[Inspiration]

Let's get right into it.

I'm new, poor and confused. I've pretty much gone broke buying a few reeds in my local store ($7.50 per Vandoren reed, which is apparently 5.79861 USD). So now I'm wondering how you guys manage for all these years.

I've looked around for online stores, it seems A LOT cheaper. Except the problem is that I live in New Zealand. So I guess I'm asking for some recomendations on websites and value-for-your-money reeds.

I took a look at this link and could not believe my eyes.
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=VJRed
That seemed like a great deal... But then I realised it was probably in USD rather than NZD. lol. The shipping's also $35 :/

So, to all you experienced folks out there who have probably a sh*tload of money, share with me your wisdom PLEASE!

I also found this, which looks pretty decent.
http://www.wwbw.com/Rigotti-Gold-Alto-Saxophone-Reeds-471844-i1423056.wwbw
Any opinions on this?

I'm also curious how you guys make your reeds last longer. I saw this video on youtube where someone was "preparing their reed."

For those who didn't watch it: what he does is smoothes out the flat side of the reed after soaking it. He then does the same on paper. He says that it seals the pores. Any suggestions?

So I guess I'm asking how to purchase reeds and squeeze every last drop of juice out of that lemon. This has become very frustrating and money and time consuming. It would mean a lot if anyone would be willing to share their experiences/advice. Thanks in advance.

P.S: Do RJS reeds last long? I've only tried one, and it had ... I don't know the technical name for this, so let's just say it started sounding like poop faster than the other reeds.

 

[Dave Dolson]

Inspiration: Much of what was shown on the video-link has been discussed in various threads on SOTW. I did not watch the whole video. I already know how I like to deal with new reeds. Basically, one breaks in a new reed by soaking it, playing it, rubbing the vamp with a paper towel, then letting it dry out before playing it a few days later. You can also make almost every reed in a box play well by doing some judicious shaving/scraping with a sharp knife. Reed through the threads about that, too.

Your particular situation in New Zealand may be a problem - i don't know how to deal with that, but I'll bet some other New Zealanders here on SOTW can give you advice. DAVE

 

[Flâneur]

Rigotti Golds are excellent. I have been using them for about three years. I find virtually all of the playable right out of the box or with minimal adjustments. They also tend to be less expensive than most.

http://www.wwbw.com/Rigotti-Gold-Alto-Saxophone-Reeds-471844-i1423056.wwbw

Let's get right into it.

I'm new, poor and confused. I've pretty much gone broke buying a few reeds in my local store ($7.50 per Vandoren reed, which is apparently 5.79861 USD). So now I'm wondering how you guys manage for all these years.

I've looked around for online stores, it seems A LOT cheaper. Except the problem is that I live in New Zealand. So I guess I'm asking for some recomendations on websites and value-for-your-money reeds.

I took a look at this link and could not believe my eyes.
http://www.saxquest.com/productDetails.asp?productcode=VJRed
That seemed like a great deal... But then I realised it was probably in USD rather than NZD. lol. The shipping's also $35 :/

So, to all you experienced folks out there who have probably a sh*tload of money, share with me your wisdom PLEASE!

I also found this, which looks pretty decent.
http://www.wwbw.com/Rigotti-Gold-Alto-Saxophone-Reeds-471844-i1423056.wwbw
Any opinions on this?

I'm also curious how you guys make your reeds last longer. I saw this video on youtube where someone was "preparing their reed."

For those who didn't watch it: what he does is smoothes out the flat side of the reed after soaking it. He then does the same on paper. He says that it seals the pores. Any suggestions?

So I guess I'm asking how to purchase reeds and squeeze every last drop of juice out of that lemon. This has become very frustrating and money and time consuming. It would mean a lot if anyone would be willing to share their experiences/advice. Thanks in advance.

P.S: Do RJS reeds last long? I've only tried one, and it had ... I don't know the technical name for this, so let's just say it started sounding like poop faster than the other reeds.

 

[Johnboy]

You could try a Fibracell, they take just about eveything you can throw at them, even bleach!
The tone is the only thing that might be a problem, it all depends on your mouthpiece. I've had one on my tenor/Metalite M7 for what seems ages, and it's perfect for R&B, however my bari/Metalite M7 hates them!

John.

 

[Inspiration]

Rigotti Golds are excellent. I have been using them for about three years. I find virtually all of the playable right out of the box or with minimal adjustments. They also tend to be less expensive than most.

http://www.wwbw.com/Rigotti-Gold-Alto-Saxophone-Reeds-471844-i1423056.wwbw

There aren't any in my local store. I went on Saxquest, and the cost of shipping is $35... I have no idea how that's going to work.
Is shipping cheaper on wwbw?

Thanks, Flâneur

Inspiration: Much of what was shown on the video-link has been discussed in various threads on SOTW. I did not watch the whole video. I already know how I like to deal with new reeds. Basically, one breaks in a new reed by soaking it, playing it, rubbing the vamp with a paper towel, then letting it dry out before playing it a few days later. You can also make almost every reed in a box play well by doing some judicious shaving/scraping with a sharp knife. Reed through the threads about that, too.

Your particular situation in New Zealand may be a problem - i don't know how to deal with that, but I'll bet some other New Zealanders here on SOTW can give you advice. DAVE

Can you explain how you would rub it with a paper towel?
Thanks, Dave Dolson

 

[SaxPunter]

Saxplus do cheaper shipping and they will arrive fairly quickly, if you choose the reeds you like and then buy 3 or 4 boxes at a time it works aout a lot cheaper.

I recently got 4 boxes of RJS reeds and 2 ligs from saxplus for $23 shipping

The reeds were half the price they are in AUS

 

[dubrosa22]

Thanks for the tip SaxPunter. SaxPlus does look like the best O/S seller in regards to shipping costs.

Locally, in Australia that is, I use Sax, Woodwind & Brass (good Vandoren & Rico prices) and Ozwinds (also good prices). With the former I generally swing by and pick up in store.

 

[Dave Dolson]

I put a wet reed on a folded paper towel (just to make more layers), then fold the paper towel over the reed and rub the reed from the top of the vamp to the tip several times using my thumb on the top side of the paper towel. This is supposed to dry the reed (at least soak up excessive water) while at the same time rubbing the pores in the reed closed (or so that is the tale of saxophonists for years). I do this the first time I've played a reed and after I've soaked it in a saucer of water for a few minutes before playing it.

In fact, I'll take several reeds, randomly selected from a box of new reeds and do several at a time. As I play them, I place them in their order of playability, then when I'm finished selecting the best players (and doing any necessary adjusting with a knife), I place them in a reed guard in their order, best to last. DAVE

 

[maddenma]

I generally just use my thumb. I'll resort to a magazine page if it still refuses to seal afterwards though.

 

[Ed Geddes]

I use sax-plus and he will send uninsured if you ask which lowers the cost but you do have to buy a few reeds to cover shipping.I use fibracells and find that 3 and harder give a good tone. I use 3.5s. Buy 3 at a time for different horns. They are softer than a equivalent Rioco but you have to keep your lip up. The Chinese reeds that you see Henley selling could also be an option but I've only used them for clarinet and so far have found that they don't last long but are cheap. Good luck.

 

[joshredman]

P.S: Do RJS reeds last long? I've only tried one, and it had ... I don't know the technical name for this, so let's just say it started sounding like poop faster than the other reeds.

I assume you're talking about Rico Select Jazz? I'm sorry to hear that you had trouble with them. Please feel free to e-mail me -- I'd be more than happy to help you find something you're happy with.

Josh Redman
[email protected]
Rico Reeds | D'Addario and Co.