Controversy? Like what? They’re good reeds and BSS has gained a reputation for quality products and service. There’s a few threads already going on them. Haven’t heard anything bad. Do a search; feel the love.

 

Controversy? Like what? There’s a few threads already going on them. Haven’t heard anything bad. Do a search; feel the love.

Really? I seem to encounter many people who don't like them. Even my tutor, who's very reliable and friendly doesn't think they're good.

 

They’re reeds. You have to try them for yourself. People saying they’ve tried reeds and didn’t like them isn’t controversial at all. Your post reads like you’re trying to unnecessarily stir up bad feelings.
My opinion of the reeds: they’re really good. I won’t add anything else for fear of being controversial.

 

Same here. Love them. Haven’t heard any controversy. They’re objectively high quality, consistent reeds. I’d ask your tutor to explain his/her reasoning to determine if it’s just a matter of personal preference or an actual quality issue. For example, I can acknowledge that Vandoren are great quality reeds in spite of the fact I don’t personally like them on sax.

 

Or… you can just reach out to me if there is a problem or a question 🤷‍♂️ I’m a human being and a saxophone player 👍

 

I'm waiting to receive them (for alto)

 

Which Rigotti Gold would you say is the equivalent in strength to a BSS 2 1/2? Thanks.

 

The BSS cut has a thicker tip than the Gold so it runs a bit harder IMO. I’d say a BSS 2.5 is like a 2.5 strong/hard 🎷

 

I'm happy to see so much positivity about them when I mostly hear negativity about them in real life.

 

Am I missing something? What negativity?

Have you seen our reviews? Who plays them?

Obviously my reeds are not going to be for everyone, that’s crazy and I’d never claim that. Also, I’m more than happy to take constructive criticism from anyone to improve a product. But seriously, this whole post/thread seems weird to me…maybe it’s my OCD, but something seems off. Like, why even say something like that if you personally ‘love’ the reeds/brand 🤔??

 

Trust your instincts. Not the internet,.. not your friends. Not a group.

 

Honestly, in all seriousness, I completely agree.

 

Agreed, I don't see any controversy relating to BSS reeds on SOTW. The response amongst many of us is that the reeds are indeed outstanding.

 

I tried several strengths, FOR ME they were dull and duds.

Really sorry you had that experience but thank you so much for trying them!

 

They're great reeds, the only problems for me are they are a little too hard for regular use, quarter or third strengths would be good, or I could just try a softer reed I suppose, but in all other regards they are superb, they're consistent, vibrant and long lasting.

 

Been switching between BSS and Rigotti Gold recently, both excellent reeds. I like the BSS; great projection with more body to the sound IMHO.

 

Try the Rigotti reds too. I feel like the BSS is somewhere in between somehow.

 

BSS reeds are great reed. I have a box of 2 and they do run a little bit harder than the other equivalent on the reed table. But the quality is just top notch. A lot of folks like them and play on them.

Also their customer service is really great. I have purchased a few inexpensive items from them and all went very well, including one return that went very smooth and quick refund. The owner is very responsive to emails and very patient in answering questions.

I have a feeling that this thread will be closed by moderator soon because it just feels a little bit trolling

 

The BSS reeds are more than decent. I don't rate them any better than the Roberto's Winds reeds, they're just different. The BSS reeds are apparently a classical cut / jazz cut hybrid so the OP might wanna' try the other Rigotti reeds. I have long been advocating playing as many different reeds as possible and there are lots to choose from. Here in Melbourne I need to source reeds from five different vendors if I am to exercise my options. IF anyone has a group of sax playing friends pool your spare cash and buy some reeds you ain't ever tried before and all have a discussion about them later.

 

I love them on soprano, alto and tenor - I find them to be relatively consistent and the good ones are super colorful and flexible with a surprising amount of projection and altissimo response. They’re unplayable for me on bari, though - too hard or stuffy in an odd way that’s hard to describe, regardless of strength. To be fair, though, the only reeds that EVER consistently work for me on bari are Rico orange box. Someday I hope to find out why.

If you like BSS reeds, you should give the Nexus reeds a try, too - Very similar in almost every way and just as good but a bit brighter and more strident!

 

@bostonsaxshop , since you dropped in, I have a question. I realize it would be a very niche offering, but are bass sax reeds on your radar? I for one would be very interested.
Thanks

 

@bostonsaxshop , since you dropped in, I have a question. I realize it would be a very niche offering, but are bass sax reeds on your radar? I for one would be very interested.
Thanks

Just thinking... If bass sax reeds are expensive a commodity as I predict they are, might it make sense to either read their stiffness on a deflection meter, or send a known "good" one to the shop for matching?

 

They’re really good reeds but they may not be what you want in a reed. They work great for me and I suggest you try them.

 

BSS reeds have been fantastic for me, extremely consistent. No duds. Ever. One man's opinion, and to each his own. Personally, I cannot wait for the BSS clarinet reed.

 

Use them on all my horns.

 

Me too - alto, tenor, and bari.

 

I started using BSS reeds a few weeks ago (for tenor, 2 1/2) and I love them so far. I'm playing on one for this recording on an original of mine I did a few days ago-

 

I started using BSS reeds a few weeks ago (for tenor, 2 1/2) and I love them so far. I'm playing on one for this recording on an original of mine I did a few days ago-

Hey! I play a BA Alto with a Daddy-O 6 and BSS reeds.
And if I was any good, I'd sound just like you

 

I tried several strengths, FOR ME they were dull and duds.

 

@bostonsaxshop I am constantly trying to find reeds that I like. In the past I have found that I am not really a fan of Rigotti’s. Not that they didn’t play or anything just I found them perhaps a little tonal narrow in my hands. I have traditionally played LaVoz and Alexander NYs and do like the thicker tip. Is there any compare and contrast concerning these reeds? At the cost of reeds I don’t want to just toss money into the ether. The BSS reeds are on a short list for me to try but I just haven’t yet. I’m also horribly bad at reading reed strength charts. For LaVoz I tend towards medium-medium hard on tenor. 2.5-3 on the NYs. Would they be similar to either of those with the thicker tips and at what size?

 

Got it!! I'd go with the #3 in ours based on those brands. Hope you give them a go and love them as much as I do 👍 ❤ 🎷

 

Excellent reeds, very consistent.

 

If you reed (pardon the pun) what Jack writes regarding what he was trying to accomplish by introducing BSS reeds, I personally think he’s accomplished his goal. I’ve just started playing BSS reeds on Alto and am finding the “balance” that he was referring to when describing what he was after…not too bright and buzzy, not dull, but enough punch to still cut through.

But what I’m most impressed by is the consistency reed to reed. Admittedly I’m only one box in at this point, but I’ve not found a bad reed in the box. They are all at least very good, and more than half of them are great. I’ve not experienced that with other reed manufacturers that I’ve tried.

Will I NEVER play another reed? Of course not. In those cases where I actually want that bright and buzzy sound, I’ll likely play another reed with a different cut. But BSS will certainly have a place on my mouthpiece, in particular if I continue to experience the same consistency as I have so far. Great job Jack! Keep up the good work.

 

Thank you!!!! 🙏

 

I don't think I would move away from BSS reeds but I had slight doubts because of those around me, most of that is gone now and I'll enjoy them like when I first got them, probably order some more 3.5 bari reeds soon.

 

Remember this bit of wisdom?

It's especially apparent during marching season, but don't let those fancy-silver necks get to you! It's either the neck was just terrible or broken, or a gimmick. It definitely felt like I was left out when I saw those in other bands but just let those feelings pass if you get them.

Maybe, just maybe, you know as much as those around you that are influencing you. You don’t have to believe the loudest voice in the band room or on the field. Consider whether the “advice” you are getting is credible and balance that with your experience.

P.S. and OBTW: Reading stuff on the internet is not necessarily “research”. Sometimes it is just listening to gossip and unfounded opinions. Good luck on your path.

 

I liked the BSS reeds I tried. Not every one played out of the box but the ones that did lasted a long time and I easily got the others to play.
They do grow mold as well as Rigottis do.