Starting saxophone tomorrow, I've been watching your videos almost a year now and just want to say thanks for all the help. By far the most informative channel I've found for saxophone in general. Your videos are very comprehensive but also not too slow paced and I appreciate that because I have had a hard time choosing if I wanted to try the instrument or not without enough info.
I’ve tried various reeds over the decades and settled on the Vandoren Jazz. That is until I tried Boston Sax shop reeds. Incredible consistency, free blowing and my altissimo pops right out. I am amazed at the difference. More expensive but worth every penny.
I've tried a bunch of different reeds through the years and keep going back to the old cheap orange box Ricos. I know everybody hates them but that's what I sound best on.
I settled on Alexander reeds 10-15 yrs ago. Recently changed to V12 on clarinet. And Java green on my Otto Link HR tenor piece. Use Alexander NY 3 on my Meyer G series alto and DC superial 3 on my Vandoren Optimum alto.
As a young player I got my singe most sudden improvement in the area of sound generation when a player I admired greatly allowed me to blow his horn with the same reed and mouthpiece he had been using. I was immediately able to adjust my mouth, throat, embouchure, etc. to get the same sound he had. In one minute, it changed my playing forever.
Jay, I recently bought a saxophone, and while I have been struggling with it, your videos and instructions keep me motivated. I have been enjoying your content. Thanks for all you do! Do you ever do covers of songs?
hey man, if you just started playing I would reccomend doing jay's play by ear crashcourse. Its free, it has six, ten minute, lesons that help you play without sheetmusic. I started two month ago and I doubled my skills after that course. After the free crash course comes the 80 dollar pentatonic foundation course which im following now and that is amazing too, you just need spend some money then.
I was using LaVoz mediums until recently. I just bought some Rigotti Gold Jazz 3 mediums. I like them very much. I think they’re warmer sounding and a bit smoother than the LaVoz without being stuffy. I agree with you as well. Out of the box of 10 most of the Rigotti reeds were very playable. With a few touch ups a couple of them play very nicely.
Hey Jay, here in Brazil the organic reeds are very, very expensive, it's like a box of reed costs about 1/8 of the minimum wage, so a lot of manufactures created synthetic reeds, that have nice sound, and lasts for about a year.
Jay, I really enjoy your videos. Iv'e been teaching myself to play alto sax since last september. I have been making purchases based on your suggestions for reeds and mouthpeices. I bought some Rigotti Gold reeds after watching the video you made of the factory tour and one thing I have noticed it that sometimes the reed cane is sometimes shaved off-center. Maybe you could do a video on how this effects the reed. I have also purchased a Yamaha 4 & 5c, perhaps you could do a video on what makes mouthpeices different and why you get different sounds from different shaped mouthpeices. Thanks for all your advice.
Bobby Whitworth Mouthpieces are made from different materials, some of the most popular being plastic, metal, and hard rubber. Although all can be adapted to play any genre of music, metal mouthpieces are usually good for jazz, while hard rubber and plastic mouthpieces are good for classical. The sound of a mouthpiece is often described as “bright” or “dark”, which you will learn to identify as you progress in your musical knowledge. A baffle is a little bump or ridge inside the mouthpiece which helps change the speed of airflow. A high baffle makes air travel faster, resulting in a very “bright” sound. A low baffle or having no baffle at all can produce a very “dark” or mellow sound. Finally, tip opening is essentially a measurement of how far the meeting point of the mouthpiece and the reed are. Like you mentioned before, for a Yamaha 5C, the 5C represents the tip opening. The 4C, evidently has a smaller tip opening. A larger tip opening gives a better sound and more control, but it takes far more air. So it makes sense that you are using a 4 or 5. An intermediate or professional player would use 6,7, or 8. A very confident player could use 9. Anything above 9 is very rare. If you don’t understand something or have questions, just ask.
I don’t know about a better sound in general from a higher tip opening. It certainly changes the sound, but whether or not the change is an improvement is up to the player.
Rigotti Gold Jazz work for me (tenor). Consistent, high proportion good out of the box and the grades within grades idea works quite well. Good match to the 10mFan Black Widow (7**).
So true, when I was first starting to play (1973?), it was all Rico at the local music store. We started with a 1.5 and just ended up getting harder from there. I think I ended up playing a #6 on my clarinet. There were a few other brands but nothing in stock compared to today. Our instructors never really knew what to advise Reed players. I’ve learned more in the past 5 years than I ever knew existed. I don’t know how we survived on those out-of-the-box ricos
I use the Rico legure (sp?) American cut 2.75 with an old myer 7. One will last for months and I never have to mess around with reeds. It's the best thing that ever happened to me!
Your videos are the best Jay. Reed and mouthpiece setups are as varied as the musicians themselves. However, experimenting with mouthpieces and reeds is an expensive proposition. At least Vandoren and D'addario have sampler packs that are modest in price. I use a #6 alto NY Bros 2 with d'addario 2 select filed. Best of both worlds; enough resistance and great sound.
I play alto and i've been using Vandoren blue boxes (size 3). I've also tried out the Fred Hemke reeds (size 3). I want to try out the some of Legere Reeds too.
Hey Jay, you nailed it "consistency" is key. I've been working my reeds for decades (love the ReedGeek), but even after hours of balancing and adjusting, the life of a cane reeds is still limited. So, I end up holding my really good reeds for performances. Additionally, I need a few depending on temperature, humidity, etc. For this reason, I moved to the Legere for practicing. Very consistent from day to day, session to session, which I find important, especially when working on extended techniques. Still, I prefer the sound of Trad. Vandorens for classical performances.
Would love to try Rigotti cause I find Vandoren and Rico to be quite inconsistent when it comes to strength and endurance but my music store doesn't sell them and I hate buying stuff on the internet. Hopefully, Rigotti reeds will become more popular so my music store will start selling them.
Hey Jay, I bought the Eastar sax based on your blind test 3 years ago. I'm a beginner playing for a weeks and I want to get a better mouthpiece and reed setup. I want to buy your Burnin' 5 mouthpiece for an edgier sound. Is a 2.0 reed appropriate for me? Was looking at the D'Addario Select Jazz soft reeds, but really have no idea. I've been playing on the stock setup from that Eastar.
I recently bought a box of Rigotti Jazz reeds. First one out the box played great. I also splurged and got myself a new mouthpiece. A Theo Wanne NYBros 2. And wow. I understand now why it's so pricey. That thing practically plays itself and the sound is fat as hell. Not to mention the better intonation.
I'm not sure if it's because I'm a clarinet player by trade or if I'm rather inexperienced at saxophone by comparison, but I have to play on a reed strength quite a bit softer than what the manufacturer recommends in order for the low notes on my alto to speak properly, such as a vandoren blue box strength 1.5 or rico strength 2 on a vandoren AL3 mouthpiece (they recommend strength 2.5 - 3.5), anything harder and the notes are airy and the low end doesn't speak at all.
I play the Vandoren Java red on Tenor and the Jazz select(D'addario) 2H on the sopran. When the Jazz select were still from Ricco they were better. And when a Brand brings out a new reed they look exactly on the quality an you can almost use every reed in a box. But in the course of time they grew worse. I 've also tried plastic (legere) They are to slippery for me, I have the feeling not to have enough grip around the mouthpiece while playing.
Love your vids, Mr Jay... Reeds have always been a little difficult for me, maybe because of the SW desert area I live in... I have liked my results with the plastics (Legere and Baritone). My big problem with cane reeds is them getting dry when I'm doubling on gigs. Thx for your UA-cam channel- I'm a fan!
Hey Jay - I had someone ask me a sax question I couldn't answer as I don't have any synthetic reeds. Is there any difference between synthetic and cane when it comes to the amount you can bend notes with your throat and/or the average pitches you would expect when you blow the mouthpiece normally? Thanks dude. Your channel is, as ever, an inspiration to both creators and students alike! Jamie :-)
I use a Rico 2 on my alto, a Rico 2.5 with my tenor. I have used Vandoren 2 and 2.5 on alto as well and i also use Legere synthetic 2.5 on both alto and tenor, the Legere reeds dont seal right on my mouthpieces though.
I loved the video of your visit to the factory. So cool. And this is perfect timing, since i am considering what new reeds to try. I have been using D'Adarrio Jazz Select. I think i like the 2H more than the 2M. I wonder what strength i should try with the Evo. Thank you Jay
Honestly once I tried a plastic reed, I don't think I will ever go back to cane reeds, I find plastic reeds to be not only more convenient in the life span of it and the maintenance needed however it's very easy to play on and from the 3 plastic legere reeds I've used they have all been constant in how they play. Personally I do not hear that big of a difference between the plastic and the cane reeds, I don't prefer the sound of either I just think their different sounds.
I have my great grandfather’s alto, which he played in the late 19-teens thru the 1920’s, in the Trenton area. He actually made a living. It’s a Buscher, I guess before it became Selmer. Is something like that worth fixing up? I’m willing to spend 1000$ or more, because of the sentimental value. Thanks for any opinion. Jim
I’m playing tenor sax as a medium amateur. So far my favourite Reed is adario jazz filed 3M it is maybe slightly soft for me. A standard vandoren 2.5 is slightly hard. What would you recommend in your brand, and in synthetic???
I no longer use ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ when referring to the thickness of reeds. I encourage young students to move towards a larger mpc tip opening (facing) as they progress. When doing so, I’ve recommended temporarily moving to a "softer reed" and confused too many of them. They would go online and have their parents order ‘S’ reeds (i.e. softer cane). Not my intent. Communication seems clearer when stating ‘thicker’ or ‘thinner’. (I use ‘gauge’ with older kids). We use ‘S’, regular, and ‘H’ reeds for different tonal characteristics and address ‘gauge’ separately. It seems to help my kids more accurately articulate reed playing characteristics like brightness, resistance, etc.
The reeds are all cut to the exact thickness. There is no variation within a single reed cut for thicker or thinner. The relative flexibility is determined after the reed is cut and then a label like S or 2.5 is given to that particular reed. A 5 and a 1.5 are cut to the same thickness, it's the natural variation in the flexibility (how soft or hard) of the cane that determines how it gets labeled. Check out my video on how reeds are made to learn more about the process.
@@bettersax I find S, M, and H reeds and their cuts vary and definitely impart their own tonal attributes. www.straitmusic.com/p-3344-rico-select-jazz-alto-saxophone-reeds-strength-2h-box-of-10.aspx
I bought a pack of these for alto and tenor. Been on V16 for so long. I've tried all the vandoren line v16 was my favorite. But now I want an edgier sound. Hoping to find a brand that helps.
Hello Jay Metcalf can you please make a video reviewing a selmer concept mouthpiece and compare it to other classical mouthpieces for tenor saxophone? Thank you for your videos! I really enjoy your content!
Great Vid Jay. I have a question for you. I recently upgraded my mouthpiece from a yamaha 4C to a Meyer 5MM (I play alto). Do you have any tips on getting used to a new mouthpiece? PS: My new Meyer 5 apparently has a bit of a green/brownish tint in the chamber and it has a horrible odor. Can that be cleaned?
You HAVE to clean your mouthpiece, you can even get deseases by not doing that. I clean my mouthpiece with water and toilet paper, it's not that difficult. As to adapt to a new mouthpiece, I switched from a 4C to a Selmer C* Soloist and I didn't have major problems with it, just play a lot and you will get used to it pretty soon.
@@lucianosantos8401 Cleaning is important. Just found it wierd that my all new mouthpiece wasn't clean... I guess you are right, practice, practice, practice:D
Hi Jay, hope you are staying safe and well. I play soprano st/curve I find size 2 play thin and as i go up in size it play warmer and more in tune, can you explain why is this so pls? I am playing 3 and I also would like to try 3.5 next to see if I can manage it, and it make much difference.
Where I live, we have 3 music shops, one is purely guitars, one has guitars pianos and other stringed instruments such as violin, and finally we have on that actually sells wind and brass instrument stuff along side drums, guitars, violins, and keyboards. In this shop it’s very limited to what reeds can be purchased, which I’m pretty sure it’s mainly Vandoren and Rico (rico royale to be specific) and I find that the Vandoren reeds offered don’t feel nice in my mouth when I play, as well as almost all strengths being too hard for me. This means that I buy Rico (I usually get 3.5 because they’re not super resistant) a lot of my saxophone fiends make fun of me because I’m not playing Vandoren, but I simply don’t like them. What I’m trying to say with this is that Vandoren reeds aren’t for everyone and people need to realize this, I’m tired of hearing some people say “Vandoren has the best reeds out there and if you use anything else you must suck” (the last half is a dramatization). Vandoren might be perfect for you, and that’s great, but for me, they’re too wide and too strong.
Hi Jay, I have a little conflict with my reeds and I'd like to hear your thoughs: If I'm playing a reed that's a bit too resistance for me (I get tired quickly, and the sound is somewhat unfocussed), should I immediately switch for a softer one, or should I try the harder reed for a couple of months, and then decide? Thanks a lot!!
Try playing that hard reed for a couple minutes each day. After a week it will be much more manageable. Hard reeds take time to break in but can be great once they are ready.
Just picked up a Venn 3 and 3.5. Initial impressions of the 3 after an hour of play are really positive compared to other synthetics. For reference, i've tried the Hinoki 3, and it collapsed in the first hour. I've had legere signatures last for months and months, but they sound like plastic to me, and they don't have even response for me. It would be interesting to see what you think of the Venn.
Hey Jay how’s it goin!!! Love all of your video content I just recently subscribed to your channel. I have a question. I’ve been playing clarinet for several years and have been wanting to learn the saxophone. I’ve been messing around with a tenor sax for a few days because it’s in the same key and the fingerings are very easy for me to pick up since it’s just like my register on my clarinet. What kind of reed strength would you recommend I start with??? I’ve been playing on Vandoren V12 3.5+ on a masters series. Should I start on a 2.5?? I feel like that would be too weak of a strength and I don’t wanna blow money ya know lol let me know why you think!
(Still my favorite Sax-related channel on UA-cam.) Hey Jay, I've got a question about the Reeds... As You said, after manufacturing the Reeds are selected to their strength and because it's a natural product, reeds in specific strength can be slightly different to others in the same strength. After about 60 hours of practicing Sax also recognized that they become softer after some hours of use, but: may it be that they change stiffness (massive!) when they age unused and sealed in their package? What brings me to this question? The first few Reeds I've bought (Vandoren classic green, 1.5) in a local music store are very different to another batch (also Vandoren Classic Green 1.5) I've ordered online: the "locals" are totally golden (not even the smallest dark spot) on the unmachined surfaces and in the thin section, the visible fibres are almost the same colour than the rest. While the "Online-Reeds" have many dark spots on the unmachined surface (some look like "camo-look") and the fibres are darker than the rest of the material. I know that these optical attributes have no influence about how the reed behaves in play. But they don't just look totally different, they also play totally different: the online-Reeds are much harder than than the local bought batch! The "Online 1.5" Reeds are even harder than 2,5 and 3.0 Reeds I've also bought local (together with the 1.5's, they're also without any brown spots) I've bought one of each to try. I can not imagine that this is the typical uneven-ness of a nature product (not by Vandoren). It is more conceivable that those reed-batches had way less difference in play, when they left the factory. And because their look is so different, I can well imagine that they have different production Years, maybe more than 1 Year difference. So they certainly have very different ages. Probably the local Reeds are older, way older. Have You ever heared about "aging-behavior" of unused Reeds? Maybe some top players do age their reeds in defined humidifyed environments, like aficionados age their cicars? (Boveda Humidify packs comes from Cigars...) What are your experiences?
Jay. I came across a video when looking at Yani saxes and the guy playing it was using a tenor reed on an alto. The sound was fat, deep, and rich in all registers. I tried it and got similar results, which was great since my biggest challenge is getting thin in the upper register. What are your thoughts on this? Is it just a crutch or coverup for poor technique, or is there something to it? I was able to stay in tune throughout, or at least just as much as I do with alto reeds.
Hey Jay, I'm in the market for a new tenor sax. I was wondering if you think it would be worth it to save up a little more than a grand for lupifaro sax. If anyone reading this has any experience with one, let me know how it is. The sax if a side instrument, mostly for hobby jazz bands and big band gigs. I main on clarinet, so I don't wanna spend way too much on a tenor, but I do want one that'll last a while
Hey Jay! I have a question. For a bit of context: I play in my high school band and I play tenor for jazz, but I used a Selmer C* and traditional vandoren reeds. Now, I have a Jodyjazz Jet 7* and used the same reeds but the sound is fuzzy, airy, and I can't play below an F. I'm planning on trying JAVA 3 reeds but if those don't work I don't know what will. Any suggestions on reed selection? Thank you.
Wow, you have always had a great tone, no matter what horn or what reed you play on; but, your tone on these reeds is better than excellent!
thanks!
I agree. Jay's sound on the alto is very comforting.
Starting saxophone tomorrow, I've been watching your videos almost a year now and just want to say thanks for all the help. By far the most informative channel I've found for saxophone in general. Your videos are very comprehensive but also not too slow paced and I appreciate that because I have had a hard time choosing if I wanted to try the instrument or not without enough info.
I’ve tried various reeds over the decades and settled on the Vandoren Jazz. That is until I tried Boston Sax shop reeds. Incredible consistency, free blowing and my altissimo pops right out. I am amazed at the difference. More expensive but worth every penny.
The vandoren jazz always seemed stuffy To me. I was playing blue box until I found the Boston sax shop reeds.
Spend about £1500 and 5 years trying them all. Then go back to the first one you ever tried 🤣🤣🤣😊
Lol
I've tried a bunch of different reeds through the years and keep going back to the old cheap orange box Ricos. I know everybody hates them but that's what I sound best on.
😂😂😂 you got it!
Just started playing a few weeks ago but i have been watching for a couple of years :D
I just bought an Alto Saxophone recently, I've been practicing mostly everyday, I'm not squeaking as much now your sax videos are awesome 🎷🎶
I settled on Alexander reeds 10-15 yrs ago. Recently changed to V12 on clarinet. And Java green on my Otto Link HR tenor piece. Use Alexander NY 3 on my Meyer G series alto and DC superial 3 on my Vandoren Optimum alto.
Just subscribed to Better Sax and My Alto sax progression has been fantastic.
100% worth subscribing.
Thanks
Scott
(Sheffield UK)
Thanks, great to hear this.
I only play on Vandoren. I played on 3 all throughout middle school and high school playing bari and tenor, but for my alto I prefer 2.5
As a young player I got my singe most sudden improvement in the area of sound generation when a player I admired greatly allowed me to blow his horn with the same reed and mouthpiece he had been using. I was immediately able to adjust my mouth, throat, embouchure, etc. to get the same sound he had. In one minute, it changed my playing forever.
What do you mean?
Jay,
I recently bought a saxophone, and while I have been struggling with it, your videos and instructions keep me motivated. I have been enjoying your content. Thanks for all you do!
Do you ever do covers of songs?
hey man, if you just started playing I would reccomend doing jay's play by ear crashcourse. Its free, it has six, ten minute, lesons that help you play without sheetmusic. I started two month ago and I doubled my skills after that course. After the free crash course comes the 80 dollar pentatonic foundation course which im following now and that is amazing too, you just need spend some money then.
Kevin Berrio we have 5 together records on my channel. Also he did with some other people. He plays great and sounds brilliant!
@@maxvanbeers4548 thanks for this man, really appreciate it! I'll go check it out for sure!
He does on BetterTrax!
You're feeling in the gaps of the knowledge that I lack And making such an impact as I learn to play the alto sax.
How is he not at 1 mil? Let’s get him there!
I really love the Rico(orange box) Reeds it works perfectly well on my Selmer jazz alto mouthpiece
I was using LaVoz mediums until recently. I just bought some Rigotti Gold Jazz 3 mediums. I like them very much. I think they’re warmer sounding and a bit smoother than the LaVoz without being stuffy. I agree with you as well. Out of the box of 10 most of the Rigotti reeds were very playable. With a few touch ups a couple of them play very nicely.
Também gostei da rigotti, achei que soou mais brilhante.
Hey Jay, here in Brazil the organic reeds are very, very expensive, it's like a box of reed costs about 1/8 of the
minimum wage, so a lot of manufactures created synthetic reeds, that have nice sound, and lasts for about a year.
Jay, I really enjoy your videos. Iv'e been teaching myself to play alto sax since last september. I have been making purchases based on your suggestions for reeds and mouthpeices. I bought some Rigotti Gold reeds after watching the video you made of the factory tour and one thing I have noticed it that sometimes the reed cane is sometimes shaved off-center. Maybe you could do a video on how this effects the reed. I have also purchased a Yamaha 4 & 5c, perhaps you could do a video on what makes mouthpeices different and why you get different sounds from different shaped mouthpeices. Thanks for all your advice.
Bobby Whitworth Mouthpieces are made from different materials, some of the most popular being plastic, metal, and hard rubber. Although all can be adapted to play any genre of music, metal mouthpieces are usually good for jazz, while hard rubber and plastic mouthpieces are good for classical. The sound of a mouthpiece is often described as “bright” or “dark”, which you will learn to identify as you progress in your musical
knowledge. A baffle is a little bump or ridge inside the mouthpiece which helps change the speed of airflow. A high baffle makes air travel faster, resulting in a very “bright” sound. A low baffle or having no baffle at all can produce a very “dark” or mellow sound. Finally, tip opening is essentially a measurement of how far the meeting point of the mouthpiece and the reed are. Like you mentioned before, for a Yamaha 5C, the 5C represents the tip opening. The 4C, evidently has a smaller tip opening. A larger tip opening gives a better sound and more control, but it takes far more air. So it makes sense that you are using a 4 or 5. An intermediate or professional player would use 6,7, or 8. A very confident player could use 9. Anything above 9 is very rare. If you don’t understand something or have questions, just ask.
I don’t know about a better sound in general from a higher tip opening. It certainly changes the sound, but whether or not the change is an improvement is up to the player.
Rigotti Gold Jazz work for me (tenor). Consistent, high proportion good out of the box and the grades within grades idea works quite well. Good match to the 10mFan Black Widow (7**).
So true, when I was first starting to play (1973?), it was all Rico at the local music store. We started with a 1.5 and just ended up getting harder from there. I think I ended up playing a #6 on my clarinet. There were a few other brands but nothing in stock compared to today. Our instructors never really knew what to advise Reed players. I’ve learned more in the past 5 years than I ever knew existed. I don’t know how we survived on those out-of-the-box ricos
I use the Rico legure (sp?) American cut 2.75 with an old myer 7. One will last for months and I never have to mess around with reeds. It's the best thing that ever happened to me!
Your videos are the best Jay. Reed and mouthpiece setups are as varied as the musicians themselves. However, experimenting with mouthpieces and reeds is an expensive proposition. At least Vandoren and D'addario have sampler packs that are modest in price. I use a #6 alto NY Bros 2 with d'addario 2 select filed. Best of both worlds; enough resistance and great sound.
I am new to saxophones. Almost 2 weeks. I hae tried a few reeds and so far the best for me is the Legere 1.75 American Cut.
I play alto and i've been using Vandoren blue boxes (size 3). I've also tried out the Fred Hemke reeds (size 3). I want to try out the some of Legere Reeds too.
I started past saterday and I have to say because of you're excellent lessons I already have some sound out of my sax "thx Jay"!!
Great to hear!
Very informative video! Can't wait to receive my Saxophone now.
Hey Jay, you nailed it "consistency" is key. I've been working my reeds for decades (love the ReedGeek), but even after hours of balancing and adjusting, the life of a cane reeds is still limited. So, I end up holding my really good reeds for performances. Additionally, I need a few depending on temperature, humidity, etc.
For this reason, I moved to the Legere for practicing. Very consistent from day to day, session to session, which I find important, especially when working on extended techniques. Still, I prefer the sound of Trad. Vandorens for classical performances.
Good insight on the proverbial
reed/mouthpiece tug o' war, give-&-take compromise.
I loved the sound on Theo :)
Would love to try Rigotti cause I find Vandoren and Rico to be quite inconsistent when it comes to strength and endurance but my music store doesn't sell them and I hate buying stuff on the internet. Hopefully, Rigotti reeds will become more popular so my music store will start selling them.
I have found consistency with Bravo synthetic reeds and Forestone. For cane, Marca, and Rico (Plasticover) 2.5.
Hey Jay, I bought the Eastar sax based on your blind test 3 years ago. I'm a beginner playing for a weeks and I want to get a better mouthpiece and reed setup. I want to buy your Burnin' 5 mouthpiece for an edgier sound. Is a 2.0 reed appropriate for me? Was looking at the D'Addario Select Jazz soft reeds, but really have no idea. I've been playing on the stock setup from that Eastar.
Probably go with 2.5
@@bettersax oh cool! Thanks so much for responding! Looking forward to learning more from you. Gonna purchase your lessons over time.
I attended every single giveaways, I hope i will be the lucky one this time. It's extremely expensive in my country unfortunately. Thanks for it.
Always a pleasure, always a treasure trove of info and timely. Thanks again.
thanks!
I picked up 2.5 Boston sax shop custom reeds and I wasn’t disappointed they’re so nice
Gary Schoney I use a metal alto yanigasawa 7 opening
I recently bought a box of Rigotti Jazz reeds. First one out the box played great. I also splurged and got myself a new mouthpiece. A Theo Wanne NYBros 2. And wow. I understand now why it's so pricey. That thing practically plays itself and the sound is fat as hell. Not to mention the better intonation.
Reeds here in the Philippines are pretty expensive, so we dont have much choice to try different reeds. But very informative channel!!
I have always gotten excellent consistency with Vandoren reeds.
Vandoren 2 1/2 blue box reeds. Planning to play vandoren 3 java green box
Love the new intro
I'm not sure if it's because I'm a clarinet player by trade or if I'm rather inexperienced at saxophone by comparison, but I have to play on a reed strength quite a bit softer than what the manufacturer recommends in order for the low notes on my alto to speak properly, such as a vandoren blue box strength 1.5 or rico strength 2 on a vandoren AL3 mouthpiece (they recommend strength 2.5 - 3.5), anything harder and the notes are airy and the low end doesn't speak at all.
I play the Vandoren Java red on Tenor and the Jazz select(D'addario) 2H on the sopran. When the Jazz select were still from Ricco they were better. And when a Brand brings out a new reed they look exactly on the quality an you can almost use every reed in a box. But in the course of time they grew worse. I 've also tried plastic (legere) They are to slippery for me, I have the feeling not to have enough grip around the mouthpiece while playing.
Love your vids, Mr Jay...
Reeds have always been a little difficult for me, maybe because of the SW desert area I live in... I have liked my results with the plastics (Legere and Baritone). My big problem with cane reeds is them getting dry when I'm doubling on gigs.
Thx for your UA-cam channel- I'm a fan!
Ordered Cecilio reeds for my alto, waited for about a month only to get Clarinet reeds.
I can't stop admiring your mouthpieces behind you😁😁
I’ve been playing on the Vandoren that came as a sample with my horn. 🤷♀️
New to Nexus reeds and not sure I’ll ever change again
Hahaha im about to change my reeds. Thanks for posting this 😊
Very good video, Jay! Very informative.
Much appreciated!
I learned so much from this! I’m currently trialling V12s and V16s and am preferring the sound of the V16s for my classical playing..
V12 is a concert sound, and V16 is more of a jazz sound. They are made for these distinctions
@@patriciadrank6543 I'll just refer you to 5:13 in the video. 😊
oh, I know what was said, I just don't agree.@@SaxVentures
@@patriciadrank6543 Whereas I do! Regardless, I hope you enjoy whatever reeds you choose to play on!
you also@@SaxVentures
Hey Jay - I had someone ask me a sax question I couldn't answer as I don't have any synthetic reeds. Is there any difference between synthetic and cane when it comes to the amount you can bend notes with your throat and/or the average pitches you would expect when you blow the mouthpiece normally? Thanks dude. Your channel is, as ever, an inspiration to both creators and students alike! Jamie :-)
Thanks Jamie, they play like cane reeds more or less, but feel weird at first.
Your mustache game here is too much chief😪👌🏾 I've been enjoying vandoren jazz Reed's
I use a Rico 2 on my alto, a Rico 2.5 with my tenor. I have used Vandoren 2 and 2.5 on alto as well and i also use Legere synthetic 2.5 on both alto and tenor, the Legere reeds dont seal right on my mouthpieces though.
I’ve always found that the Rico’s die too quickly. The heart of the reed is shaved as part of the cutting, and that takes down the life of the reed.
I loved the video of your visit to the factory. So cool. And this is perfect timing, since i am considering what new reeds to try. I have been using D'Adarrio Jazz Select. I think i like the 2H more than the 2M. I wonder what strength i should try with the Evo.
Thank you Jay
Honestly once I tried a plastic reed, I don't think I will ever go back to cane reeds, I find plastic reeds to be not only more convenient in the life span of it and the maintenance needed however it's very easy to play on and from the 3 plastic legere reeds I've used they have all been constant in how they play. Personally I do not hear that big of a difference between the plastic and the cane reeds, I don't prefer the sound of either I just think their different sounds.
I have my great grandfather’s alto, which he played in the late 19-teens thru the 1920’s, in the Trenton area. He actually made a living. It’s a Buscher, I guess before it became Selmer. Is something like that worth fixing up? I’m willing to spend 1000$ or more, because of the sentimental value. Thanks for any opinion. Jim
Good reed .all are the same name .brands .jazz .amazing.
I’m playing tenor sax as a medium amateur. So far my favourite Reed is adario jazz filed 3M it is maybe slightly soft for me. A standard vandoren 2.5 is slightly hard. What would you recommend in your brand, and in synthetic???
Thank you for everything you post jay I really appreciate it
glad to hear it
I like yours channel and like play on sax. I like you.Vitan
I no longer use ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ when referring to the thickness of reeds. I encourage young students to move towards a larger mpc tip opening (facing) as they progress. When doing so, I’ve recommended temporarily moving to a "softer reed" and confused too many of them. They would go online and have their parents order ‘S’ reeds (i.e. softer cane). Not my intent. Communication seems clearer when stating ‘thicker’ or ‘thinner’. (I use ‘gauge’ with older kids). We use ‘S’, regular, and ‘H’ reeds for different tonal characteristics and address ‘gauge’ separately. It seems to help my kids more accurately articulate reed playing characteristics like brightness, resistance, etc.
The reeds are all cut to the exact thickness. There is no variation within a single reed cut for thicker or thinner. The relative flexibility is determined after the reed is cut and then a label like S or 2.5 is given to that particular reed. A 5 and a 1.5 are cut to the same thickness, it's the natural variation in the flexibility (how soft or hard) of the cane that determines how it gets labeled. Check out my video on how reeds are made to learn more about the process.
@@bettersax I find S, M, and H reeds and their cuts vary and definitely impart their own tonal attributes. www.straitmusic.com/p-3344-rico-select-jazz-alto-saxophone-reeds-strength-2h-box-of-10.aspx
You should do cheapest reeds on amazon vs rigotti reeds
I's sticking with my good ol' Fibracells.
Hey Jay can you do the cheapest bari on amazon review?
I use RICO brand size 2.5 reeds
I bought a pack of these for alto and tenor. Been on V16 for so long. I've tried all the vandoren line v16 was my favorite. But now I want an edgier sound. Hoping to find a brand that helps.
Great video!!! Thanks Jay!!
thanks!
I'm not sure if you have this video, but I'd like to see your reed conditioning process and hear sound differences in your opinion.
Hello Jay Metcalf can you please make a video reviewing a selmer concept mouthpiece and compare it to other classical mouthpieces for tenor saxophone?
Thank you for your videos! I really enjoy your content!
I just bought a sax and a get the Yamaha 4c mouthpiece. What came do you recommend to me for starting ? I want to play in church the saxophone
Re the same reed-different mouthpieces, may I humbly suggest that if you play real fast we don't have time to hear what the notes sound like.
what is the lightest reed?
Hey Jay any chance of a discussion of the best use of the Bis Key? My sax teachers over the years seem to have different opinions on its use.
What is the most cost efficient way to experiment? I’m a beginner and have no idea where to start, my eastar with 2.5 is tough to play
correct answer, bss. youre welcome :D
Great Vid Jay. I have a question for you.
I recently upgraded my mouthpiece from a yamaha 4C to a Meyer 5MM (I play alto). Do you have any tips on getting used to a new mouthpiece?
PS: My new Meyer 5 apparently has a bit of a green/brownish tint in the chamber and it has a horrible odor. Can that be cleaned?
You HAVE to clean your mouthpiece, you can even get deseases by not doing that. I clean my mouthpiece with water and toilet paper, it's not that difficult. As to adapt to a new mouthpiece, I switched from a 4C to a Selmer C* Soloist and I didn't have major problems with it, just play a lot and you will get used to it pretty soon.
@@MyRackley Thank you! I'll work on it:)
@@lucianosantos8401 Cleaning is important. Just found it wierd that my all new mouthpiece wasn't clean...
I guess you are right, practice, practice, practice:D
Which is better these reeds or the Boston shop custom reeds?
Reeds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope to win
good luck
Je retouche les miennes pour obtenir le son que je veux.
Hi Jay, hope you are staying safe and well. I play soprano st/curve I find size 2 play thin and as i go up in size it play warmer and more in tune, can you explain why is this so pls? I am playing 3 and I also would like to try 3.5 next to see if I can manage it, and it make much difference.
Where I live, we have 3 music shops, one is purely guitars, one has guitars pianos and other stringed instruments such as violin, and finally we have on that actually sells wind and brass instrument stuff along side drums, guitars, violins, and keyboards. In this shop it’s very limited to what reeds can be purchased, which I’m pretty sure it’s mainly Vandoren and Rico (rico royale to be specific) and I find that the Vandoren reeds offered don’t feel nice in my mouth when I play, as well as almost all strengths being too hard for me. This means that I buy Rico (I usually get 3.5 because they’re not super resistant) a lot of my saxophone fiends make fun of me because I’m not playing Vandoren, but I simply don’t like them. What I’m trying to say with this is that Vandoren reeds aren’t for everyone and people need to realize this, I’m tired of hearing some people say “Vandoren has the best reeds out there and if you use anything else you must suck” (the last half is a dramatization). Vandoren might be perfect for you, and that’s great, but for me, they’re too wide and too strong.
Hi Jay, I have a little conflict with my reeds and I'd like to hear your thoughs: If I'm playing a reed that's a bit too resistance for me (I get tired quickly, and the sound is somewhat unfocussed), should I immediately switch for a softer one, or should I try the harder reed for a couple of months, and then decide?
Thanks a lot!!
Try playing that hard reed for a couple minutes each day. After a week it will be much more manageable. Hard reeds take time to break in but can be great once they are ready.
@@bettersax
Ok, cool advice! And one I haven't heard before.
Thanks!!
Just picked up a Venn 3 and 3.5. Initial impressions of the 3 after an hour of play are really positive compared to other synthetics. For reference, i've tried the Hinoki 3, and it collapsed in the first hour. I've had legere signatures last for months and months, but they sound like plastic to me, and they don't have even response for me. It would be interesting to see what you think of the Venn.
The best contents.
I dont need to emulate what the so called greats setup is. I do what works best for me. Vandoren V16 mouthpiece with Vandoren zz 1.5 works for me.
I use Rico Royals 2.5 for alto. 2 is too soft 3 is hard.
My vandoren bari sax reeds weren't cut all the way having some unfiled cut still on it enough to make it unplayable
Hey Jay how’s it goin!!!
Love all of your video content I just recently subscribed to your channel. I have a question. I’ve been playing clarinet for several years and have been wanting to learn the saxophone. I’ve been messing around with a tenor sax for a few days because it’s in the same key and the fingerings are very easy for me to pick up since it’s just like my register on my clarinet.
What kind of reed strength would you recommend I start with??? I’ve been playing on Vandoren V12 3.5+ on a masters series. Should I start on a 2.5?? I feel like that would be too weak of a strength and I don’t wanna blow money ya know lol let me know why you think!
I play a select jazz 7m mouthpiece with Java Green 2.5. How's that?
(Still my favorite Sax-related channel on UA-cam.)
Hey Jay, I've got a question about the Reeds...
As You said, after manufacturing the Reeds are selected to their strength and because it's a natural product, reeds in specific strength can be slightly different to others in the same strength.
After about 60 hours of practicing Sax also recognized that they become softer after some hours of use, but:
may it be that they change stiffness (massive!) when they age unused and sealed in their package?
What brings me to this question?
The first few Reeds I've bought (Vandoren classic green, 1.5) in a local music store are very different to another batch (also Vandoren Classic Green 1.5) I've ordered online: the "locals" are totally golden (not even the smallest dark spot) on the unmachined surfaces and in the thin section, the visible fibres are almost the same colour than the rest. While the "Online-Reeds" have many dark spots on the unmachined surface (some look like "camo-look") and the fibres are darker than the rest of the material.
I know that these optical attributes have no influence about how the reed behaves in play. But they don't just look totally different, they also play totally different: the online-Reeds are much harder than than the local bought batch!
The "Online 1.5" Reeds are even harder than 2,5 and 3.0 Reeds I've also bought local (together with the 1.5's, they're also without any brown spots) I've bought one of each to try. I can not imagine that this is the typical uneven-ness of a nature product (not by Vandoren). It is more conceivable that those reed-batches had way less difference in play, when they left the factory. And because their look is so different, I can well imagine that they have different production Years, maybe more than 1 Year difference. So they certainly have very different ages. Probably the local Reeds are older, way older.
Have You ever heared about "aging-behavior" of unused Reeds?
Maybe some top players do age their reeds in defined humidifyed environments, like aficionados age their cicars?
(Boveda Humidify packs comes from Cigars...)
What are your experiences?
Hi sir just a question about reeds, is there a reed that can be easily played i mean i dont need to blow my saxophone heavily.
What brand of Alto sax are you playing?
That looks like a Yanagisawa 880 with sterling silver neck, is that right?
Jay. I came across a video when looking at Yani saxes and the guy playing it was using a tenor reed on an alto. The sound was fat, deep, and rich in all registers. I tried it and got similar results, which was great since my biggest challenge is getting thin in the upper register. What are your thoughts on this? Is it just a crutch or coverup for poor technique, or is there something to it? I was able to stay in tune throughout, or at least just as much as I do with alto reeds.
Hey Jay, I'm in the market for a new tenor sax. I was wondering if you think it would be worth it to save up a little more than a grand for lupifaro sax. If anyone reading this has any experience with one, let me know how it is. The sax if a side instrument, mostly for hobby jazz bands and big band gigs. I main on clarinet, so I don't wanna spend way too much on a tenor, but I do want one that'll last a while
one thing if i agree the reed gives different color to the sound
Hey Jay! I have a question. For a bit of context: I play in my high school band and I play tenor for jazz, but I used a Selmer C* and traditional vandoren reeds. Now, I have a Jodyjazz Jet 7* and used the same reeds but the sound is fuzzy, airy, and I can't play below an F. I'm planning on trying JAVA 3 reeds but if those don't work I don't know what will. Any suggestions on reed selection? Thank you.
How do these stack up against boston sax shop reeds? for alto and tenor
I love your videos
I have a tenor for school but my neighbor just gave me a alto. Are the reeds interchangeable.
I’ve tried the “old” version of these reeds and I like the consistency. Will try this new type thanks
I hv to problem to play with 2.5 Reed of reeko