Are plastic saxophone reeds good?

They don’t get warped or dry out when not playing your sax. They don’t sound bad when you get off a plane in a new area that is different from your hometown, and they last much longer than cane reeds. There are plenty of players that sound really good on synthetic reeds.

Are plastic reeds any good?

Plastic reeds are excellent in that they can produce a sound which rivals that of good cane reeds while being more consistent and playing right out of the box. However, even the best plastic reeds will be surpassed by the best cane reeds in both quality of sound and responsiveness.

Can plastic reeds break?

Légère synthetic reeds are rugged and should last for many hours of playing, however, the tip is fragile and the reed can split or break if it is mishandled. This behavior is normal, and the reeds will return to their original feel after they have been rested for a bit.

Can you play sax with a chipped reed?

If you’re noticing that the tip of your saxophone reed is chipped, it may be time for a replacement. In some cases, chipped tips won’t affect playing, while in other instances chipped reed tips will make the reed completely unplayable. In that case, simply replace the saxophone reed as soon as possible.

How long do plastic reeds last?

Depending on the brand and the amount of playing , synthetic reeds generally last from 6 to 8 months before they become too soft. This makes them a good economical choice compared to cane reeds. Synthetic reeds are typically more consistent than natural reeds, and offer a very decent tone.

Are plastic reeds harder to play on?

Fact. Plastic Reeds are more expensive than cane reeds. I got my Légère Classic reed for $17 dollars and can play on it for about 6 months. They last longer than cane reeds because the plastic is much harder to crack than the cane is.

Do plastic reeds last longer?

The use of a synthetic material ensures the Légère reeds last much longer than their natural counterparts. Players can get anywhere between two and six months of use out of them, depending on intensity of use.

How often should you replace plastic reed?

A good rule of thumb is you should replace your reed every 2-4 weeks, no matter how often you’re playing your instrument. You may want to replace your reeds more frequently if you’re practicing several hours each day. Some reeds also may not last as long as others, every reed plays slightly differently.

How long does a sax reed 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.

Do plastic reeds need to be wet?

With a plastic reed, you don’t have to wet it. You can pick up your instrument and start playing right away. Therefore you don’t waste anytime in your lessons wetting your own reed and the lesson can be more focused on your students playing.

What are some common misconceptions about saxophone reeds?

A common misconception about saxophone reeds is that the softer reed you play on, the less experienced you are playing the saxophone. 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.

What is the best Reed for a saxophone?

If all else fails, a synthetic reed may be the best solution. Another alternative to purchasing natural saxophone reeds is the synthetic saxophone reed. However, there is a general consensus among professional saxophone players that synthetic reeds sound different (ie: worse) than natural reeds.

What is wrong with my Saxophone Sound?

With beginners, 99\% of the time there is a problem with the saxophone sound, it is either a bad reed or bad reed placement. And this is a super easy fix.

How do you fix a warped saxophone reed?

A reed may become warped from drying out too quickly. A simple remedy to this ailment is to soak the reed in water. If this does fully solve the problem of the reed being warped, soaking the saxophone reed in alcohol has been known to do what water cannot. 6. If all else fails, a synthetic reed may be the best solution.