[danewvibe]

well, i play the baritone sax,
and i was wondering, if there is any kind of reed for playing both concert band and jazz, what is the brand name? and, where might i be able to find it?

 

[Pete Thomas]

Rico are good. Plasticover & jazz select are the ones I recommend, but plain old Ricos are also good.. Alexander superials are also very nice. So are Vandoren.

 

[danewvibe]

so, any of these would work well for both?

 

[danewvibe]

well, thank you Pete.

 

[Pete Thomas]

so, any of these would work well for both?

Yes. Most reeds sound fairly similar so are fine for most applications. It's mouthpieces and players that make the biggest difference to the sound.

Sometimes the sound difference between reeds of one make in a box can be beigger than the difference between the different makes, basically don't worry - just try a few and stick with a make that you feel comfortable with.

Out of the ones I mentioned, I prefer the Plasticovers.

 

[sycc]

I like Hemkes. They are classical reeds that have developed a jazz following.

 

[MPL]

I have to disagree with Pete. Plasticovers may sound too bright and edgy for use in a concert band setting, even on a concert-type mouthpiece like a Selmer. If you use Plasticovers in a concert band, I can almost guarantee that a good conductor will complain that your playing is either too loud or doesn't blend well, no matter how much you try.

Are you using the same mouthpiece for concert and jazz groups?

 

[dirty]

Try LaVoz. They have a nice, full-bodied, middle of the road sound that could be suitable in just about any musical situation, IMO.

 

[Martinman]

I would say

First choice: high-end classical reed - Vandoren Trad., Alexander Classique, etc

Second: A slightly buzzy, but still not completely "jazzy" reed: Hemke (could also fit in first), Rico Royal, maybe JAVA.

Personally I would go with a Vandoren trad, but just because I like them. Heck, I used to use V16s for concert band, they will sound ok with a classical mouthpiece.

 

[ksentine]

Im also a fan of Vandoren, i tried ricos on the sop didnt really like them, just not me i guess.

Use vandoren classics (handpicked) for both concert band and stage band and theyre very versatile.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I have to disagree with Pete. Plasticovers may sound too bright and edgy for use in a concert band setting, even on a concert-type mouthpiece like a Selmer.

No problem, we're all different. I actually switched to plasticovers because I got a less edgy sound from them. Although the difference is minimal.

I can imagine some band directors objecting to them because they're black (the reeds that is) but that's a different story.

 

[harmonizerNJ]

danewvibe, the reed you want to use for jazz and concert band might depend on how you get the overall sound that you want. For example, you might find that getting a strong bottom end sound is important in your jazz band, but not at all for concert band, where other traits might be more important.

For me, using LaVoz Medium reeds on my alto is an important part of getting the combination of command (more or less) from top to bottom of the horn, expressiveness, and projection. Just to be clear, my point is not to claim that LaVoz reeds are the best, but that they provide what *I* need to get the sound that I want.

Perhaps you could share with us more about your situation: have you played more in jazz or concert band? Are you already happy with your setup for one or the other? Are you currently using two types of reeds, and if so, why?

 

[danewvibe]

danewvibe, the reed you want to use for jazz and concert band might depend on how you get the overall sound that you want. For example, you might find that getting a strong bottom end sound is important in your jazz band, but not at all for concert band, where other traits might be more important.

For me, using LaVoz Medium reeds on my alto is an important part of getting the combination of command (more or less) from top to bottom of the horn, expressiveness, and projection. Just to be clear, my point is not to claim that LaVoz reeds are the best, but that they provide what *I* need to get the sound that I want.

Perhaps you could share with us more about your situation: have you played more in jazz or concert band? Are you already happy with your setup for one or the other? Are you currently using two types of reeds, and if so, why?

well, i haven't been playing the bari for very long, but i play mostly concert for school, and outside of school i play jazz very much.
i know when i was playing the tenor, my band director told me to stop using such a bright tone, especially in concert band with my classical reeds.
i want to be able to have a reed, that will allow me to easily switch between either of the types of music I'll be playing. Not only for when my teacher leaves the room [haha], but for my band as well and other jazz groups and such. and my family has a low budget somewhat, so i'm trying to figure this out and then confront them with this.

But, i can see, most of you have recommended i try a variety?
to see which one works best for me, yes?
i will try what is recommended and will tell of my results.
for now, thank you to all.

 

[Merlin]

I'm using Legeres for jazz and classical playing - but with different mouthpieces.

 

[Canadiain]

I used to play legeres, now Im back to playing plasticovers in concert band, its never been an issue, and is a positive advantage if you are playing outside at all. Rico Royals are pretty similar too. Vandoren blue box or Javas are a safe choice too, in fact the reed probably doesn't matter much as long as you've got a couple of good ones you are comfortable with at any one time...that's far more important than brand.

I agree that the mouthpiece will have a lot more impact than the reed overall anyway. Directors may occasionally make comments about mouthpieces, but I doubt that many comment on reed selection. Maybe its better to explore the posibilities of a dark and bright mouthpiece instead...like different varieties (A, B, C) of the inexpensive Rico Graftonite mouthpieces?

 

[Triguymy]

I like the Vandoren blue box in 2.5 for concert and jazz

 

[MM]

Yes you can play different reeds or different mouthpieces or different embouchures for the two settings. Any good responsive reed should be fine: Vandoren blue, V16, Java, RJS, Hemke, etc.