[Bassmasterrace]

Hi everybody,

So im wanting to switch from vandoren to a different reed for my chamber/classical bari work (they just seem a bit stuffy to me) and im currently torn between Rico Reserve, Alexander superial DC's, and Hemkes. Im looking for a dark, warm tone here. If it helps, im playing a ybs 62 with a caravan large chamber mouthpiece. Any feedback?

 

[MDaxo]

What is the tip opening of your mouthpiece?

I've found that you can't go wrong with the rico royal reeds. The reviews average at 4 stars, some are critical, but at least in my box I haven't gotten any defective reeds. They also tend to not be stuffy, even though I'm using a #2 which I've been told is too soft for my Meyer 6, though it sounds good and that's what matters. Since you're playing classical, you'll need a harder reed than that.

 

[Bassmasterrace]

The tip opening is about .078, and im playing blue box 3 and 3.5 right now. Im hesitant to invest without feedback because money isnt in abundance for me, but atleast RR isnt too expensive. Any feedback on the other brands? ( my director suggested between these 3 brands but RR does seem good)

 

[JYeater]

I've used Hemke reeds since the late '80s and have never had a problem. To me, they're very consistent and give a nice, dark classical sound.

 

[Bassmasterrace]

I've used Hemke reeds since the late '80s and have never had a problem. To me, they're very consistent and give a nice, dark classical sound.

Thats what ive heard, the only problem ive heard is that they have really short lives. Is that true or are they more lasting? And thank you

 

[martinmclaren]

I've always liked Legères for classical setups because they seem to work well with darker mouthpieces for me. Hemkes have always seemed to be the most neutral reeds for me. Reserve have always been a better Rico Royal for me, but the Royals would play less stuffy so they could be what you're looking for.

 

[MDaxo]

A box of 10 rico royal bari sax reeds is the same as the price of 5 vandoren bari sax reeds, and without any perceptible decline in quality.

 

[bandmommy]

I use Hemke 2.5's or 3's on a Rousseau 5R on my old Buescher bari. Big round and dark sound every time.
But, 'Old Beuford' may have a darker sound to begin with than your Yamaha.
You may want to fart around with your embouchure/shaping of your oral cavity a little as well as trying different brand/cut reeds.

 

[paulwl]

Rousseaus aren't meant to work on Bueschers.

 

[bandmommy]

Rousseaus aren't meant to work on Bueschers.

Says you.
My Buescher says Rousseau works great.

 

[paulwl]

Says you.
My Buescher says Rousseau works great.

Good then.

 

[JYeater]

Thats what ive heard, the only problem ive heard is that they have really short lives. Is that true or are they more lasting? And thank you

I've never noticed that, but I've always rotated reeds.