Saxophone Reeds
When it comes to saxophone reeds the choice is virtually endless. However, they are a fairly cheap essential so it's always good to shop around and try a few different ones.
The More Sax Reeds The Better
If you are going to do this it's always better to buy at least a couple at a time. The reason for this is simple. As the name suggests they are reeds which means they are organic and therefore grown and not manufactured.
There is no guarantee that the first reed you get is going to be a good one. You may well use one and think it's awful when infact it was just a bad reed.The likelyhood of this happening is not a frequent thing but it does still happen. Look at the cut part of the reed and examine the grain. The grain should be of a uniform appearance.
A Saxophone Reed Can Make A Difference
I will say that the difference between saxophone reeds is quite noticeable and you don't need to be an experienced player to notice the difference a reed can make.
There are various makes out there Rico reeds, Vandoren reeds and La Voz reeds, to name but a few. All of them have differing types of reeds with differing attributes. Some give a greater buzz, some are more refined for classical, some are actually manufactured and last a lot longer than a grown reed.
Saxophone Reeds
Which reed is which?
Although they look the same they are different. Above are 3 reeds from different manufacturers. They are a Rico reed, a Vandoren reed and La Voz reed. Each of them have different playing attributes.
Sax Reed Use
You need to bear in mind that when you get your saxophone reeds they will need to be soaked thoroughly before use when new.
I leave mine overnight in a cup of water. Some people use mouthwash, others use vodka, not something i've tried but I can see the benefits!
Please also bear in mind that saxophone reeds are delicate things and easily broken. There's nothing worse than finding a good reed only to break it through carelessness.
If you're not playing then put the mouthpiece cover on or put the reed back in its cover if you are walking away for a while.
Saxophone Reed Strength
Saxophone reeds come in strengths. This means the higher the number the stronger the reed and the stronger your embouchre will need to be.
If you are a beginner it is generally a good idea to start with a reed of 1.5 strength. Use this for a couple of months or so to build up your jaw muscles and then move up a strength, but only if you want to.
I used to play a reed strength of 3.5 with a 7 lay mouthpiece. I loved it when I wanted to blast it out but I found it quite difficult to play softly. I prefer a much more mellow and softer sound so I don't go any higher than 2.5 as I personally find that suits my embouchre. That said there's nothing to say that you can't get an equally soft sound with a stronger reed, you just need strong jaw muscles and an embouchre that can crack walnuts!Sax Reed Trimming
Incidentally reeds can be shaped or 'filed' and they can also be recut by yourself which will change their response. However don't go delving into the cutlery drawer and digging out a pair of scissors, buy a reed cutter!Reeds are delicate and things. Trimming them with the scissors you've just used on your toe nails is not recommended. Read our guide to trimming if you really want to go down this route.
Search This Site And The Web
Search This Site And The Web
Sax Scales
Listing the major scales for saxophone.
If you want to take your playing to another level you really do need to learn your scales.
Cheap Saxophones
Do you really get what you pay for with the cheap saxophones today?
Famous Players
Listing some of the most famous players around.Just who is the greatest? Is your favourite on there? If not let us know and we will add them
Fingering Charts
From bottom B to top F you'll find a fingering chart for all the keying positions right here.
So relax and take your time to study and learn all the positions necessary to utilise the full range of your sax.
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service?
www.saxophone-players.com Copyright 2009
Return to the top of Saxophone Reeds