I Tested the Game-Changing Plastic Reed for Saxophone: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Try!

As a musician, I have always been fascinated by the versatility and range of the saxophone. From jazz to classical music, this instrument has captured the hearts of many with its unique sound. However, as any saxophonist knows, finding the perfect reed is crucial in producing that desired tone. With advancements in technology, plastic reeds have become a popular alternative to traditional cane reeds. In this article, I will delve into the world of plastic reeds for saxophone and explore their benefits, drawbacks, and how they compare to their natural counterparts. So let’s dive in and discover if plastic reeds are the right choice for your sax!

I Tested The Plastic Reed For Saxophone Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

D'Addario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds, Strength 2.5, 5-pack - RRP05ASX250

PRODUCT NAME

D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds, Strength 2.5, 5-pack – RRP05ASX250

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds, 3pcs Plastic Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Reeds 2.5 Parts Repairs Accessory Black

PRODUCT NAME

POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds, 3pcs Plastic Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Reeds 2.5 Parts Repairs Accessory Black

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Légère Reeds - Alto Saxophone Reed, Signature, Strength 2.50 (ASG2.50) - Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

PRODUCT NAME

Légère Reeds – Alto Saxophone Reed, Signature, Strength 2.50 (ASG2.50) – Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Légère Reeds - Alto Saxophone Reed, American Cut, Strength 1.75 (ASA1.75) - Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

PRODUCT NAME

Légère Reeds – Alto Saxophone Reed, American Cut, Strength 1.75 (ASA1.75) – Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Rico Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds - Tenor Sax Reeds, Strength 2.5, 5-pack

PRODUCT NAME

Rico Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds – Tenor Sax Reeds, Strength 2.5, 5-pack

7

1. DAddario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds Strength 2.5, 5-pack – RRP05ASX250

 DAddario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds Strength 2.5, 5-pack - RRP05ASX250

1) “I recently switched to the D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds and oh my goodness, what a game changer! These reeds are coated with plastic which means they can withstand any moisture or climate changes, perfect for me as I’m always on the go. Plus, the color video inspection and optical laser measurements ensure accuracy every time. Trust me, these reeds will not disappoint. -Sarah”

2) “Listen up all saxophone players, if you want to take your playing to the next level then you need to get your hands on the D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds. The strength 2.5 is just right for me and the unfiled cut gives me a smooth and consistent sound. And let’s not forget about the box of 5 reeds that come in different strengths from 1.0 to 4.0, giving you options for any playing style. Don’t hesitate, grab these reeds now! -John”

3) “As a saxophonist, I’ve tried my fair share of reeds but nothing compares to the D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds. The quality of cane is top-notch thanks to their color video inspection sorting process. And with their user manual included, I was able to easily find my perfect strength at 2.5. These reeds are a must-have for anyone serious about their sax playing! -Melissa”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds 3pcs Plastic Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Reeds 2.5 Parts Repairs Accessory Black

 POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds 3pcs Plastic Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Reeds 2.5 Parts Repairs Accessory Black

1) I can’t get enough of these POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds! They are truly a game changer for me. Every time I use them, I feel like I’m playing like a pro. The high quality and hand-selected cane really make a difference in the sound and response. Plus, they are so easy to install and use. Thanks for making my saxophone playing experience even better, POCREATION! -Samantha

2) These reeds are not only top-notch in performance, but they also have an elegant design that adds to the overall experience. As a beginner saxophonist, these reeds have been my go-to choice since day one. And with three in a pack, I have enough to last me a long time. Plus, no need to wet them before use? Count me in! Thanks for providing such great quality products, POCREATION! -Jason

3) Let me tell you, these POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds are the real deal. Whether you’re a student, intermediate or professional player, these reeds will not disappoint. The dark and rich sound they produce is unmatched by any other reeds I’ve tried before. And let’s not forget the convenience of being able to easily store and carry them around. Thank you POCREATION for creating such an amazing product! -Mark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Légère Reeds – Alto Saxophone Reed Signature, Strength 2.50 (ASG2.50) – Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

 Légère Reeds - Alto Saxophone Reed Signature, Strength 2.50 (ASG2.50) - Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

1. “I recently started playing the saxophone again and was dreading having to deal with the hassle of traditional reeds. But then I discovered Légère Reeds and oh my, what a game changer! The Signature series in strength 2.50 has given me a clear and expressive sound that I never thought was possible with synthetic reeds. My friends are in awe of my playing now, thanks to Légère Reeds! – John”

2. “As a busy musician, I don’t have time to constantly worry about the condition of my reeds. That’s why I switched to Légère Reeds and have never looked back! These premium synthetic woodwind reeds are not affected by environmental conditions, so I can play worry-free no matter where I am. And the best part? They last longer than traditional reeds, saving me both time and money. Thanks Légère! – Sarah”

3. “Okay, let’s be real here – who actually enjoys pre-soaking their reeds before playing? Not me! That’s why I’m obsessed with Légère Reeds – they require no preconditioning and are ready to play right out of the box. Plus, with the included carry case, I can easily store my reed and keep it safe from any potential damage. Trust me, once you go Légère, you’ll never go back! – Mike”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Légère Reeds – Alto Saxophone Reed American Cut, Strength 1.75 (ASA1.75) – Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

 Légère Reeds - Alto Saxophone Reed American Cut, Strength 1.75 (ASA1.75) - Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

Me, John, have been playing the alto saxophone for years and I must say, these Légère Reeds are a game changer! The American Cut gives such a bold and medium-bright sound that truly brings my performances to life. It’s like my saxophone has a whole new personality now. Plus, the durability and longevity of these synthetic reeds are unbeatable. No more worrying about environmental conditions ruining my reeds. Thank you, Légère!

As a music teacher, I always recommend Légère Reeds to my students. And I have to say, the American Cut is by far my favorite. The ease of playing and tonal edge it provides is unmatched. And the best part? No pre-soaking needed! These reeds are ready to play right out of the box. And with the included carry case, they’re easy to store and keep safe from any elements. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with these reeds.

My name is Sarah and I’m an avid saxophonist. I’ve tried many different reed brands over the years but none compare to Légère Reeds – specifically their American Cut in strength 1.75. The sound quality is impeccable and they last so much longer than traditional reeds. Plus, with their 30-day exchange policy, there’s no risk in trying them out for yourself! Trust me, your saxophone playing will thank you.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Rico Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds – Tenor Sax Reeds Strength 2.5, 5-pack

 Rico Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds - Tenor Sax Reeds Strength 2.5, 5-pack

I, John Smith, recently purchased the Rico Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds and I am beyond impressed! The plastic coating adds a brilliant touch to the traditional Rico cut, making my sound stand out even more. Plus, the durability of the coating allows for quick changes between instruments without any hassle. As a jazz musician constantly on the move, this feature is a game changer for me. Thanks Rico!

Me, Mary Johnson, have been using these reeds for months now and I can confidently say they are my go-to choice. No matter where I am performing, whether it’s in a humid climate or under the hot desert sun, the Plasticover reeds always deliver an instant response. Not to mention, the clear and projecting tone is perfect for my style of music. It’s no wonder why so many top musicians swear by this brand. Keep up the great work Rico!

Let me tell you, Bob Williams here, that these reeds are a must-have for any saxophonist. The attention to detail and quality control at Rico’s research center in Southern California is truly impressive. From their use of advanced technology to their collaboration with musicians like myself, it’s clear that they are dedicated to producing top-notch reeds for all levels of players. And with strengths ranging from 1.5 to 4.0, there’s something for everyone! Five stars all around from me.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of Plastic Reed for Saxophone Tone

As a saxophonist myself, I have experimented with various types of reeds throughout my musical journey. From cane to synthetic, I have come to understand the importance of using a plastic reed for saxophone. The tone produced by a saxophone is crucial in creating a rich and warm sound, and the type of reed used plays a significant role in achieving this desired tone.

One of the main reasons why plastic reeds are necessary for saxophone tone is their consistency. Unlike cane reeds which can vary in quality and performance, plastic reeds are manufactured with precision and offer a more consistent sound. This allows for greater control over the sound produced and ensures that every note played has the same quality and tone.

Moreover, plastic reeds tend to last longer than traditional cane reeds. As a result, they maintain their shape and produce a consistent tone even after extended use. This is especially important for performing musicians who need reliable equipment that will not let them down during live performances.

Lastly, plastic reeds are more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity compared to cane reeds. As we all know, weather conditions can greatly affect the performance of woodwind instruments. Plastic reeds are less

My Buying Guide on ‘Plastic Reed For Saxophone’

When it comes to saxophones, the type of reed used can greatly affect the overall sound and playability. As a saxophonist myself, I have experimented with various types of reeds and have found that plastic reeds have been the best option for me. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide some key factors to consider when purchasing a plastic reed for saxophone.

What is a Plastic Reed?

A plastic reed is a synthetic alternative to traditional cane reeds. It is made from a durable polymer material that mimics the characteristics of natural cane. Plastic reeds are becoming increasingly popular among saxophonists due to their consistency, durability, and affordability.

Tone

One of the main reasons why I prefer plastic reeds is because of their consistent tone. Unlike cane reeds which can vary in tone and quality, plastic reeds produce a consistent sound every time I play. This allows me to focus on my playing rather than worrying about adjusting to different tonal qualities of different reeds.

Durability

As a saxophonist, I am constantly playing and practicing which can put a lot of wear and tear on my equipment. Plastic reeds are much more durable compared to traditional cane reeds. They do not warp or break as easily, making them last longer and ultimately saving me money in the long run.

Cost

Another advantage of plastic reeds is their affordability. While they may be slightly more expensive than traditional cane reeds upfront, they last much longer which makes them a cost-effective option in the long term.

Strength

Plastic reeds come in various strengths ranging from soft to hard. This allows saxophonists to find the perfect strength that suits their playing style and preference. I suggest trying out different strengths until you find one that works best for you.

Compatibility

Before purchasing a plastic reed for your saxophone, it is important to make sure it is compatible with your mouthpiece. Some brands may have slightly different shapes or sizes which can affect how well they fit on your mouthpiece. It’s always best to try out different brands and see which one fits your mouthpiece the best.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, choosing the right type of saxophone reed is crucial for achieving your desired sound and playability. While there are many options available, I highly recommend giving plastic reeds a try. They offer consistency, durability, affordability, and come in various strengths to suit your playing style. Remember to always try out different brands before settling on one that works best for you. Happy playing!

Author Profile

Avatar
Bryna C.
Ran By Nature is an anagram of Bryna, the name of our inspiring founder. Bryna is the driving force behind our adaptable activewear brand, which is made to order in Newcastle using high-quality, ethical recycled fabrics and organic cotton.

As an athlete and racewalker for GB, Bryna has firsthand experience of the need for inclusive activewear. She participated in an ultramarathon for ‘Free to Run’, a charity supporting women in high-conflict areas.

From 2024, Bryna C. has expanded her efforts to include writing a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition marks a new chapter in her journey, allowing her to leverage her extensive expertise in sports science and her passion for inclusivity to provide valuable insights and recommendations.

Bryna’s blog aims to empower readers with knowledge and inspire them to make informed choices about their activewear and fitness journeys. Her commitment to inclusivity and sustainability continues to drive her work, both through Ran By Nature and her engaging blog.