The reed is an essential part of any saxophone, or more specifically, the mouthpiece of any saxophone. When air is blown through the mouthpiece, this small, fragile part moves back and forth hundreds of times per second, resulting in sound. Since it's subject to wear, saxophone reeds need to be replaced regularly.
Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone Reeds
As soon as you can hear that your reed has lived its best life, it's time to shop for a pack of fresh soprano, alto, tenor or baritone sax reeds. The thickness of the reed, typically referred to as its strength, is indicated by numbers 1 to 5. The lower the number, the thinner the reed, and the easier it will be to force air through it. But, thinner reeds also shape a less full sound and wear out faster. In general, there two kinds of saxophone reeds available: French reeds and American reeds. Something to keep in mind when you're browsing through reeds made by different brands is that French reeds are commonly used for classical music, while American reeds pack the more direct sound needed for lighter styles. Go to our Reed Buyer's Guide for more info.
Tips for Beginners
If you're not sure which reeds to grab because you're just starting out, go for a low strength number like 2 (the grading runs from 1 up to 5, including half increments) and remember that thinner reeds are more flexible and therefore vibrate more easily, making it easier to play clean notes. Another option would be to buy various different reeds - maybe even from different brands - and see which one feels and plays best.
For more, see our range of Ligatures and Caps or our Clarinet Reeds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saxophone Reeds
How long do saxophone reeds last?
Exactly how long any saxophone reed lasts depends on the thickness (strength) of the reed, the material (plastic is more wear-resistant than something like bamboo), as well as how often you play your sax. While it's tricky to pin a number on it, you may well need a new reed every four to five weeks if you play on a daily basis.
Which saxophone reed do I need?
The lower the strength number (1 to 5), the lighter the playability and the sound will be. Beginners are best off with any low-strength reeds, like 2. Go to our Reed Buyer's Guide for more help picking out the right reeds.
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