Are Rico reeds better than Vandoren?

Vandoren vs Rico reeds: durability In general, Vandoren reeds are more durable. While Rico reeds usually play well out of the box, they don’t last as long. Of course, all reeds will last longer if you break them in slowly and rotate the reed you’re playing on daily.

Are Vandoren reeds harder than Rico?

Well-Known Member. The Vandoren Blue Box are a Half strength harder than Rico. I’m enjoying Vandoren Juno clarinet reeds at the moment and these are numbered the same as Rico. The Juno reeds are also consistent in that they all play much the same.

Are RICO saxophone reeds good?

They are perfect for students, revered by educators worldwide and a favorite among jazz musicians. FROM FIELD TO FACTORY – Harvested by hand in France, the cane specifically grown to make Rico reeds is the finest in the industry.

What is the difference in alto sax reeds?

The normal range for reeds is 2 to 5: the lower the number, the thinner the reed, and the higher the number, the thicker the reed. In general, a thinner reed, say 2 or 2.5, will have a brighter tone. Thinner reeds vibrate more easily, so they are good for beginners.

What reed strength should I use for alto sax?

Some manufacturers label strength with words instead, rating it “soft,” “medium” or “hard.” The standard scale for saxophone reed strength runs from 1 through 5, with 1 being the softest and 5 being the hardest reed. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with a softer reed, usually about a 2.

Why are Vandoren reeds so expensive?

So yes, reeds are expensive to buy. But clearly, they’re also very expensive to produce. The process takes years, AND it requires large amounts of land located in a very expensive part of the world. It’s labor intensive and Employees in France actually cost a fortune.

How long can reeds last?

Expect a reed to last for around a week to two weeks. When you change from a reed you’ve been using for some time to a new reed, the sound of your instrument will change with it.

Which saxophone reed is best?

The best reed for beginner saxophone is a size 2 or size 2.5 reed. Most beginners start with Rico, Rico Royal, or Vandoren Brand Saxophone Reeds. Your teacher will usually recommend one of these types of reeds to start with. Reed sizes vary in half measures from 1.5 to 4.

Which reeds are the best?

The 9 best reed brands out there

• Fiberreed Natural Classic.
• D’Addario Select Jazz 3 reeds for tenor saxophone.
• Rico La Voz reeds for soprano saxophone.
• Légère Signature 2.5 reed.
• Vandoren Classic 3 reeds for Bb clarinet.
• Fibracell reed for bass clarinet.
• Boston Sax Shop reeds.
• Rigotti Gold reeds for Bb clarinet.

Should you soak saxophone reeds?

You should soak your reeds for about one minute with saliva. This ensures that the reed is moist enough to play well without being so wet that it becomes waterlogged. If the reed is brand new, you may want to soak it more thoroughly with water for about twenty minutes before working with it.

When should I increase Reed strength?

Therefore, try to choose a strength that feels slightly hard when you start playing on a new reed, so it will feel just right as you break it in. When you’ve played on your reed for too long and it starts to feel too soft, it’s time to start a new one!

What is a V16 Reed for tenor sax?

V16 – This reed has the thickest of the Vandoren jazz cuts. It is darker, broad, and adds more body to the attack. They play quite a bit harder than other Vandoren jazz cuts. V16 reeds are available for tenor, alto and soprano saxophone.

Which is better Rico Reed or Vandoren Reed?

Rico reeds tend to be more consistent. If you put on a new Rico reed, you know what to expect in terms of response and tone. It may not sound as good as a good Vandoren reed, but the consistency is there. In general, Vandoren reeds are more durable. While Rico reeds usually play well out of the box, they don’t last as long.

What are the best reeds for saxophone and clarinet?

The Reserve, Reserve Classic and Reserve Evolution are beginning to compete with Vandoren reeds for clarinet. The same is true of the Reserve reeds for saxophone. Both Vandoren and Rico have good reeds available for the jazz player. The Vandoren V16 and Java are made for this, as are the Rico La Voz and Select Jazz reeds by Rico.

What is the truth about saxophone reed thickness?

The truth about saxophone reed thickness is that the higher you ascend in thickness, the easier it becomes to play altissimo notes and play loudly. However, harder reeds can make playing with vibrato and note bending remarkably difficult.