Most Favored Reed Strength

CMelodyMan · Most Favored Reed Strength

What is your most favored reed strength?

CMelodyMan

Most of y'all seem to favor 3's. I guess I'm the only one who favors 2.5's.

JazZz

I regularly play on 3's because if I don't, during concert band my tone won't match up entirely with the rest of the section. I do however prefer 2.5's because they are nice, it's more comfort with them for me. I started on 1's so everyone thought I was crazy. Entering high school, I was playing on 2's and the director got mad (he was a trumpet player) because the middle school told kids to start on 2.5's and 3's. He made me bump up to a 3, but outside of school I play on 2.5's. It bugs me that brass players insist that
reed strength = talent

CMelodyMan

I know the feeling, my BD, a trombonist, is like that.

sforzandosax

I use fours. I can't even p;lay on 2.5's or 3's anymore. I have to get a little more used to the fours though...

Louis Scuderi

I play 2's usually on tenor, but recently moved up to 3's. 3'5's are on the horizon... Fish

Louis Scuderi

Wow, Vandoren had a reed stamped 2.5 in my box of 3's. I tried it out and I realized it plays A LOT better than the 3's. Very easy low notes, so I'm officially a 2.5 man. Of only I could vote again.

PS- I'm still 3 on clarinet. Fish

saxmaniac

I like 3.5 Ricos.

darby dylan

i actually started with 1.5 and went up to 3 in the years and that is what i like.

reisio

3's or 3.5's.

It's easy enough to sand a 3 down to something softer, too.

altosax4ever · reed

My BD (a saxophonist) makes all of us play on 3.5

EVERY ONE OF US.

FOR EVERY SINGLE BAND! jazz, marching, concert, solos, everything.

Altosaxophonerules

I play on 2.5's. They just seem to give me a better sound. Laughing

Jacob

4's for tenor.

I love having a big sound that can fill up any room.

altosax4ever

2.5 Is my new fav, I've been using it for jazz!

pssst...don't tell my director!

DdogonGod · Not All Reed Strengths Equal

It must be noted that not all reed strength numbers are created eqaul. Comparing a Vandoren 3 and a Rico Royal 3, the Rico Royal is actually a much weaker reed. Generally, jazz specific reeds are slightly softer than general purpose reeds. If you go to Vandoren's site, then under products go to sax reeds. Once there, on the left, will be a link that says 'reed comparison index'. I was shocked to find the differences in a so-called 3.

Cliff

I only have 2, what's the diff in sound anyway?

Thomas · Re: reed

It depends on what style of music I'm playing. I use 2.5 Vandoren ZZ's for jazz, and 3.5 Vandoren regulars for classical. I play jazz more often, so I voted for 2.5. Cool

JPSaxMan

Wait...Thomas...playing mainly jazz? WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE REAL THOMAS HAY? Just kiddin man, I just knew you were more of a classical guy :p

I voted for 3 a while ago, but have found I will probably need to step up to 3&1/2's for classical. Oh well.

Thomas

JPSaxMan

Holy crap, somebody pinch me, I must be dreaming :p

Yea, I mean, I like some classical and I don't find it boring to play, but to listen to and emulate, yea is BORING Cool

cannonball_phil

I like just bught some fives cuz my jazz buddies said I play to loud on a 3.5 so I move to a 5 on my alto and tenor sax cuz of peer pressure and I have to say I love of them they make me soud so powerful for every style I play, but on soprano I use 2 because it makes me sound so smooth

Most Favored Reed Strength

reed

Not All Reed Strengths Equal

Re: reed