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| YOUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
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Q. What is the difference between the different reed grades?
A. All the major manufacturers offer reeds in different gauges to suit players ability and playing style. These vary from a grade 1.0, which is thin, soft and very easy to play upto, in some cases, a grade 5.0, which is strong, thick and only suited to the most hardened of players. You may find various makers grades vary slightly, but most follow the same principles.
Q. I’m a beginner, what grade should I chose?
A. Most beginners start with a grade 1.5 or 2.0. You will find it easier to produce a good note with these grades. As you gain experience you will probably step up to harder grades. Most players end up playing on 2.5 or 3.0.
Q. How will I know when it is time to change?
A. The aim is to produce an even sound across the range of the instrument. If the top register notes sound thin and wavy, you probably need to go up a grade. If you find difficulty producing notes at the bottom end, you may need a thinner reed.
Q. I am not getting any notes at all. What is wrong?
A. Check the reed is correctly fitted and undamaged. Relax and do not bite so hard on the mouthpiece. It could be that you need a harder reed.
Q. What make of reeds should I choose?
A. All the reeds we offer are top branded products from the most well respected and experienced manufacturers and may be bought with confidence. We suggest beginners start with one of the less expensive brands, as due to the delicate nature of the thinner reeds and lack of care skills, they are inclined to damage more reeds in the early stages of the learning experience.
Q. How can I make my reeds last longer?
A. Take care when handling and fitting, especially thinner reeds. Try not to snag them when fitted. We recommend that players keep 3 or 4 reeds on the go at any one time and rotate these to allow the reeds to ‘recover’ gently from wet playing conditions. By doing this you will always have a supply of ‘played-in’ reeds ready for that important concert or examination. We list a number of products on our accessory pages to allow you to store these reeds safely when not in use.
Q. What are the advantages of synthetic reeds like ‘Plasticover’?
A. Many players find they have a quality of sound they prefer and they are suitable for players of varying ability and style, but chief advantage is that they retain stability under extreme adverse climatic and weather conditions, and are therefore very popular with marching bands. They are also suitable to most players who find they have an allergic reaction to natural reeds. Synthetic reeds are coated and also tend to last longer.
Q. What is the difference between Jazz reeds and others?
A. Jazz reeds are cut and shaped to provide the attack and high range overtones that jazz players usually prefer. Orchestral players usually prefer a slightly darker tone.
Q. What are ‘filed’ or ‘French filed’ reeds.
A. The file is the area behind the vamp where the bark is sanded off in a straight line. This provides a freedom of response, particularly in the low register, making softer attacks easier. Filed reeds usually sound brighter, but at the expense of the fuller sound provided by unfiled reeds.
FINALLY,
Please regard the above as a general guide only.
We try to fair and impartial in our advice, and have therefore taken care not to suggest any brand is better than another. All have their place and use otherwise we would not stock them.
A good teacher will be able to advise the individual player more specifically, and may often, with good reason, express a preference for a particular brand.
Few have the time (and patience) to explore the qualities of every reed on the market, but there is a great sense of fulfillment when you do discover the ‘right’ reed for you.
Take time, experiment a little, and we believe you will find the world of reeds a rich and rewarding experience.
Happy playing!
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ALTO SAXophone Reeds
