[baritone saxophone]

I am thinking of selling a variety pack of reeds for alto sax in 2.5's consisting of-All 4 kinds of Vandorens, Rico,Rico Jazz Select filed, Rico Royal, Alexander D.C. and Superial, LaVoz, and Hemkes. WHat do you all think? Would you buy a variety back like this. This is pretty much every alto reed on prowinds except zonda or synthetics. I wanted include more brands like Gonzalez, Brancher,Marca, and others like that, but wwbw is the only place I could find that carries all those brands. I want your input on the idea.

 

[Dave Dolson]

I wouldn't buy such an item, but I suspect others who think that testing one reed is a good indicator of all similar reeds' playability may like the idea.

To me, before anyone claims Brand X Filed is better than Brand Y Unfiled, they should play MANY boxes before drawing that conclusion. A one-off sampling box tells me nothing. DAVE

 

[3 Olives]

I'd like it if it was broken up into 3 different variety pack choices - Classical, Jazz, Combination, or something like that. I'd be in on a Jazz Pack or two.

 

[baritone saxophone]

I didn't mention that there would be 2 of each reed and I forgot to put in unfiled RJS.

 

[Fred]

I made such a hopeful recommendation in my recent thread on evaluating mouthpieces. I think it would be a great idea - you would need to use wisdom in determining which kinds of reeds should be tried for adequately evaluating new mouthpieces. You'd want to keep it reasonable - and that means making some judgements as to which reeds need to be included and which can be left out.

The nice part about this assortment idea is that many of our local stores don't carry a wide variety of reeds; and internet buying means buying boxes of reeds we may never use. If you do it and the cost is reasonable, I'd definitely sign up.

 

[baritone saxophone]

What would be a good price. It would be 24 reeds, but also the price for the 12 different kinds of put together. I was thinking 50-60USD.

 

[Fred]

Have you reviewed this thread? There are some good suggestions on which reeds would be appropriate.
http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=58451

I think one of the keys to being successful in this is to offer a package that is large enough to get a good idea about the mouthpiece, but not so large as to be redundant. Another thing you'll need to consider is whether a buyer wants two of each or is willing to gamble on 1 of each. You could offer the set as one each and sell multiple sets as the buyer requests.

Pricewise, I think you're in the right ballpark. Let's see what others think.

 

[baritone saxophone]

That is a good idea Fred. I could offer the packs with one or two of each reed. I don't see why anyone would want only one reed of the brand because it could be a bad one, and that could give them a bad view of the brand. Two would give them a better idea.

 

[Joe Jazz]

I also think you are in the ballpark on the price range. I just had a friend over to let him test play a half a dozen or so brands of reeds, and he was willing to pay that price(per reed)..........by the way, he liked four of them, but preferred the Alexander D.C.'s best..........the Alexander Classiques came in second, followed by a Glotin Groove(just for fun),and a Rico Royal that came in fourth.
He didn't care for the Gonzalez, Vandoren ZZ, or Hemke reeds.

 

[baritone saxophone]

Joe, do you think i should go further and include Gonzalez, Marca,Grand Concert Select?

 

[Joe Jazz]

IMHO, I think you could offer several different combos. Some people will want to try the more exotic varities they can't get at their local store. You could also offer custom combos, but more work/stock involved......you will probably want to limit yourself to the most popular strengths...perhaps 2.5's and 3's? Some folks might go for a 12pack(6 varieties)while others might go for an 18 or 24 pack... Best of luck to you in your endeavor!

 

[jazzbluescat]

I'll take a *burp* sixth pack.

 

[martysax]

I'll take a *burp* sixth pack.

You're slurring your speech. You've had enough already.

 

[Joe Jazz]

I'll take a *burp* sixth pack.

yu're supposed to smoke the reeds, not drink them!

 

[Jonathan C.]

Why not offer a 24 pack? 12 2.5 and 12 3? It would give the player an option on what reed might work best, and what strength.

 

[Face Ache Mike]

Why not offer reeds singly and let the buyer choose what he wants. Charge normal price up to say, 10 reeds then discount for over that.

 

[baritone saxophone]

Carbs-I want to see how this works out with 2.5's and then I might move to different strengths or maybe even do tenor reeds.

Mike-It would be to much trouble to do singles like that, and anyway this a variety pack for someone to try a lot of different brands.

 

[Joe Jazz]

and of course you have to figure out what you are going to put them in.....

 

[Face Ache Mike]

Stipulate a minimum order (10?) then you have the original boxes to use? Just stick a new label over the top.