. Haven't tried the Gen 2, but i've heard they are better.

[@thewarhenk]

I very much enjoy Silverstein Alta Ambipoly synthetics for Alto and Tenor. I've also liked Fibracells but find their strength ratings bizarre; e.g. I play 2.5 cane but on Fibracell Tenor/Alto, I've been as high as 4.5! I do not like Hartmann, Legere, or Forestone synths. I've not found a synth that works well for soprano and there I play Marca Superieure 2.5 filed cane. Thanks Wally!

[@lyntedrockley7295]

Rigotti! Look no further. BUT an interesting area to explore are/were the Rico Plasticovers that came out in the 1970s. Just what is that black coating? It allowed Rico to charge more, sure but the reeds did have a bit more kick. I've tried coating with PVC and varnish and this can re-invigorate old played out reeds. Basically you want as much spring in the reed as possible. Is there anyone out there that could do a chemical analysis to work out what the plasticover coating was?

[@Saxananda]

François Louis for Tenor. Another custom Rigotti cut. Hard to find (Sax Alley), but great on Dukoffs and TH Lakshmi. BUT… trying the BetterSax Jazz cut reeds lately and I’m completely in love. Great pure sound, response and ease throughout the register. Really amazing. And though all in the box were a bit different in sound color, they all had incredible clean response- not a stuffy reed in the box.

[@drwallysax]

Good to hear, thanks my friend. have a great weekend!

[@MegaSpark24]

Currently in an experimentation phase for my jazz setup, but I've liked Royals (3) and V21s (2.5) on it previously for different reasons. For concert band or a much darker tone, I've been using D'Addario Reserve 3s, 3+s and 3.5s for a while.

[@drwallysax]

Reserves are very nice classical reeds - love the 3+ offering!

[@steinsvaag]

I fluctuate every few months between BSS black box and Vandoren ZZ’s on my tenor

[@alanangelo4602]

I use bari* on alto. With selmer c* mouthpiece. Yes, it works for jazz. Love the videos. They help alot.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks my friend, happy practicing!

[@ivanjezek]

I just bought new Theo Wanne mouthpiece Brahma 7* for tenor. I use D’ Adario jazz select 3M. Sounds great.

[@drwallysax]

Theo makes a killer piece!

[@malcolmdixon6025]

Was very happy with Vandoren Green Java 2.5 for both soprano and alto in the past but over time I was finding fewer and fewer good reeds in a box so gave them up. Have been trying different reeds - Legere Signature 2.25 and 2.5. Firrst ones I bought for both soprano and alto were good but bought 2 more for soprano and they play differently, too buzzy. Have tried a few Harry Hartmann's Fibrereeds - I like hemp best for alto, copper 2nd, carbon is way too buzzy. Don't like them on soprano. Am currently trying Rigotti 2.5 on soprano. Seem to be reasonably consistent through the box but still prefer my 1st Legere Signature but it's pretty much worn out. Just bought a box of Vandoren V21 2.5s for alto. First reed out of the box I tried sounds quite good but 2nd one not so good, so looks like it's back to the same issue of Vandorens being inconsistent. I need to try a few more before coming to a conclusion on that.

[@CharlesRey-hs1ow]

I use Vandoren ZZ's on all my saxes. I found they sound best for me when I record and play live. I tried D'addario and found I only like them when I practice classical sax.

[@drwallysax]

ZZs are some thick boys! Glad you're enjoying them. happy Friday!

[@Creative.Username]

I used la voz in middle school but finally switched to vandoren v12 3.5 and traditional 3 in high school. I still use la voz sometimes because they are softer.

[@drwallysax]

They're a perfectly good reed (Rico Orange Box), and even better in the pretty green box!

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

very nice video! love the dog! and i love vandoren classic blue, rigotti blue, gonzales RC

[@drwallysax]

That's some varied taste in reeds! Poppy (my dog) says hi, and have a great weekend!

[@michaelrowe1907]

Thank you Dr. Wally very informative, used the Vandoren 2 and Rico not sure can get Boston sax shop in Australia. Would love to know about synthetic reeds too. Remember trying one in the 1970s , they were a white plastic in those days. Thank you

[@drwallysax]

Synthetics have gotten quite good, Venn especially has impressed me. Have a great weekend!

[@MrGuedez115]

Vandoren to me its the best iv tried! Soprano and alto

[@drwallysax]

By golly, they just work! have a great weekend!

[@chuffy1693]

Legere Signature 2.5 cut and sometimes American Cut for Alto. I like that I can pick up and play. Seem to last well too.

[@drwallysax]

The convenience is amazing for sure!

[@ronbrese3803]

Consistency too!!

[@ReadyReed]

The best reed is one stored in ReadyReed!

[@beckyn9338]

Currently I play Vandoren V-12 for classical, and BSS or Nexus for Jazz/Commercial music. However, the BEST and most consistent reeds I ever played were called Reeds Australia. I played for a short time in the early 2000s. When I played again 16 years later, Reeds Australia was nowhere to be found and oddly, none of my long playing woodwind friends had ever heard of such a brand. (And I have asked multiple people.) Was I dreaming??? Either way, reality or merely figment, those were some fantastic reeds!

[@larry4589]

I might still have a box of reeds Australia!

[@beckyn9338]

@@larry4589 You have validated my memory! LOL Glad I wasn’t dreaming! Whatever happened to the company? Do you know?

[@LuanneFose]

I believe I've tried every synthetic reed there is out there: All the Legeres, Forestone, Venn, Harry Hartman, you name it. I didn't like any of them, but I really wanted to. Then my teacher suggested I try Plasticover again (I had tried them when I was younger and hated them). He knows that I do a lot of horn switching from tenor to alto to soprano and wanted to help make those transitions easier in concert. I didn't like them at first, but it was a matter of learning placement on the mouthpiece and getting used to them by playing them daily. Now I like plasticovers the best! Tip: Get them in about .5 less than your usual size of Vandorens, Boston Sax, Rigotti, or DiAddario Jazz Selects (i.e., a 2.5 Plasticover rather than a 3 DiAddario). 😉

[@drwallysax]

Fun fact: Plasticover reeds are the Ricos that are discolored, or otherwise visually non-appealing. They then get coated!

[@LuanneFose]

Interesting! I didn't know that. They still play great and if I have a dud now and then out of the box, it still works to use the Reed Geek on them even though it makes for a black dusty mess, ha.@@drwallysax

[@jonathanclark7623]

Thanks for the tip Wally will do .

[@drwallysax]

Any time!

[@mrs.bloxx-li]

Bari Love the Royal 4s, tenor Rico Orange/Royal 3s,soprano Vandoren ZZ 3s. Rubber 5, metal Link 7, Morgan ProTone, respectively. BSS 3s on bari on occasion. 😊

[@drwallysax]

Very nice!

[@Andreas-tt2pw]

Great Video, thx! I‘d like to know, what Song are you playing in the presentation of the Vandoren Traditional?

[@drwallysax]

Thanks friend. Just improvising over the chord changes to: "You'd be so Nice to Come Home To"

[@tanksama27]

Rico Royal forever

[@tkannen]

Depending on my mood, day of the week, or phase of the moon, I’m pretty flexible with tenor reeds. But on bari, nothing beats the traditional “blue box” Vandoren.

[@drwallysax]

my man :)

[@thelookingcat]

For me it's between Vandoren blue box 2½ and BetterSax Jazz Cut, 2½-3

[@geraldheidel8523]

What a great service you provide with this Reed analysis. I’ve found that reeds have an uncanny way of influencing my mood, which can sometimes lead to confrontation with my wife. Not Good🤬! Now as to your trio of reeds analyzed I liked the Rico Royal over the other two because I prefer a more spread sound with less upper register shrillness. The focus was still good and for Jazz more acceptable. Funny you should show the orange box Rico. I recently found a single Rico #2 (seemed harder than a #2) that was mixed in with a collection and out of curiosity put it on and it played better than the D’Addarrio Select Jazz reeds I’ve been using. Anyway, I will try the Rico Royal. Such an adventure😎

[@drwallysax]

The adventure never ends my friend :)

[@patricksteinmetz44]

I'm fond of the Gonzalez reeds from Argentina.

[@drwallysax]

Argenitne cane is quite good indeed!

[@jayanholmes21]

Dr Wally do you have advice on reed preparation and adjustment?

[@drwallysax]

I don't adjust them at all, but break them in with a rotation. I've got a video on the topic...somewhere...

[@homerhorns]

I've played Ricos for 60 years. Orange box at the start. Switched to file cut royals a couple of decades ago. I play every one out of the box. Gave up trying to adjust them when I realized it really didn't make a significant difference and my time was better spent actually Just playing the damn things.

[@robertcobb1265]

Reeds...what an Enigma hahaha. Growing up I played Vadorens religiously and swore by them. However, in recent years I have been going away from them. The only Vandorens I play now are V16 for my tenor on my Otto link "Vintage" Metal or Theowanne Ambika. That continues to me my jazz reed of choice. For my classical repertoire I actually prefer Rico Grand Concert for alto and soprano, and the Thick Blank for clarinet. These reeds have more of the color and I aim for that Vandoren reeds don't give me. Sometimes I wonder if they have been discontinued because D'Adarrio now owns Rico, but I can still buy them.

[@drwallysax]

Whhhooahh, I haven't heard the name "Grand Concert" in AGES!!!! I'll ask Andrea if they still make them!

[@etowahjazz]

BSS my choice for tenor and alto. Silver vs Black, not so much a difference. Great video.

[@drwallysax]

I really dig how they are so similar, subtle changes, not reinventing the wheel (or reed). Have a great weekend!

[@stevekeller4814]

I found your liking for the Vandoren traditional surprising. In a classical context, they make sense, but on a “jazz” mouthpiece they don’t seem to work well for me. I put this down to the fact that the heart is closer to the tip, and thus they seem harder than other reeds, especially on a jazz piece (Meyer etc.) with longer facings than a classical piece (S80 C*). I was also surprised by you using the 3.5 strength of the BSS reeds, I would have thought a 3 would be more comparable to thr Royal 3 and Vandoren 2.5.

[@lukeserrano62]

The Vandoren Traditional reed is a middle of the road reed, able to to be used for any genre; adjust the strength for mouthpiece matching and it can do anything well (if not optimally). I wouldn’t say it’s the best classical reed however; the V12 does a better job. BSS reeds run a little soft, so no surprise that he’s using that strength with his mouthpiece.

[@malcolmdixon6025]

Also tried a Fibrecell on alto but found it impossible to hold the pitch even - wandered all over the place.

[@marcbohets6671]

Légère signature for me.

[@leighmurrell5494]

So much depends on the mouthpiece/reed combination and the embouchure and the ability of the player. I don't really think it is possible to generalise on either the best overall type of reeds or on tone quality. The ear of the listener, be that player or audience, decides whether it is a richer, sweeter tone. Ultimately it is such an individual combination of elements.

[@patporemba2806]

Thanks for this helpful comparison, Dr Wally. Although I’ve experimented with many brands, I’ve definitely converged on the Vandoren Blue Box and D’Addario Select (classic filed) on my S/A/T/B horns for both classical and jazz playing. I’m still trying to figure out which is my #1 favorite. A close 3rd was Gonzalez. I loved their sound but the thin tips kept getting ragged and the shape of the tip didn’t seem to line up with my mouthpiece tips very well. Although I wanted to like these, I definitely didn’t like the classical sound (or availability) from BSS or the strength consistency of Rigotti.

[@drwallysax]

Blue Box, can't go wrong! I found the BSS needed a couple of days to break in before I loved them. But, no reason to change what's working Pat! Hope you're having a great Friday!

[@jazmaan]

Nexus!

[@schorschkrs7430]

I'm using legere signature for Jazz and ac for Rock. Switched all my saxes (bari to soprano) because if it sounds crappy ist me and Not the reed. Bad thing: no more excuses😂

[@bobpremecz5429]

I just threw away some bucks on a box of Black Box Bost Sax Shop reeds for my soprano, alto, and tenor. Verdict so far, I'm not giving up my synthetics anytime soon. I enjoy playing too much to be frustrated by the inconsistencies of nature. While I was delighted to find one of five that created a sound I could enjoy, it was like buying a box of red, orange, yellow, purple, and green crayons hoping one would produce a magnificent blue hue. To put it another way, I used to own a TI-99 home computer, then the future happened.

[@drwallysax]

I hear you, but respectfully: There's a reason the worlds top jazz artists use cane, they sound and feels better. Synthetics, however, are a magnificent learning tool - removing a lot of frustration and variables for sure!

[@CassStevens]

I've been playing Select Jazz on tenor for a while now but recently I'm not as happy with them. Ever since they rebranded to 'organic' I feel like they are not lasting as long and get 'mushy' after about 1/2hr of playing. I'm somewhere in between a 3M and 3H and neither seem quite right.

[@drwallysax]

The middle zone, I hate that! One of my biggest problems with the Java Line - can't find the sweet spot. You sound great on the Select Jazz, James!

[@bluegoose555]

WOW...Ive settled on Vandoren 2.5s and the Royals (so Dr Wally you have VALIDATED my experiments (not that I've tried many others (outside of the Legere ) the 2.5 Vandoren I bought are Redbox Java (which seem great for my Tenor (but Ill now try the traditionals) as far as the Royals I cant seem to get the #3 Royal's to work well on the Alto yet.. but the 2.0s seem just fine (and hence are my preference at this stage of development (a good 2.5 years serious practice now) I've just found a 10 box of #3 Tenor Royals in a drawer...so I'll re-assess now that I've got the Tenor back from the horn mechanic (I believe MOST of my reed struggles WERE really Horn related issues (yet I didn't want to blame the horn or the mechanic) its AU$65 down under for a 5 box of Van Doren's on Ebay (which I believe is TWICE the cost of just 3 years ago ? (((and AU$65 for ONE Legere !!!) I wont be doing again)))..so U$30 a box of 5 (approx U$6 each eh ?) .ok... that gives me a good benchmark (AU$10 = U$6.4 today) .. yikes !!!! The old grey mare !!! Thanks again Maestro

[@drwallysax]

Reeds are crazy expensive, sorry they're even more so in Australia!

[@ichbinmartin]

Tenor Yanagisawa T5, Dukoff D9, Rigotti Wild 3.

[@chucklund612]

Rico ROYAL since I was a kid (65 years ago)... all 3 horns.... no need to change!

[@drwallysax]

dang things just work

[@alice_atari]

I always end up coming back to Java green 2.5.

[@drwallysax]

I think they might just be the most popular jazz reeds (and for a reason). Have a great weekend :)

[@MasonnYu]

Could you rank the Royal 3, Vandoren blue 2.5, and BSS black box 3.5 in terms of strength/resistance? Wondering how the different numbers compare or if they feel the same

[@drwallysax]

Remarkably similar! (hence, why I use them). That's the maddening part: finding the right strength across brands! Happy Saturday Mason!

[@MasonnYu]

@@drwallysax that’s crazy! A whole number between brands is so similar. Thanks for the info and great video!

[@bishalkashyap7357]

Hi Dr. Wally, I signed up for your saxophone fundamentals course and I am doing the first month's assignment at the moment but I could not find the recording for the etude on the website and also the listening assignments have been removed. Is that some update that you designed to the course or is my account malfunctioning?

[@drwallysax]

afraid the fundamentals course was discontinued a few years back

[@bishalkashyap7357]

@@drwallysax Thank you for you response. The material in the course has been really helping me though. Thanks a lot for that

[@BenG-vf7et]

Got a video for bari players?

[@MrHeadingSouth]

I'm playing Java Red Box. Can you explain what "filing" a reed does to the sound?

[@drwallysax]

In general - little less "pop" at the front of articulation and more focused low end (but this is a very broad generality).

[@manishkhanna1586]

So it seems, I should go with Vendoran 2.5 instead of Rico 2.0 while beginning I guess??

[@drwallysax]

Not necessarily, I'm a professional that's logged my 10,000 hours of practice. You might feel more comfortable on a 2.0.

[@pukalo]

What model of saxophone are you playing in this video?

[@drwallysax]

Yamaha 875EX

[@kwootamuckbear9294]

Bettersax has a great reed out now☮️🎵🎶🎷

[@josephsachleben6081]

I find the d’addario Jazz select reeds too soft somehow even at a strength of 4M on both alto and Bari. They just don’t feel like they support me well enough. They are much thinner than the Vandoren green box reeds, which I can tell on my Bari because a Vandoren Bari ligature is too large for my Meyer 6M mouthpiece so I use a tenor ligature that just fits. This tenor ligature can slide much further back with the D’Addario reeds than the Vandoren reeds.

[@drwallysax]

Interesting, Vandorens do seem to be chunky monkeys!

[@ADragonGirl]

Always used Rico

[@Pat_S]

Rico Jazz Select for me

[@RidingEasttoWest]

I don't know about you Wally, you're a little sketchy but my brother had a fantastic Golden for many years that I found completely trustworthy. So which reeds does the dog like? Those are the ones I'm buying ;)

[@drwallysax]

"Poppy," my golden, liked the tasty wood one best.

[@ChipTheMusicMan]

Never mind the reeds, Doc...you sound ridiculously tasty here!

[@drwallysax]

Well, you just made my afternoon. Thanks chip!

[@jazzman_10]

I almost lost it by sanding and polishing reeds, I used to spend more time preparing reeds than on real playing time. God bless Legere's American cut reeds.

[@drwallysax]

yikes, sorry you had a bad experience. Honestly, I pull them out and play them!

[@jazzman_10]

@@drwallysax Some of them do work straight out of the box, but usually even a small polishing makes a huge difference IMO, when you get them to seal perfectly with the mouthpiece the playing is effortless. Have you ever tried? Just wondering...

[@drwallysax]

@@jazzman_10 I've tried every method under the sun. There is no true "flattening" or preparation for cane - they swell and warp to assume the shape of the mouthpiece table. The fibers get wet and swell. A good metal ligature makes all the "flattening" adjustments unnecessary.

[@jazzman_10]

@@drwallysax Nice to know. Thanks for answering!

[@apistosig4173]

'round 'ere we're fond of Francois Louis and Gonzales Local Jazz 627 - personally I do like Royals too

[@drwallysax]

Where is 'round ere?! Don't see any of those in my neck of the woods!

[@abayomigbolagunte6623]

All those brands are great. However, Roberto's Winds cannot be overlooked. They are CONSISTENT!!!.