Education can be expensive. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Cane reeds start at around 1.5, and they go up in half sizes (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and so on). However, more advanced players can play the more difficult-to-play combinations, and so they can choose the combination of mouthpiece and reed to achieve a particular sound. To avoid or at least reduce these problems there is the possibility to buy the Plasticover reeds by Rico, which have a thin coat of plastic over them for a longer lasting than regular cane reeds. This may be why many beginners become confused on this point. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/howtoplaythesax/. Like all Vandoren reeds, they are sealed in foil flow packs to shield them from changes in temperature and humidity. In answer to your question, yes, softer reeds are easier to hit the lower notes with. Most beginner saxophonists would like to make playing their sax as easy as possible. Most beginner saxophone players, through no fault of their own, do not have strong embouchures (face and mouth muscles). Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer It may initially feel resistant, so take your time and play it a little each day. Without a reed, your saxophone is just a pretty decorative piece of art. Crafted from premium cane with an unfiled cut,La Vozare played by many top jazz, funk and R&B players, and were the reed of choice for the late, great jazz saxophonist Michael Brecker. I use the reeds mentioned in this article !!! Noted for their quality control and consistency, these are endorsed by big names in the jazz world includingChris Potter, Camille Thurman and Miguel Zenon. Essential for beginner and advanced players. Produces a more brilliant and percussive sound than Vandoren alteratives. These are all signs that its time to switch to a slightly harder saxophone reed size 2 is perfect. This space determines the "channel" that the player's breath follows. If you are brand new to the saxophone and have never played it before, then the best saxophone reeds for beginners is a size 1.5. There are loads of different reed brands out there to, . . Shoes are available in different brands and different styles. We recommend that beginners start out with a standard mouthpiece (for Yamaha, this is the 4C) together with a 2 1/2 reed, and practice the basics of playing long tones, making sure to get their embouchure (the shape and action of the mouth and lips that controls the sound using the muscles around the mouth) correct, and from there go on to choose something that fits their taste. Find us also at: Required fields are marked *. Rico Royal saxophone reeds are a fantastic next step. You need to get some reeds if you actually want to play some music or make a noise with your sax. This typically gives the player a brighter sound, which might be more appropriate for jazz or big band playing. Players of popular music or jazz often prefer this brighter tone and thus use thinner reeds. If a beginner would start with a 1 or 1 1/2 reed, there may be some difficulty with playing very many notes because the reed is too weak to support the playing. And, just like shoes, size 2 in one brand or style does not translate exactly into what is called size 2 of another brand or style. Get started on your saxophone journey today ! I learned somethings from you today. The higher the number, the harder the reed is and in most cases the harder it is to play. So whilst the question of best saxophone reed for jazz will be personal to each individual player, there are some industry-leaders and well take you through 5 of them in this guide. While the majority of saxophonists play with basic cane reeds, synthetic reeds are also used every so often. Suite 33, 6 Queen Street, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 2SQ. Alto saxophone reeds ONLY fit on alto saxophones. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your name and email address andwe'll send you some useful sax hints, tips - and your 7 free beginner saxophone lessons - delivered directly to your email inbox :-). To demonstrate, weve included some examples of the reeds chosen by the jazz greats both modern and through history so keep an eye out for the reeds recommended by everyone from Charlie Parker to Chris Potter. The saxophone is a transposing instrument. by Matt Fripp | Last updated Jun 30, 2022 | Saxophone. After some months of playing, you could upgrade to Rico Royal reeds which have a higher strength. FREE Ultimate Saxophone Toolkit If you play a much stronger reed, it takes a massive amount of control to maintain your tone and sound on your saxophone. These reeds last for months, and they're fairly consistent due largely in part to the material consisting of plastics. For beginners it is generally recommended to start with a 2. Our most popular products based on sales. However, until you get to that point it might be worth buying in smaller quantities (some brands offer boxes of five, or you could buy a few individual reeds), although reeds can vary noticeably, even within a box, so you should try a few of each type before making a decision either way. And therefore, it really all relates back to how often you play your saxophone. Youtube https://www.youtube.com/howtoplaythesax Be Awesome. made from cane are the most common type of reed. Mouthpieces are interchangeable, so most of them will fit any neck. The best saxophone reeds for beginners are going to be a smaller size, such as a size 1.5 or maybe a size 2. The exact implications of these options are somewhat mysterious and open to interpretation, but reports suggest that, whilst the difference is not massive, the filed version gives a brighter sound with faster vibration, whereas the unfiled cut offers slightly more resistance as a result of the bark from the reeds shoulders remaining intact. So you want to learn to play saxophone? all available when ever it suits YOU (rather than when it suits someone else), with a forum community to ask questions and receive (and give) answers. The opening at the mouthpiece is called the "tip opening." Famous works for saxophone: Chamber music. Then its down to strengthening your embouchure by working on. I never changed mine unless I accidently nicked it and used a standby until I could trim it using a 25c (quarter dollar) under it and a match to burn a round tip as it made the reed without a nick again. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Yes, if you play a particular size reed of one brand, then trying the equivalent size number of another brand is a good place to start but it will take some experimentation. Most reeds are made of cane they are actually made of a piece of shaped wooden reed. JavaScript is disabled. Twitter https://twitter.com/howtoplaythesax There are specific reeds designed to meet these requirements. Our friends at sax.co.uk offer a reed selection pack, so you can try reeds from different brands in the same size, which is a great idea.. This is sometimes a concern, so, recently, convenient resin reeds that are easy to maintain and last a long time have appeared. The wooden / cane reeds are easy to find, easy to buy and easy to play. In general, a thinner reed, say 2 or 2.5, will have a brighter tone. I often get questions from students about how to get a better. Strengths can vary from brand to brand for example a Vandoren Traditional 2.5 is harder than a DAddario Royal 2.5 but these can be checked easily on a reed comparison chart. In the meantime, here are our 5 top choices. The most important factor in selecting a reed is the reed thickness. restrictions. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HowToPlayTheSax Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-play-the-sax/id1527900715 Online Saxophone Lessons to help you learn faster! My Ultimate Saxophone Toolkit has everything you need to get started on the right track. Due to their low cost and delicacy, Rico reeds will most likely be used by students. Most manufacturers offer boxes of 10 reeds at a better price per reed than if they are purchased individually, so this is a good option once you have settled on one that works for you. In comparison to the Java, this is intended to offer a richer, darker sound, whilst still offering the projection and zip required for the style; this is marketed as the perfect all-round jazz reed, ideal for both small group playing and section work. I started out as a jazz musician before becoming a booking agent and manager. has everything you need to get started on the right track. Learn how to put your sax together and find your first notes ready to play some fun tunes. A box of 10 is usually a much cheaper cost per reed option, than an individual reed or a three pack. As there is such a broad range of reeds below are some recommended products for beginners. Teaming it up with a good mouthpiece is very important. A good option for players of all levels, they are available in strengths ranging from 1.0-5.0. I never had knowledge of sax players replacing their sax reed every two to four weeks. Your email address will not be published. Thus, there are many different opinions about mouthpiece and reed combinations, and there is an infinite number of combinations. Here are a few things to think about when choosing cane or synthetic reeds. Reed thickness is most often expressed as a number. To me, it is the LIP STRENGHT that decides the reed match for the player. As we mentioned, it pays to do your homework and try out some options. These cane reeds have a thin coat of plastic over them, and have a longer lasting life than regular cane reeds. An important point when choosing a reed is the compatibility with the mouthpiece. The higher the number, the thicker and harder the reed and the more resistance there will be in playing. Alto saxophone reeds that are made from cane are the most common type of reed. we'll send you some useful sax hints, tips - and your 7 free beginner saxophone lessons - delivered directly to your email inbox :-). The consistancy of the Royals is very good IMO. And its often down to their reed choice. In fact, both of these brands also offer very suitable basic reeds for new players, and years later many professionals prefer these reeds as well. They arent too expensive, so you can try out and. Reeds can get expensive, which is a shame. also break a lot of reeds when youre starting out! It is necessary to choose a reed that fits the specific shape of the mouthpiece. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which may result in me getting a microscopic or possibly even non-existent commission, yet cost no more for you if you happen to purchase. For tenor I would suggest a Legere Signature 2 strength. I host Jazzfuel to provide resources and info for both professional musicians and jazz fans around the world. Reeds are also different. Youll find that reeds from different brands will play differently, even if they dont vary based on size, so its best to try a few brands to find the one that is best for you. They can last for days, or weeks, or even months. This offering from Vandoren is another one of their four reeds that are specifically designed for jazz playing (the others are Java Green, Java Red and ZZ). A certain number of reeds in every box will not work very well or very long. Experimenting with reeds can not only change the sound of your saxophone immensely, but it's also one of the least expensive parts of the instrument. all neatly organised in the one convenient location. They are characterized by a special cut which helps to achieve a quick response, a more brilliant sound and a precise articulation. Most reeds offer half strength gradients (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, etc. Please feel free to share this article on your social network of choice using the sharing buttons below , P.P.S. If you play a much stronger reed, it takes a massive amount of control to maintain your tone and sound on your saxophone. If you have any questions about saxophone reeds, please let me know in the comments below. Woodwind & Brasswind is proud to offer high-quality reeds for musicians from professional to beginner. This is usually marked on the box by percentage, and it's not uncommon for up to 20% of a box to be unplayable. A harder reed will offer more resistance, requiring a more developedembouchure, sosaxophone beginnerswill generally play on a softer a reed (perhaps a 1.5 or a 2). You are using an out of date browser. When buying a reed, you should begin with the saxophone itself (ie. Feel free to drop me an email! The best way to find the perfect reed for you is to experiment with different products and strengths: find out what feels and sounds best with your skill and experience level, the type of music you play, andthe mouthpiece you use. With a thick spine and a longer vamp, these aim to help the player to produce afatter soundwith greater projection and flexibility, making them ideal forjazz. What are the best saxophone reeds for beginners ? is a question that I get asked quite often. To make the reed longer lasting, you should handle it delicately and dry it gently every time after playing it. Nigel from Sax School Online tests the Yamaha 4C and shows you why its the best saxophone mouthpiece upgrade for beginner players. The theory behind these other reed types is good and worthy of exploration from a professional perspective, or maybe an advanced intermediate players perspective, but if you are a beginner then your best bet is to stick to actual cane / wood reeds. players. Questions or comments? bestsaxophone reeds for beginners are going to be made by Rico, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-play-the-sax/id1527900715, https://www.instagram.com/howtoplaythesax/, https://www.pinterest.com.au/HowToPlayTheSax/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/howtoplaythesax/, All Revved Up With No Place To Go Meatloaf Cover. When making an order, all of this information will be needed. There are loads of different reed brands out there to choose from, such as DAddario, Marca, Vandoren, and Rico. It can be confusing, but its a great idea to try a few different brands. Specifically tailored jazz cuts, hand selects, and classical reeds are available. Looking back, a 6c would have suited me better to begin on. And its often down to their reed choice. To me, it is the LIP STRENGTH that decides the reed match for the player. HowToPlayTheSax.com where saxophone lessons come to YOU ! A softer reed, in general, makes it a little easier to be quiet and breathy with your playing. For example, to achieve a deeper, dark tone, many players choose a mouthpiece with a large tip opening and a thick reed. When I started playing the Sax I was given a box of Rico Royals and still think they are a great reed, just a little too bright for my tastes these days. Immediately. However as mentioned above, not all size 1.5 saxophone reeds are created equal. all of the items in your cart may not ship to the Rico and Vandoren are both highly regarded brands. Like most things these days, the more you buy, the cheaper the individual price. Grab it here. Im a big fan of synthetic reeds, in fact, but will last MUCH longer so I think theyre better value, It can be tricky to find the right size synthetic reed because they cost more, you might not want to buy several to test out, Lgre will allow you to swap if you buy the wrong strength reed, Lgre reeds come in quarter sizes, making it easier to find the perfect strength for you. If you have been playing saxophone for a year or so, then the next time you need some reeds, consider trying the Rico Royals. Sure is, but playing into a corner is good advice ;}. Plasticover reeds work exceptionally great for alto, tenor and baritone saxes. Play Saxophone. Booking gigsReleasing MusicCareer PromotionDiscover Jazz Music. They feature a thicker tip with a thinner heart (the centre of the of active part of the reed, in the middle of the vamp), providing vibration over a greater surface area and a more flexible palette. A reed is what actually makes the sound. A newer Java Filed Red cut offers even more flexibility and power, making it particularly suited to rock and funk. But, with care they can last for months and months. The saxophone reed can make a surprisingly big impact on your sound and style, especially whensetting up to play jazzor other modern genres like blues, soul, funk and pop music. Your reed is THAT Important. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/howtoplaythesax/ No a clarinet reed does NOT fit onto a saxophone !! And just to make things worse, there are different type of mouthpiece for the different types of Bb clarinet. The main sizes easily available for purchase are 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3. Rico designs "plasticover" reeds as well. 2022 Woodwind & Brasswind. Even if the mouthpiece is a little too loose or too tight, the cork can be easily shaved or replaced, so you can choose any mouthpiece you like. The main brands of reeds are Rico (and Rico Royal), Vandoren,DAddario (who actually own Rico) and Legere. ), but DAddario Jazz reeds allow the player to be more picky in that regard by offering strength gradients rising in thirds: each strength number has a soft, medium and hard option (2S, 2M, 2H, 3S, 3M, 3H). Fred, decisions about reed choices come down to 2 things, playability and sound. However, most beginners will likely have a fairly small mouthpiece tip opening on their mouthpieces such as the Yamaha 4C mouthpiece that came with their saxophone, or via a deliberate but separate purchase. and they dont change over the life of the reed unlike cane reeds. sound on their saxophone. Vandoren reeds provide a nice and rich sound through an extremely flexibility and are rather be suited for advanced players. Rico saxophone reeds are cheap(er), easier to find and purchase either online or at your local music shop, and are easier to play due to their increased flexibility. In Sax School, I often get questions from students about how to get a better quality sound on their saxophone. Many different reed variations are available, with each having a strength marked by a number, 2 to 5 in half steps, with 5 being the hardest for Rico and 2 being the softest. Hold your mouthpiece with the flat part facing you. The Rico Royal reeds are a little denser than the normal Rico reeds which helps you to reach lower and higher notes easier. They tend to be a little on the soft side, meaning that they will blow freely straight out of the box, although the flip side of this is that some users have found their life span to be shorter than other brands. As a brand new beginner, youll want to start out on cane reeds until you find the right strength for you then, you can try synthetic reeds. Are certain reeds better for a beginner to use? Repeat. First and foremost, make sure that you get the correct Instrument Sized Reed for your saxophone. In fact, the concept of saxophone reeds for beginners is something that comes to mind almost immediately after someone decides that they want to learn how to play the saxophone ! However, again from a beginners perspective, Rico saxophone reeds are the best place to start. The so-called reed is one of the most important pieces of woodwinds just like the clarinet or the saxophone. Some reeds will therefore last for weeks, others just a few days. Slide the reed underneath the ligature, so that the flat side of the reed fits. Endorsers for the various Vandoren jazz reeds include the likes of Steve Coleman, Walter Smith III and Tia Fuller. Enter your name and email address and receive 7 free beginner saxophone lessons !