Saxophone Reeds - Which One Is The Best Saxophone Reeds?
Saxophone Reeds - Which One Is The Best Saxophone Reeds
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The source of the beautiful sound of the saxophone is the vibration of a reed strapped to the mouthpiece mounted on the neck of the saxophone. The sound produced by this vibrating reed is shaped by the saxophone mouthpiece, and instrument into the melodious sound we know as the saxophone.
The reed is such an important part in the saxophone sound production that it merits our taking a closer look at their construction, makeup, quality, and consistency. We can keep these factors in mind when choosing saxophone reeds.
Saxophone reeds are made from quality canes around the world, although alternatives of plastic and combinations of cane and plastic coatings have become acceptable to many. Cane has still remained the standard for many years. The best cane for reeds historically has been in France and areas near the Mediterranean Sea.
Saxophone Reeds are designed to fit the facing of the mouthpiece so they are flat on one side and cut thick and tapered on the other side. When air is forced through the opening between the reed and the mouthpiece tip the air column vibrates creating the sound that is shaped by the saxophone.
Reeds are graded by commercial manufacturers by strength or thickness by numbers such as 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2 etc. These gradings may vary between manufacturers.
The dilemma facing saxophone players on choosing saxophone reeds is finding reeds that produce the intended sound that the player is attempting to produce. Many reeds are flawed and do not produce acceptable sounds Reeds can be purchased in boxes of ten or more, and usually a small percentage of these are acceptable.
Reeds are susceptible to cracking as they become wet and dry through use. The reed is moistened during use and operates properly when it is moist and pliable, as this allows it to vibrate properly to create the sound. The quality of the cane and other factors may affect consistency.
Testing and trial and error is involved in choosing saxophone reeds that are acceptable to the player. Usually starting off with a medium strength reed and then testing thicker or thinner reeds until a match to the players expectations is found.
Price maybe another consideration in choosing saxophone reeds. As prices of other commodities in the economy have been affected we have seen the price of reeds increase gradually over time also.
Although the reed may be small it is a big part of producing an acceptable sound on the saxophone. Knowing some of the factors we just discussed can make choosing saxophone reeds a rewarding experience.