What size reed should I use for alto sax?

What size reed should I use for alto sax?

Most beginners start by using La Voz or Rico reeds, because they are the cheapest brands. A size 2 reed is a great place to start for a beginner. Play on it for a while before switching to a 2.5, unless it feels entirely too soft, then 2.5 is okay. Size 3 is definitely too hard for a beginner though.

What reed is best for alto sax beginner?

The best reed for beginner saxophone is a size 2 or size 2.5 reed. Most beginners start with Rico, Rico Royal, or Vandoren Brand Saxophone Reeds. Your teacher will usually recommend one of these types of reeds to start with. Reed sizes vary in half measures from 1.5 to 4.

What is the difference between saxophone reed sizes?

Reed thickness is most often expressed as a number. The normal range for reeds is 2 to 5: the lower the number, the thinner the reed, and the higher the number, the thicker the reed. In general, a thinner reed, say 2 or 2.5, will have a brighter tone. Thinner reeds vibrate more easily, so they are good for beginners.

How big is a saxophone reed?

Reeds come in different sizes from 1, 1-1/2, 2, 2-1/2, 3, 3-1/2, 4, 4-1/2 to 5. The mouthpiece, reed, and ligature form the sound generating portion of the instrument, and so they have a large influence on the quality of the instrument’s sound. They will also affect the feel of playing the instrument.

How do I know my reed size?

Just as with the strength, reed thickness is expressed as a number. The lower the number, the thinner the reed, and the higher the number, the thicker the reed. Reeds typically range from 2 to 4. The tone and responsiveness of an instrument will depend on the thickness of the reed.

How do you tell if a reed is too soft?

Too Hard, Too Soft, or Just Right In this case, try a lower reed strength. If you’re playing on a 3, then move down to 2.5. When the reed is too soft, you’ll get a buzzy sound right out of the box. People compare this to playing on paper.

What reeds do professional saxophone players use?

If you’re looking for the best-sounding reed for your recitals and performances, cane is probably the way to go. But if you’d like a reed that will last longer with zero maintenance and is impervious to the elements, you’ll want synthetic.

How long should you soak saxophone reeds?

You should soak your reeds for about one minute with saliva. This ensures that the reed is moist enough to play well without being so wet that it becomes waterlogged. If the reed is brand new, you may want to soak it more thoroughly with water for about twenty minutes before working with it.

Should I go down a reed size?

Recap: when to move up a reed size If it takes too little embouchure effort to make a sound and the tone is edgy and bright, try a harder strength reed. The different reed brands and styles don’t match in reed strength. If you change the type of reeds you’re playing on, you may need to go up or down in strength.

How often should you change reeds?

You should turn the reeds every two to three weeks to keep the scent alive. Submerging them in the oil gives the dry ends the opportunity to absorb all they can, while the previously submerged bottom stands out and projects an immediately stronger scent. Turning the reeds frequently will not make them last longer.

How many inches is an alto saxophone?

The sizes of alto and tenor saxophones vary because of minor differences in design and construction among manufacturers. The alto is close to 25 inches long, and the tenor is roughly 28 inches long. The bell on an alto is about 4 inches in diameter, and a tenor’s bell is about 5 inches across.

What size reed should I use for my alto saxophone?

The normal range for reeds is 2 to 5: the lower the number, the thinner the reed, and the higher the number, the thicker the reed. The thickness of the reed will affect the tone and how easy or difficult the instrument is to play. In general, a thinner reed, say 2 or 2.5, will have a brighter tone.

How many reeds does a bari saxophone have?

The baritone saxophone uses a single reed mouthpiece like that of a clarinet. There is a loop in the top of the body (sometimes also known as the ‘pigtail’) in two U-shaped pieces of tube called the upper bow and spit bow, to reduce it to a practical height.

How big is a tenor saxophone?

Tenor saxophones are larger than alto saxophones and usually heavier. The alto saxophone ranges in weight from about 4 to 6 pounds, and the tenor ranges from 6 to 8 pounds.