Best Alto Saxophone Reeds in 2022

Last update: December 30, 2022

Can I play with a chipped reed?

Yes, you can play with a chipped reed, but it may not sound as good as a new one.

Do harder reeds require more air?

No, harder reeds do not require more air. In fact, they often require less air because they are less responsive. Harder reeds are better suited for experienced players with a strong embouchure.

Do thicker reeds sound better?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it is subjective. Some people may prefer the sound of thicker reeds as they feel it is fuller and richer, while others may find it too loud or overbearing. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to experiment with different reeds and see what works best for them.

How can you tell if a reed is bad?

If a reed is bad, it will usually make a sour, unpleasant sound. Sometimes a reed can become warped or damaged, and this can also affect the tone. If you are unsure whether a reed is bad, it is always best to err on the side of caution and get a new one.


Yinama Alto Saxophone Reeds for Alto Sax Strength 2.5; Box of 10 Review:


I currently have 3 boxes total. 60% of life is consistency. The main aspect is that they blow really well, like 1.5, therefore the strength is definitely not 2.5. (I was unable to blow Rico Royal 1.5).For a newbie, I unquestionably advise this above the three times more expensive brands. I used these reeds for my first six weeks and have a really excellent tone now.



Vandoren SR213 Alto Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 3; Box of 10 Review:


I have been playing and teaching classical sax for 45 years, not jazz or pop. I'm a skilled reed builder, English horn player, and oboist. In the 1970s to 1990s, this Vandoren reed in the purple and sold box went through a protracted period of poor quality, but in the last ten years, they've really stepped up their game to reclaim their position at the top of the market. This is not the Reed you would purchase for a small combo or jazz ensemble. This reed is for concert band, UIL solo and ensemble contest, and usage with a traditional mouthpiece as opposed to a jazz or rock mouthpiece. Rather of the scratchy, throaty, or screaming noises used in pop settings, they are tailored to provide a quiet, gloomy tone. They are still made of the superior cane that the more affordable reeds are not, which accounts for the price difference. The cane's quality is crucial to the longevity and quality of the tone. From reed to reed, they are as uniform as hand-machine profiling for mass manufacturing will ever produce. Although not all of them will sound well, there will be more usable ones, fewer cane warpage, longer-lasting ones, and better ones in this box than in the less expensive reed boxes. Take the plunge and purchase them, and then get an instructor who can demonstrate how to alter the justfair ones that come in the box using a reed knife.



Vandoren SR2125 Alto Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 2.5; Box of 10 Review:


You've probably heard of Vandoren reeds, whether you're a professional musician or just starting out. It continues to be the gold standard and the top reed producer in the industry. I'm sorry if my review comes off as simplistic, but I'm writing it with the assumption that skilled musicians are already familiar with Vandorens. In addition, even though I've experimented with several musical genres, excelled in solo and group festivals and contests, and played in collegiate bands, I am by no means a professional musician and currently solely play for fun. This evaluation is based on my personal experience as well as the consensus of players who have used Vandorens and with whom I have interacted. To be fair, rather than solely rating each product separately, I have awarded these reeds 5 STARS IN COMPARISON TO ALL OTHER REEDS ON THE MARKET THAT I HAVE USED. I have experimented with several different reeds, including the Vandoren original (this product), the Vandoren V16, the Rico, the Rico Royal, the Legere synthetic (plastic), etc. Also keep in mind that you should be utilizing a quality mouthpiece and ligature to get the most out of your reeds. I have always smoked with a C-star s-80 mouthpiece and rovner ligature. I began playing the Selmer Bundy II alto saxophone when I was younger, but for the past eight years, I've also used yamahas (marching band) and a silver-plated Selmer series iii alto saxophone for personal, symphonic, and performance use (the instrument was WAY cheaper than current Selmer models when it was purchased in 2003). Knowing what I know now, I would highly recommend a laquered instrument if you are thinking about buying a higher-end saxophone; the silver plating has been sooooo annoying/time-consuming to maintain, yet both give the same level of sound. Additionally, choose a series ii super action 80 if you locate both a series ii and a series iii (although I'm not sure whether either is still in production). There are some pitch issues on the iii, so I wish I had. However, if you are still looking for an instrument, speak with local experts as I am no longer knowledgeable about the best instruments available for beginners, advanced players, etc.Cons: I would have given this product four stars if I had not been comparing Vandoren reeds to those from other manufacturers. This is because I believe the quality of Vandoren reeds has slightly declined over time. I mean this by saying that while there used to only be a few "duds" per box, the percentage has increased over the 12-ish years I have been using them (I've been playing for 13 years, but started out on Rico Royals—I'll never go back to those again). I know of several professional musicians who share my opinion in this regard. Now, I discover that just a small number of the reeds in each package of ten meet my criteria for high quality. For those who are just starting out, I refer to "duds" as reeds that won't consistently provide you with high quality tone and control over time. I find that it takes me a very long time to break them in with these (keep in mind all reeds to take some time to break in, no matter how good the quality). And when they do, it is quite infrequent and fleeting when they achieve the clean tone I am after (a week or so max with a couple hours of play-time every day). Especially at extremes like pianissimo, fortissimo, etc. (extremely quiet, very loud), or particularly low/high notes, especially above upper D (above the staff) and below lower D, you may notice more "squeaks" and have more difficulty controlling your dynamics (volume) with these "duds" (below the staff). You may discover that your tone is overly brassy or that it is difficult to modify your tone to suit different musical styles, even with changing your embouchure (mouth placement) and/or air flow, the lower the quality of the reed, the more difficulty you will have controlling your tone.Next, the advantages: Vandoren continues to be the greatest reed maker despite their difficulties. You won't have to work as hard to get the results you want once you finally find those good reeds because they are unrivaled in quality and flexibility. Additionally, (in my experience) you won't really notice a difference in quality between reeds when you first start playing if you don't have strong control over your embouchure and tone, especially at lower intensities like 2, 2.5. The quality difference I mentioned is something you probably won't notice or find annoying until you begin playing at an advanced level and have developed your air tone and air control (for me, it took about 4-5 years with private lessons once a week and band practice for an hour five times/week; keep in mind I started using Vandorens and taking lessons in sixth grade; if you are starting as an adult and/or have already mastered another wind instrument, this likely will greatly affect how long it takes for you to develop these skills). The majority of the "duds" can still be utilized for regular practice even once you reach a higher level, simply not for concert performances. Instead of relying simply on the reed's quality, I think that disciplining myself to play on these reeds has helped me improve the control I had over my tone. NEW STUFF I LOVE: Now, like miniature candies, each reed is individually airtight sealed. If for some reason there was too much moisture in your case (for example, if you failed to leave your case open to let a wet instrument dry out from performing in marching band), you could end up with an entire box of destroyed, moldy reeds over the course of just one night (this has happened to me on more than one occasion). Now, I never encounter that problem. Having said that, it is imperative to allow your instrument and case to dry out if they are even slightly moist or wet. Otherwise, your instrument could sustain substantial long-term damage (rapid rusting, stiff or cracked leather on the pads, loosened pads from degraded glue, etc.).If you frequently play at extremely loud volumes, as I did for marching, you'll need stronger reeds; you'll have less tone control on softer reeds at louder volumes and burn through them more quickly. When I was first chair my senior year of high school, I was playing on 3s. I switched to 3.5s when I started playing in a collegiate marching band. However, I had to continue using 3.5s to preserve the tone quality I had been looking for, even in a symphonic performance situation, after needing such a powerful embouchure for so long. I have to start out with 3s until my embouchure is strong enough again if I go months without playing. Some of my friends were using 4.0s to play. The first chair I sat in was a 4.5 when I was a freshman. Keep in mind that playing on stronger reeds does not necessarily indicate better aptitude; rather, it is demonstrated by the inherent strength of your embouchure and air flow. It takes time to build up strength, so don't rush it; otherwise, you can hit a ceiling and never go higher again. I generally play between a 3.0 and 3.5. Stay at that strength as long as your reeds are producing a good, smooth tone. For these Vandoren reeds, I suggest beginning with a 2.0 or 2.5 if you're a beginner. Start out with a weaker strength if you are younger, completely new to wind playing, have a weak embouchure, underdeveloped diaphragm muscles (i.e., you can't push air very hard), or any combination of the above. Although that is not necessarily the case, I would probably advise a 2.5 for adults and a 2.0 for kids. Starting with a lesser strength is preferable to a greater one. The reed strength is too low and you should move up if you acquire your reeds and can produce a sound right away, easily, (without pressing air very hard), and your tone sounds more like a buzz (e.g. move from 2.0 to 2.5). Try playing on the reed for a few days to see if you can produce a sound if you are having trouble producing a sound and can just squawk or play loudly. However, you ought to think about going down a strength if you continue to experience problems.***I have simply discussed the strength of the original Vandoren reeds. You should choose Vandoren over any other manufacturer, in my opinion. However, if they are simply too expensive, think about Rico Royal (NOT RICO). If so, then everything should be multiplied by 0.5 (a Vandoren 2.5 would be a Rico Royal 3.0). I've used the Vandoren reeds for marching band, symphony band, jazz band, and other types. They are also best for classical playing but work well for a variety of other styles. However, if you are certain that you will solely be performing jazz music, you might want to use the Vandoren V16s and get a jazz mouthpiece and ligature instead.Sorry for the long post; I hope it was helpful.



Vandoren SR2135 Alto Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 3.5; Box of 10 Review:


I have been playing and teaching classical sax for 45 years, not jazz or pop. I'm a skilled reed builder, English horn player, and oboist. In the 1970s to 1990s, this Vandoren reed in the purple and sold box went through a protracted period of poor quality, but in the last ten years, they've really stepped up their game to reclaim their position at the top of the market. This is not the Reed you would purchase for a small combo or jazz ensemble. This reed is for concert band, UIL solo and ensemble contest, and usage with a traditional mouthpiece as opposed to a jazz or rock mouthpiece. Rather of the scratchy, throaty, or screaming noises used in pop settings, they are tailored to provide a quiet, gloomy tone. They are still made of the superior cane that the more affordable reeds are not, which accounts for the price difference. The cane's quality is crucial to the longevity and quality of the tone. From reed to reed, they are as uniform as hand-machine profiling for mass manufacturing will ever produce. Although not all of them will sound well, there will be more usable ones, fewer cane warpage, longer-lasting ones, and better ones in this box than in the less expensive reed boxes. Take the plunge and purchase them, and then get an instructor who can demonstrate how to alter the justfair ones that come in the box using a reed knife.



Vandoren SR212 Alto Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 2; Box of 10 Review:


You've probably heard of Vandoren reeds, whether you're a professional musician or just starting out. It continues to be the gold standard and the top reed producer in the industry. I'm sorry if my review comes off as simplistic, but I'm writing it with the assumption that skilled musicians are already familiar with Vandorens. In addition, even though I've experimented with several musical genres, excelled in solo and group festivals and contests, and played in collegiate bands, I am by no means a professional musician and currently solely play for fun. This evaluation is based on my personal experience as well as the consensus of players who have used Vandorens and with whom I have interacted. To be fair, rather than solely rating each product separately, I have awarded these reeds 5 STARS IN COMPARISON TO ALL OTHER REEDS ON THE MARKET THAT I HAVE USED. I have experimented with several different reeds, including the Vandoren original (this product), the Vandoren V16, the Rico, the Rico Royal, the Legere synthetic (plastic), etc. Also keep in mind that you should be utilizing a quality mouthpiece and ligature to get the most out of your reeds. I have always smoked with a C-star s-80 mouthpiece and rovner ligature. I began playing the Selmer Bundy II alto saxophone when I was younger, but for the past eight years, I've also used yamahas (marching band) and a silver-plated Selmer series iii alto saxophone for personal, symphonic, and performance use (the instrument was WAY cheaper than current Selmer models when it was purchased in 2003). Knowing what I know now, I would highly recommend a laquered instrument if you are thinking about buying a higher-end saxophone; the silver plating has been sooooo annoying/time-consuming to maintain, yet both give the same level of sound. Additionally, choose a series ii super action 80 if you locate both a series ii and a series iii (although I'm not sure whether either is still in production). There are some pitch issues on the iii, so I wish I had. However, if you are still looking for an instrument, speak with local experts as I am no longer knowledgeable about the best instruments available for beginners, advanced players, etc.Cons: I would have given this product four stars if I had not been comparing Vandoren reeds to those from other manufacturers. This is because I believe the quality of Vandoren reeds has slightly declined over time. I mean this by saying that while there used to only be a few "duds" per box, the percentage has increased over the 12-ish years I have been using them (I've been playing for 13 years, but started out on Rico Royals—I'll never go back to those again). I know of several professional musicians who share my opinion in this regard. Now, I discover that just a small number of the reeds in each package of ten meet my criteria for high quality. For those who are just starting out, I refer to "duds" as reeds that won't consistently provide you with high quality tone and control over time. I find that it takes me a very long time to break them in with these (keep in mind all reeds to take some time to break in, no matter how good the quality). And when they do, it is quite infrequent and fleeting when they achieve the clean tone I am after (a week or so max with a couple hours of play-time every day). Especially at extremes like pianissimo, fortissimo, etc. (extremely quiet, very loud), or particularly low/high notes, especially above upper D (above the staff) and below lower D, you may notice more "squeaks" and have more difficulty controlling your dynamics (volume) with these "duds" (below the staff). You may discover that your tone is overly brassy or that it is difficult to modify your tone to suit different musical styles, even with changing your embouchure (mouth placement) and/or air flow, the lower the quality of the reed, the more difficulty you will have controlling your tone.Next, the advantages: Vandoren continues to be the greatest reed maker despite their difficulties. You won't have to work as hard to get the results you want once you finally find those good reeds because they are unrivaled in quality and flexibility. Additionally, (in my experience) you won't really notice a difference in quality between reeds when you first start playing if you don't have strong control over your embouchure and tone, especially at lower intensities like 2, 2.5. The quality difference I mentioned is something you probably won't notice or find annoying until you begin playing at an advanced level and have developed your air tone and air control (for me, it took about 4-5 years with private lessons once a week and band practice for an hour five times/week; keep in mind I started using Vandorens and taking lessons in sixth grade; if you are starting as an adult and/or have already mastered another wind instrument, this likely will greatly affect how long it takes for you to develop these skills). The majority of the "duds" can still be utilized for regular practice even once you reach a higher level, simply not for concert performances. Instead of relying simply on the reed's quality, I think that disciplining myself to play on these reeds has helped me improve the control I had over my tone. NEW STUFF I LOVE: Now, like miniature candies, each reed is individually airtight sealed. If for some reason there was too much moisture in your case (for example, if you failed to leave your case open to let a wet instrument dry out from performing in marching band), you could end up with an entire box of destroyed, moldy reeds over the course of just one night (this has happened to me on more than one occasion). Now, I never encounter that problem. Having said that, it is imperative to allow your instrument and case to dry out if they are even slightly moist or wet. Otherwise, your instrument could sustain substantial long-term damage (rapid rusting, stiff or cracked leather on the pads, loosened pads from degraded glue, etc.).If you frequently play at extremely loud volumes, as I did for marching, you'll need stronger reeds; you'll have less tone control on softer reeds at louder volumes and burn through them more quickly. When I was first chair my senior year of high school, I was playing on 3s. I switched to 3.5s when I started playing in a collegiate marching band. However, I had to continue using 3.5s to preserve the tone quality I had been looking for, even in a symphonic performance situation, after needing such a powerful embouchure for so long. I have to start out with 3s until my embouchure is strong enough again if I go months without playing. Some of my friends were using 4.0s to play. The first chair I sat in was a 4.5 when I was a freshman. Keep in mind that playing on stronger reeds does not necessarily indicate better aptitude; rather, it is demonstrated by the inherent strength of your embouchure and air flow. It takes time to build up strength, so don't rush it; otherwise, you can hit a ceiling and never go higher again. I generally play between a 3.0 and 3.5. Stay at that strength as long as your reeds are producing a good, smooth tone. For these Vandoren reeds, I suggest beginning with a 2.0 or 2.5 if you're a beginner. Start out with a weaker strength if you are younger, completely new to wind playing, have a weak embouchure, underdeveloped diaphragm muscles (i.e., you can't push air very hard), or any combination of the above. Although that is not necessarily the case, I would probably advise a 2.5 for adults and a 2.0 for kids. Starting with a lesser strength is preferable to a greater one. The reed strength is too low and you should move up if you acquire your reeds and can produce a sound right away, easily, (without pressing air very hard), and your tone sounds more like a buzz (e.g. move from 2.0 to 2.5). Try playing on the reed for a few days to see if you can produce a sound if you are having trouble producing a sound and can just squawk or play loudly. However, you ought to think about going down a strength if you continue to experience problems.***I have simply discussed the strength of the original Vandoren reeds. You should choose Vandoren over any other manufacturer, in my opinion. However, if they are simply too expensive, think about Rico Royal (NOT RICO). If so, then everything should be multiplied by 0.5 (a Vandoren 2.5 would be a Rico Royal 3.0). However, if you are certain that you will only be playing jazz music, you might want to use the Vandoren V16s and buy a jazz mouthpiece and ligature instead.Sorry for the long post; I hope it was helpful.



D'Addario Woodwinds Alto Sax Reeds, Strength 2.5, 3-pack (RJA0325) Review:


My first-year student kid consumes reeds at an alarming rate. These offer excellent value and good quality. Highly suggested.I've been an active member of Amazon for a while, and I myself frequently read reviews before deciding whether or not to buy something, whether I'm buying it from Amazon directly or from another source (like a local shop). As a result, I am well aware of the importance of user feedback and try my best to help others by giving thoughtful feedback.Did you find this review to be useful? If so, I would greatly appreciate it if you gave this review the appropriate rating. Thank you!



D'Addario Rico Alto Sax Reeds, Strength 2.5, 10-pack Review:


My first-year student kid consumes reeds at an alarming rate. These offer excellent value and good quality. Highly suggested.I've been an active member of Amazon for a while, and I myself frequently read reviews before deciding whether or not to buy something, whether I'm buying it from Amazon directly or from another source (like a local shop). As a result, I am well aware of the importance of user feedback and try my best to help others by giving thoughtful feedback.Did you find this review to be useful? If so, I would greatly appreciate it if you gave this review the appropriate rating. Thank you!



D'Addario Woodwinds Alto Sax Reeds, Strength 3, 10-Pack (RJA1030) Review:


My first-year student kid consumes reeds at an alarming rate. These offer excellent value and good quality. Highly suggested.I've been an active member of Amazon for a while, and I myself frequently read reviews before deciding whether or not to buy something, whether I'm buying it from Amazon directly or from another source (like a local shop). As a result, I am well aware of the importance of user feedback and try my best to help others by giving thoughtful feedback.Did you find this review to be useful? If so, I would greatly appreciate it if you gave this review the appropriate rating. Thank you!



Royal Alto Sax Reeds, Strength 2.5, 10-pack Review:


As a professional musician, I perform the saxophone to support myself (among other things). I've been playing for 30 years. I've experimented with a wide variety of reeds, but I've never found one that really meets my needs. But Rico Royals seems to be where I always end up. Why? It just comes down to cost vs. consistency. I might get two or three poor reeds out of a box of ten Rico Royals, along with a few "iffy" ones I can break in with some work. For the price, that's actually not too awful. I've tried more expensive reeds, but I don't think the price is justified in my opinion. These are enjoyable to play and maintain a fairly constant strength from reed to reed (except the bad ones, of course). Overall, whether you're a newbie or a master like me, I merely believe that Rico Royals offer the best value.


How do I get rid of the airy sound on my saxophone?

If you're struggling with an airy sound on your saxophone, there are a few things you can try to improve your tone. First, check to make sure your reed is the right size for your mouthpiece. If it's too big or small, it can cause an airy sound. You should also make sure your reed is wet before you start playing. If it's too dry, it can also cause an airy tone. Finally, check your embouchure. If your mouth is too open or your jaw is too low, it can cause an airy

How do I know if I need a new reed?

If you are a reed player, you know that reeds don't last forever. But how do you know when it's time for a new reed? Here are a few things to look for: -If the reed is chipped or cracked, it's time for a new one. -If the reed is too soft or too hard, it's time for a new one. -If the reed doesn't vibrate properly, it's time for a new one. -If the reed doesn't make a

How do I know if my sax reed is too soft?

When you are trying to figure out if your sax reed is too soft, there are a few things that you can look for. The first thing is the sound that your sax is making. If it sounds muffled or doesn't have the same projection as it normally does, then the reed is probably too soft. Another thing to look for is how your sax is responding to your playing. If it feels like the reed is collapsing or you're having a hard time getting a clear sound, then the reed is probably too soft. Lastly, you can try gently pressing down

How do you tell if you need a new reed?

You should always check your reed before playing. To do this, hold the reed up to a light and look at the tip. If the tip is chipped or cracked, it's time for a new reed.

How do you tell if your reed is broken?

If you are a beginner, the best way to tell if your reed is broken is if it won't make a sound when you try to play it. If you are more experienced, you can tell if your reed is broken if it doesn't vibrate properly or if it sounds harsh.

How long do alto sax reeds last?

Alto sax reeds usually last around 2-4 weeks with regular playing. However, this can vary depending on how often you play, the type of reed, and the type of mouthpiece you use. If you play more often, you may need to change your reed more frequently.