If you’re looking for the best alto saxophone reeds, you’ve come to the right place. Finding the right reeds for you can be a challenge, especially when you’re just starting out playing saxophone. The fact is, there are tons of different options out there and it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we decided to do some research and find the best alto saxophone reeds for a variety of needs and playing styles.
Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Our Editor’s Best Alto Saxophone Reeds Reviews
- Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
- Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
- Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
- Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
- Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
- Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
- Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
- Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
- EASE OF PLAY – Featuring a traditional blank and profile for ease of response designed for ease of play, D’Addario Woodwinds reeds are ideal for students, revered by educators worldwide.
- FROM FIELD TO FACTORY - Harvested from naturally grown cane, while designed and manufactured in the USA.
- EDUCATION STANDARD - Rico reeds have been the standard among teachers and students for generations. Priced affordably, Rico reeds are designed to reward the student with an immediate sound.
- IDEAL FOR - Rico reeds are perfect for students, revered by educators worldwide and a favorite among jazz musicians.
- D’ADDARIO WOODWINDS – For nearly a century, the name Rico has been synonymous with quality reeds. D’Addario Woodwinds has revamped the reed-making process to create the most consistent reed in the world.
- Unique conical design
- Built on the success of the Bb Clarinet V21 introduced in 2015
- Designed for players looking for added focus, smoothness and consistency
- Offers musicians a warm and centered sound
- Clear and compact response
- Premium Material Bring Clear Sound: Strength 2.5, box of 10. Sovvid saxophone reeds are made from high quality natural reeds using an advanced process, and have perfect vibrational characteristics, do not deform or break easily and maintain a rich tone
- Laser Engraved Size Mark: The brand and size are laser engraved on the saxophone reed, making it more attractive and stronger than a sticker with size, avoids confusion with other sizes of reeds if the sticker falls off, more friendly for beginners
- Wide Application with Perfect Performance: There are 4 sizes of reeds for saxophone alto available. Beginners generally choose strength 2.0 or 2.5, experienced or professional saxophone players can choose strength 3.0 or 3.5
- Good Protection and Strictly Quality Control: The alto sax reeds are sealed in plastic cases to ensure their freshness. The ten reeds are placed above and below the spacer, separated from each other by baffles to greatly reduce the possibility of damage
- Advanced Craft and Easy to Play: Feature a thinner vamp and unfiled cut design makes it easier to play. With advanced production equipment and craft to ensure an accurate cut and smooth finish. Each reed has stable vibration and small resistance
- Soft Strength for Easy Playing – Strength 2.0/2.5/3.0 reeds ideal for beginners, students, and daily practice use
- Easy to Blow with Thin Tip – Thinner reed tip allows effortless airflow and quicker response for new players
- Traditional Cut Natural Reed Cane – Made from high-quality reed cane for warm, rich, and stable tone
- Laser Engraved Strength Marking – Precision laser-etched strength number helps easy identification
- Complete with Case & Velvet Pouch – Comes with a durable plastic box and a soft velvet bag for easy storage
- Premium Material Bring Clear Sound: Strength 2.0, box of 10. Sovvid saxophone reeds are made from high quality natural reeds using an advanced process, and have perfect vibrational characteristics, do not deform or break easily and maintain a rich tone
- Laser Engraved Size Mark: The brand and size are laser engraved on the saxophone reed, making it more attractive and stronger than a sticker with size, avoids confusion with other sizes of reeds if the sticker falls off, more friendly for beginners
- Wide Application with Perfect Performance: There are 4 sizes of reeds for saxophone alto available. Beginners generally choose strength 2.0 or 2.5, experienced or professional saxophone players can choose strength 3.0 or 3.5
- Good Protection and Strictly Quality Control: The alto sax reeds are sealed in plastic cases to ensure their freshness. The ten reeds are placed above and below the spacer, separated from each other by baffles to greatly reduce the possibility of damage
- Advanced Craft and Easy to Play: Feature a thinner vamp and unfiled cut design makes it easier to play. With advanced production equipment and craft to ensure an accurate cut and smooth finish. Each reed has stable vibration and small resistance
- BOLD AND MEDIUM-BRIGHT SOUND. The American Cut represents the next-generation of Légère saxophone reeds. From the first note, the reed speaks with total ease while giving players just the right amount of tonal edge. It is effortlessly free-blowing, colorful, and loaded with personality.
- SYNTHETIC FOR DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY. Legere synthetic reeds are not affected by environmental conditions such as high humidity. Legere reeds last longer saving you time and money.
- NO PRECONDITIONING. Legere reeds are ready to play. You won’t need to pre-soak a Legere reed to get the perfect pitch. Ready to play when you are!
- INCLUDES CARRY CASE for easy storage. Keep your Legere reeds in one place and safe from the elements.
- NO RISK 30-DAY EXCHANGE Contact us if you are unhappy with our product for any reason and we will replace your reed at no charge.
- Premium Quality Materials：Crafted from carefully selected natural high-quality reed, the premium alto saxophone reeds ensure durability and longevity, ensuring that it holds its shape and sound quality over time. Whether for practice or professional performances, it maintains excellent responsiveness with minimal wear and tear
- Exceptional Sound Quality：The EASTROCK traditional alto saxophone reeds are designed with a filed cut, delivering a thick, full, pure, and soft tone ideal for both classical and pop music, ensuring an extremely pure sound that enhances your performance.
- Individually Reed Holder&Bagged：Each alto saxophone reed comes individually bagged, ensuring maximum freshness and extending shelf life. The included individual reed holder makes it easy to carry and store your reeds hygienically. Enjoy the peace of mind that your reeds remain in pristine condition until you're ready to play.
- Versatile Strength Options：Available in assorted strengths (2.0/2.5/3.0), these alto saxophone reeds cater to different skill levels. The number indicates the hardness of the reed, the higher the number, the harder the reed, and the more breath you need, you can choose the perfect fit for your musical expression.
- Suitable for All Skill Levels：The advanced craftsmanship of this reed provides a perfect balance of flexibility and stiffness, allowing for a smooth and effortless playing experience. Whether you're just starting out or you're an advanced saxophonist, this reed offers excellent playability, allowing you to explore different playing techniques and musical styles with ease.
- CLEAR AND EXPRESSIVE SOUND. The Signature for saxophone offers exceptional tonal depth and consistency.
Best Alto Saxophone Reeds Buying Guide
Before choosing the best alto saxophone reeds you should consider following options:
1. Reed Strength: Before even taking a reed out of the box, you should feel it to see how hard or soft it is. Reed strength is measured in a unit called “strength points,” which is the amount of force required to bend a reed one degree.
Reeds with a strength of 42 to 46 are considered standard. Stronger reeds are used for jazz and rock and roll, while softer reeds are used for classical music. To test strength, pluck the reed with your thumb and forefinger about halfway down the length.
If the reed plays, it is too strong; if it doesn’t play, it is too soft. If the reed doesn’t play, it is probably just clamped too tightly in the mouthpiece slot and can be loosened by pulling on the leather tip.
2. Response: How quickly and accurately a reed responds to your embouchure is one of the most important qualities. It’s a good idea to test response by playing long notes and scales, with a focus on the middle and upper registers.
3. Tonal Quality: Very few reeds play well right out of the box. It’s important to let the reed “acclimate” in the mouthpiece for at least one hour before playing.
While there are many factors that affect tonal quality, the two most important factors are the tip and the heart. The tip and heart are the first and last cuts of the cane that are made by the reed maker.
It’s best to choose reeds with tips and hearts that are as close to in line as possible. If the tip and heart are offset, the reed will play sharp. If the tips and heart are in-line, the reed will play flat.
4. Aesthetics: Reed makers often cut away portions of the reed to make their stamp, thereby changing the overall appearance of the reed.
Reeds stamped with hearts are most popular, but some players prefer reeds stamped with letters. Some stamp the entire length while others only stamp the tip.
Some stamp the entire length while others only stamp the tip. Some stamp with ink, while others use hot foil stamping. Some makers leave a thin strip of cane un-cut while others cut almost all of the way through.
Reeds are also cut in a variety of tip shapes. The most popular tip is rectangular, but tips that resemble the outline of a fish, a triangle, and even a shark are available.
5. Price: Obviously, price is a consideration for most players. Reed quality and lifespan are often reflected in price, so the more you pay for a reed, the longer it will last and the better it will play.
Standard strength reeds run from $2 to $3 per reed. Stronger reeds can cost up to $4 per reed, while softer reeds can cost from $3 to $4 per reed.
What else you should know about alto saxophone reeds
1. What is the difference between an alto saxophone reed and a tenor saxophone reed?
The difference between an alto saxophone reed and a tenor saxophone reed is that the alto saxophone reed is shorter and has a narrower tip. The tenor saxophone reed is longer and has a wider tip.
2. How do you choose the right alto saxophone reed for your instrument?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. Some factors to consider when choosing an alto saxophone reed include the hardness or softness of the reed, the brand, and the size. It is generally recommended to start with a medium-hardness reed and then experiment with different reeds to see what produces the best sound for your individual alto saxophone.
3. How do you care for your alto saxophone reed?
You should soak your alto saxophone reed in warm water for about five minutes before you play. You can also use a reed case to store your reeds and help them last longer.
4. What are the different brands of alto saxophone reeds?
There are many different brands of alto saxophone reeds, including D’Addario, Vandoren, Rico, and many others.
5. How do you know when it’s time to change your alto saxophone reed?
When the reed starts to sound dull, or when it starts to crack.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best alto saxophone reeds. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best alto saxophone reeds will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.