WHAT STRENGTH REED SHOULD I USE?

www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com - Check out my brand new Sax School!
Today, we answer the age-old question... "What strength reed should I use?" We've all been there, and in this video, I will give you all of the information that you need to answer this question for yourself. Reed choice and reed size are very personalized decisions, with the correct information you can make the best choice that works for you.
SKYPE LESSONS: Yes, I give Skype lessons! And, if you sign up for one (or more) you will see immediate results. From tone, and tonguing to style and improv, I can help get you headed in the right direction. For more info contact me via: www.scottpaddock.com or through Instagram @scottpaddocksax
INSTAGRAM: @scottpaddocksax
www.scottpaddock.com
Scott Plays:
P. Mauriat 67RX Influence alto sax
Barkley Brazil Kustom Pop 7 Blue mouthpiece
Legere Signature 2.25 reeds
BG Silver Duo ligature

[@Skyhi106]

I wish I could buy a package of 'sampler' reeds, even from the same manufacturer, that has one of each strength, like 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0. Then we could try them out without spending too much....

[@brendareed8412]

That is an excellent idea.

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

I believe D’Addario has a variety pack like this

[@BruceWL]

Perfect timing on this video... Great info. Thank you!

[@Charlotte-je1hv]

As a classical player, I find a harder reed more beneficial, as I love the more focused and dark sound. I play on a Vandoren 4 which seems a bit high, but I would definitely recommend it to a player who wants to develop their range (altissimo) and tone.

[@p1nkfl0yd1an]

This explains why I can't stand playing on anything less than a 3.5. Never got seriously into funk/blues/rock playing until well after my classical habits were really well engrained. Now that all I play is funk/blues/rock I try to find the lightest reed I can play for more than one gig without totally blowing out. My go-to's for the last decade have been V12 4s, but for a while when I was playing 4 or 5 nights a week I was buying 5s lol.

[@Charlotte-je1hv]

@@p1nkfl0yd1an I get that! And yeah, cause I do alot of both classical and jazz I kinda hover around the 4-4 1/2 range, and it definitely is a bit of resistance but I certainly think it sounds way better lol

[@stewartwforbes]

One of the best presentations on choosing the right reed Scott. Thank you ! 😎🎷🎷🎷

[@DavidFletcher566]

Awesome video. Great information presented expertly. Thanks!

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

Your videos are pretty good, and I love to hear you playing. I’m a tenor player and I have been using Leger Signature for about three years. Previously I was using Vandoren Java #2. My first Legere was also #2, and was a perfekt match. However, they are not so consistent as they claim - some has been useless.

[@dorisfigueroa4027]

Great video as always Scott. Thanks. Since I started playing the sax I’ve always used Legere signature reeds and I’m pretty comfy with it. Now I would like a video on mouthpieces and the difference in playing. Thanks again. Stay Safe.

[@Martin-mc6hr]

Best explanation I’ve heard - thanks.

[@PonchMuniz]

Good advice Scott!

[@tomtresco2952]

Thanks Scott, advice well heeded.

[@nickpilgrim1966]

Great objective guidance 🙏

[@godswill_jjsax]

Thanks so much for such a great info. I really appreciate 🙏👌

[@brucechamberlain5042]

finally a clear objective to choosing a reed strength thanks

[@martinwatkins1444]

I have several mouthpieces (don't we all!) ranging from 7 to 8* tip opening, and I find the more open ones need a softer reed whilst I need to go a bit stiffer with the narrower ones. I think I have just found the sweet spot with a Select Jazz 3S on my JJ 7*, but I am also trying out a Legere Signature 2.25, which 'ought' to be a bit soft but really isn't! Like you say though, I only really found what worked by sticking with the same set up for a while and adjusting gradually.

[@kelechivictory3041]

Thanks alot Scott paddock your tutorials have really helped me alot GOD bless you

[@ScottPaddock]

You're welcome! I'm glad you've found them helpful

[@DynamixWarePro]

I play Legere Signature reeds and I started because of the reasons you mentioned, the consistency and making sure any issues I was having were caused by me and not an inconsistent reed. I have went back and fourth between a 2 and a 2.25 on my alto sax since I started playing 2 and a half years ago and like them a lot. The one thing I have noticed with Legere reeds is that they don't always play right and sit properly with some ligatures due to the thinner reed table than cane has. I kept wondering why I was not getting the right response from the Legere signature reeds and some ligatures I tried, but as soon as I put a BG Reed Performer patch on the reeds table, it fixed the issue and it raises the reed table and it will secure and play better. I have noticed that if I have a slightly soft reed or a reed that is going soft, my low notes don't always come out cleanly and tend to warble sometimes and the reed feels softer and gives me a bit of a fuzzy buzz in the sound which gets worse the more I play it. With a reed that is a just a little too hard, I find tuning might be better with the extra resistance, but I notice that my low notes can have a gurgle sound (spitty sound) and I can't always get them to play and I feel like I have to push my air harder and I can sometimes get too much moisture build-up on the mouthpiece/reed. I just won an American Cut reed and hope it gives me a better response as I find 2 signatures just slightly too hard on some of my mouthpieces like my Selmer Soloist E alto which I find the low notes more resistant on it.

[@pmwizard48]

I use legere on my tenor sax and clarinet. Enjoy the consistency of the sound.

[@jojoista]

Thanks for another great, in-depth explanation on a difficult topic to grasp! I've already sent off for a Legere Signature 2.0 - been playing for a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed! Also, I'm hoping to join your sax school as soon as I can get some constant, in-tune notes on my soprano, as I'm finding your teaching style in tune with my way of thinking and learning.

[@JackLovesCookies]

I know it’s been a year but may I ask how the legere 2.0 worked for you?

[@rasecdante454]

i cant wait your sax school ..

[@ScottPaddock]

It's up, and open for enrollment now! www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com I'll be making some announcements next week on KZbin.

[@josiahkennedy33]

1:23 if you like scott paddock sax, you'll LOOOVE scott paddock sax live!

[@Ramen_Sensei]

Thank you so much!!!!!

[@manuellusabiamagdura3567]

Thanks, Sir.

[@whiteshield60]

Just started watching this video series and really enjoying them and have subscribed! Anyway I totally agree with the idea that you should stay with one reed type and strength for months at a time to get to know it better and improve your technique. However the certain problem for beginners and maybe for intermediate sax players is they don't know what suits them best especially since they will hopefully be improving and the best reed for them may well be changing as they progress. It has taken me over three years since starting to play again to find out what strength of reed I should play on my tenor set up and I try to play most days. But even though I know where I am on strength I still have to choose on a particular reed itself, from any one of many from at least two or three manufacturers, let alone put up with the inconsistencies of cane reeds. Good reeds aren't cheap and to find out that you have bought a box of 10 which play too hard or worse too soft is frustrating to say the least. Nonetheless its been fun getting there. 😀

[@davidudall1706]

so true scott

[@howiewillis8966]

Thank you

[@flrn84791]

what I experienced with a too soft reed is that I was overblowing my low notes way too easily, and moving up a bit, from a 2S to a 2H helped a lot :)

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Thanks Scott! Everything you say in this video I’ve noticed so great to hear and understand what’s going on. I tried a legere synthetic tenor. Blah!! Don’t play orange Rico’s eh? Oops. That’s all I’ve tried so far. Guess I will branch out.

[@raveendraramani9501]

All i use is vandoren supreme classic strength 3

[@catherinebui6367]

thank you!

[@robertnorris8096]

Well, now I know why my high notes sound thin. 😊 Thanks Scott!!

[@ScottPaddock]

Yeah, a soft reed and high notes don't go well together at all!

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

Lavoz also only has like 5 total strengths all without numbers. I use a 2.25 Legere Signature on alto too--and tenor. They seem slightly harder than a 2.5 Rico Orange to me (you just have to file them and they play fine lol). Playing with a "lip out embouchure" seems to tend toward softer reeds for obv reasons.

[@coffinman5007]

Around 1 in 10 La Voz reeds sounds fantastic. Extreme bass and screaming highs. The rest just don't play like that. Maybe anyone who can afford a reed profiler could have an ace every time.

[@iqi616]

Good video. I go with the good old Ricos even if you don't like them 😀. I like a particular sound and I enjoy picking through the box for a couple of nice ones rather than going for more consistent brands that have far fewer duds but also don't have the gems.

[@craigiefconcert6493]

iqi616 my question is can the duds be scraped or sanded to be better, like they are a blank?

[@iqi616]

@@craigiefconcert6493 the ones that are a bit stiff can be sanded but clipping soft ones is hit or miss.

[@bestcomdand7023]

Thanks, great info. I just bought a box of Orange Ricos -oh well, I'll just have to work harder, until they all die. Or me.

[@mmmdisciple]

Hi Scott, I checked your sax school website the other day and all the Course Catalog details were available. Today I checked it and all that information isn't there. I've provided my email so I can partake in your online course. Look forward to starting when the site is functional.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Good stuff Scott, pretty spot on, but the elephant in the room is the mouthpiece lol 😉 between the tip opening, the facing curve and length, the window and table, the chamber size and shape, the rails, the baffle, the rail walls, the material and mouthpiece girth, and the surface treatment, one needs to define an appropriate mouthpiece out of the gate for different stages of development and musical style sought. I’ve wanting to do a video on this, but have been too lazy. For any given setup, there is even a sweet (or best) spot for how much mpc you take in; too much sounds honky and not quite enough, the sound gets pleasingly darker, but control diminishes; and if you really take in too little, stability goes out the window. How much and how little varies because of the player and his/her embouchure using whatever mpc and reed. I feel that starting point should be middle of the road on all parameters and tweaking from there (of course after determining whether it should be a middle of the road (read standard) jazz or standard classical piece.

[@coffinman5007]

I just got a MB2 (Sakshama) from the off. Lol its loud and fitted to a Jupiter.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Coffin Man - Enjoy!

[@yusuffamous474]

you're great

[@kanscho]

Awesome video, exactly the advice I was looking for! Is your suggestion for reed strengths for beginners true for all types of sax's? I'm getting back in to playing the saxophone after a 30 year hiatus and am in the process of getting Bari.

[@ScottPaddock]

Yeah, same advice for all of the saxes. Bari and soprano are a bit more difficult to get started on just because they both have their own obstacles that make playing the instrument a bit more difficult than alto/tenor. If you're looking for a jumpstart in restarting the sax - check out my Sax School. I have courses that are designed specifically to get you back up and going quickly. Here's the link: www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com

[@davidudall1706]

good advice,, comprehensive, nice t shirt ,monk?

[@thomaskipfer1008]

Mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures are all very important. The saxophone is great- it depends upon the sound that comes from the setup of the mpc- reed-lig. Can you please explain in easy language about your setup?

[@ScottPaddock]

Sounds like a great idea for an upcoming video! Thanks.

[@srfhdx5584]

Always used Rico 2s, but i accidentally got 2.5s and the low Bb is making a pulsing sound now

[@georgeluna5845]

What about mouthpiece gaps. My ombuchure is much stronger now. Should I be using a bigger gapped mp?

[@ceregenicsinc.5905]

Scott -- In your video on the Roland Aerophone 10, you said you bought it to do auto transcribing of your solos. I went and got a AE-10G. Love it! What software are you using to capture your solos? Thanks.

[@flrn84791]

Any DAW will work, then you can export the recorded MIDI to sheet music.

[@JeliToast]

Hi I’m a being Inter Baritone saxophone player you said red box Rico’s aren’t the best I was wondering if it was all Rico’s or no because i was going to buy blue box Rico’s simply because I was desprate for a new reed and my band teacher recromended Rico’s last year shoudl I still but then or no?

[@yehudalichtenstein574]

Hi Scott, and thanks for the video! I'd like to hear your thoughts on my condition: If I'm playing a reed that's a bit too resistance for me (just like you described it on the video), should I immediately switch for a softer one, or should I try the hard reed for a couple of months, and then decide? Thanks a lot!!

[@ScottPaddock]

If it doesn't break into the right feel within a week or two, I'd go ahead and move down a size. Using a reed isn't like building muscles, playing for a longer time doesn't mean you will increase your reed size. AND playing on a reed that responds well for you will make everything you play sound better.

[@OscarRurzagasti]

A question Scott, for you, what is the equivalent measure between reed and synthetic? I mean, if you use a 2.25 reed, what would be the size of the synthetic that would replace it? Thanks for the info.

[@ScottPaddock]

I use a 2.25 synthetic, and before that I used a Diadorio 3 soft filed.

[@rogerlachance632]

Hi Scott, I tried the new Legere American cut on my alto. I must say that I did not see much difference when compared to the Legere Signature. I would be interested to get your opinion on this new reed.

[@Ugo392]

To me american cut is a lot brighter

[@davidrandal7476]

Another question is, " when can you tell for sure if your read is finished. "

[@ScottPaddock]

It gets really thin sounding. Your high notes go out of tune and sound really whiney and eventually it just shuts down on you.

[@velvetimpulse]

@@ScottPaddock A lot of random squeaking too, right? I always notice the sudden squeaks.

[@nairdazitro7460]

When there's no longer unread page of course !

[@Destiny1m]

Scott, I am, currently, using the legere American cut in 2.25. It 'has' been PERFECT. Recently I found that after playing for about 1 hour or a bit longer the reed becomes very picky about embrochure. There is a very narrow window to get the notes out. Over blowing and locking up the sax is very easy at this point. Going up to the 2.5 feels a bit to hard/stiff. Being a newer player I do not know if it is me possibly being between strengths or have I finally played enough to wear one out😮?

[@ScottPaddock]

Sounds like it is dying to me. They start to get really thin and whiney when they are worn out. Especially in the upper register.

[@davebailey3801]

Hi Scott! I play best with a 1.5 Reed If I play with a 2 or higher some of the notes won't sound. What is the probl;em? Any ideas?

[@sampowellmusic]

nope no ideas i guess

[@jaymichael91]

Ok, so I pick the worst reeds. 😂 thanks for this very educational lesson.

[@marciosaxs]

Hey Scott, I just switched from D'addario Filled Select Jazz reeds to the Légère Signature. I'm loving it so far! Do you plan to change definitely to the Légère American Cut or are you going to continue playing the Signature Series?

[@MrBoybergs]

Great question. I'm going to try out an American cut next week. I'm really curious to see if it's a 'better' reed. I've been using Leger signatures (2.25) on tenor for years now and I love them......I'll give you my feedback after trying the new cut.

[@ScottPaddock]

I think I'm making the switch on alto! I like that it has a thicker sound and more cut to it. I haven't tried the tenor yet, I've got the reed sitting on my desk but haven't tried it yet, because I'm happy with my current Signature. As soon as it dies, I'm going to put on the American.

[@MrBoybergs]

Sorry for my lack of update Mario; truth is I completely forgot and only notification of Scott's reply reminded me. So the American is a little 'fuller' and ever so slightly brighter than the Signature but for me, the main difference is the response and clarity in the altissimo register. These notes pop out cleaner and stronger all the way up to D4 (which is as high as I can go with confidence and consistency) with the American. So I'd say that yes, the American offers me benefits over the Signature. My current setup on tenor is: Hansons LX saxophone Otto Link Tone Edge 9 mouthpiece Legere Signature 2.25/American 2.25 reed (sticking with the American now)

[@marciosaxs]

@@ScottPaddock Thank you Scott! I will give it a try on tenor.

[@marciosaxs]

​@@MrBoybergs Thank you for sharing your findings! I decided to give a try to the American Cut.

[@lohndavis3794]

What do you think about Juno cane reeds 2 - 2 1/2

[@ScottPaddock]

I have never played them, but one of my students came to a lesson with them a few years back and he sounded ok on them. There are soooooo many options when it comes to reeds, so I suggest playing what sounds and feels the best for you - EXCEPT Rico Orange Box, stay away from those.

[@jazznutz]

Off subject here but what shoulder harness are you using?? I bought the band lab and I don't love it because of the piece that pushes on the stomach.

[@ScottPaddock]

I built this one myself. I need to do a video on how to do it. The band lab one really hurt my neck and shoulders. I've tried them all.

[@saxocoustic]

Légère Signature 2.25 on all my saxophones looking forward to your new sax school #Saxocoustic_channel KZbin

[@makz4339]

How much does tip opening of the mouthpiece factor into choosing reed strength

[@coffinman5007]

Wider tip = more distance for the reed to move so needs a softer reed, and vice versa.

[@mikefuentes8]

Hi scott, I recently started playing alto sax again after playing bari sax for 3 years but now a ton if my alto notes wont play and I dont know if it's the instrument or my embouchure

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey Mike, if you can play the bari with no problem, and picked up an alto and it won't play, chances are it is not you. The first problem could be that you need a harder reed... soft reeds will shut a sax down especially if you are blowing all of that bari sax air into it 🤣. If that is not the problem, then you most likely have some sort of leak or possible a spring that is off.

[@mikefuentes8]

@@ScottPaddock thank you!

[@robertp2934]

Hey Scott. Tried to enroll at the Sax School and getting 500 server error! Can you help us out?? Thx

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey Robert - for the launch we got A LOT more traffic than expected, and the server shutdown. We've had it up and running smoothly on a new faster server for the last 2 weeks. If you haven't already, try to enroll again. Everything should work fine now!

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

Scott and fellow sax players - I have a vintage Yamaha YTS 52 and my high notes sound too airy - not nearly as crisp as my low notes/misled notes (no octave key) .. it’s so frustrating- I’ve had the sax adjusted by two reputable techs .. maybe a new reed thickness would help? I’ve tried emboucher, Breathing adjustments etc and I’m stumped

[@ScottPaddock]

If your reed is too soft the first thing to go is your high notes. They sound really thin and easily go flat. I've got an old reed that I just squeezed the last bit of life out of in my practice session today and that's exactly how it felt. The thing about a soft reed though is it will make your low notes effortless. So the trick is finding a reed that feels good all over your sax. Hope that helps!

[@toomuchtoofast4533]

@@ScottPaddock that’s so helpful Scott! I’m jumping up a half and I’ll comment soon! Happy new year

[@lmertz]

What do you think of the American cut? I play Signature 2.0 and love them. Should I try the American cut?

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey! I really like them. They have a bit of a thicker sound. I think I'm going to make the switch from the SIgnature to the American. Signatures are great, but as they are dying they get a little thin and articulation isn't as crisp. So, I'm going to wait and see what happens as my American cut gets close to the end of its life... should be about another month. So far, I definitely recommend it!

[@lmertz]

@@ScottPaddock Thanks... need to find someone selling them. I want to try one and I like the idea of a thicker sounds. Thanks.

[@gertb800]

I play both tenor and alto saxophone, on the tenor I need a harder reed than on the alto (Vandoren Java 3,5 compared to a 3 on alto), even though I use a similar mouthpiece on both saxophones (selmer S80 c* on alto and c** on tenor). Does anyone have the samen experience that you need a stronger reed depending on the type of sax (alto, tenor, bari) you play?

[@ScottPaddock]

Me too! I play a 2.25 on alto, and a 3 on tenor.

[@nairdazitro7460]

I have a big problem on tenor that I don't have on alto.. If I choose a 2.25 legere I can play the low notes fine but I can't hit high notes and I block the reed too easily if I blow too hard, and at the opposite If I play a 2.5 it's impossible to play correctly the low notes, I need one breath for one low Bb, but I can play very high and I don't block the reed, I would need a 2.35 legere reed..

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey Nairda, have you had your saxophone serviced recently? If your low notes are that difficult it could be due to a leak in your sax. That would definitely show up in low notes first.

[@jcaceresvelez]

Could not enroll to Sax school. Received Server error 500.

[@ScottPaddock]

Hey Juan, for the launch we got A LOT more traffic than expected, and the server shutdown. We've had it up and running smoothly on a new faster server for the last 2 weeks. If you haven't already, try to enroll again. Everything should work fine now!

[@vannigio6234]

uah!...🎷💥🎷💥🎷

[@bruhlmaoo]

purple box..?

[@andresoliver281]

its weird how i play Rico 1.5 so well, but then I go to 2.0 and i almost cant make no sound with my sax (im a beginner but the 1.5 makes it so effortless to play)

[@ScottPaddock]

Yeah, those jumps can be brutal. When I go from a 2.25 to a 2.5 it completely changes the way I play. Just a tip - I'd stay away from orange box Ricos. They are very low-quality reeds and getting them to work can be pretty tough.

[@andresoliver281]

@@ScottPaddock Thanks for the reply! those reeds are exactly what im playing, oh my... hahaha. Will get different ones right away

[@giuliopinnola7652]

Should I play my sax every time to keep it without leaking or is there another way to do it? Tks.

[@gangofgreenhorns2672]

Cleaning it every time after you play is going to preserve your pads for a much longer time, and is totally worth it. No way to avoid it. Also brushing your teeth and only drinking water while playing is useful for keeping sugar and sticky stuff from getting into the sax.

[@giuliopinnola7652]

​@@gangofgreenhorns2672 Tks for your answer.

[@giuliopinnola7652]

Unfortunately, I've never brushed my teeth or drunk water before play my sax

[@ScottPaddock]

@@gangofgreenhorns2672 good advice! Pads are going to leak over time no matter what, so plan on taking your sax to the repairman about once a year, but if you take good care of your horn and clean it regularly your pads will last longer. Using Key Leaves is another way to extend the life of your pads and get rid of sticky keys.

[@BrunoNeureiter]

@@ScottPaddock I've heard key leaves create leaks because the pads aren't closed. Notice how the first pads to leak are those who rest open. If they dry open they don't readjust in the right position

[@johnanderson5978]

Bird Charlie Parker