{"id":15130,"date":"2023-08-05T11:24:40","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T18:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bassic-sax.info\/version5\/?page_id=15130"},"modified":"2023-08-05T11:28:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-05T18:28:46","slug":"bass-saxophone-reeds-cane-synthetic","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bassic-sax.info\/version5\/bass-sax-info\/bass-saxophone-reeds-cane-synthetic\/","title":{"rendered":"Bass Saxophone Reeds: Cane & Synthetic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n
Cane<\/strong><\/div><\/td>\n
Alexander Classique<\/a><\/div><\/td>\n
MARCA<\/a><\/div><\/td>\n
My Masterpiece by Maccaferri\u00a0<\/a><\/div><\/td>\n
Rico by D\u2019Addario<\/a><\/div><\/td>\n
Vandoren<\/a><\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Synthetic<\/strong><\/div><\/td>\n
Fiberreed<\/a><\/div><\/td>\n
L\u00e9g\u00e8re<\/a><\/div><\/td>\n
\u00a0<\/div><\/td>\n
\u00a0<\/div><\/td>\n
\u00a0<\/div><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

When it comes to what kinds of reeds to use on your bass saxophone, there are a number of choices these days. OK, so compared to alto or tenor saxophones there are clearly not as many, but there are still many more than there were 20+ years ago. <\/p>\n

Your reed choice is intricately linked to your mouthpiece choice<\/a> (a newer page on that forthcoming). If you use a modified\u2014or even an unmodified\u2014baritone saxophone mouthpiece on your bass sax, then your choice is simple. As a matter of fact, even some vintage bass saxophone mouthpieces were designed for bari reeds. <\/p>\n

If however, you are looking for true bass saxophone reeds, then you have to ask yourself the same question any other sax player asks: cane or synthetic? There are some excellent options for both. My goal is to list all the current choices, and provide links to where you can find them. <\/p>\n

As I poured over all the reed options for bass sax players, I did notice something: Thomann Music in Germany<\/a> did seem to have among the best selection and prices. However, you do have to consider the current exchange rate, your shipping costs, and possibly your country’s taxes, when comparing prices. <\/p>\n

NB: Due to the relatively few number of bass saxophone players out there compared to even bari players, reed manufacturers make bass saxophone reeds in only 1 cut\/style. (Usually those aimed at classical\/traditional players.) If you want more options, you should seriously consider picking up a baritone saxophone mouthpiece specially modified for bass saxophone\u2014or a bass sax MP that uses a bari reed.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cane bass saxophone reeds<\/a><\/h3>\n

Alexander Reeds Classique<\/a><\/h4>\n
Company’s Description<\/h5>\n

\"bass<\/a><\/p>\n

In 1997, following the introduction  of Superial and “DC”, we felt another line of reeds was needed to address the specific needs of classical woodwind players or jazz players wanting a bit more resistance and darkness in their set up than our other models offer. Starting with the clarinet model, we tried to conceptualize what kind of reed we could create that would provide musicians with a wide palette of expression, and classically grounded performance characteristics…those that produce a warm, dynamically balanced, sonorously beautiful tone.<\/p>\n

While investigating what direction of design we should pursue, we knew that there had been a reed made years ago which classical clarinetists spoke of in almost reverential tones. Although this reed never became as commercially successful as some of the more “name” brands, it had been in fact used by some of the top clarinetists in the world, among them some members of the Chicago Symphony clarinet section. To the lament of many, production ceased some years back.<\/p>\n

We worked on a prototype which was influenced by this reed’s design, but with certain improvements that we felt would actually make it more suitable to present day musical settings. This same philosophy was also followed for the saxophone models but with a somewhat different profile design we felt would bring out the best in that instrument. We also had the advantage of using more accurate hardness testing and cutting machines so we could manufacture a much more consistent reed than the original model.<\/p>\n

With testing feedback from some top professional classical clarinetists and saxophonists, we arrived at the final design of this new reed line christened “Classique”. We went into production for all models and Classique is now being used not only by classical and concert performers, but any others looking for a darker tone which this reed’s harder tip and heart produce.<\/p>\n

In Classique, we believe we have achieved our goal of capturing the essence of that great traditional design, but with improvements developed to enhance dynamic response, clarity and register balance, which we feel produces a “singing” tonal quality that is definitely classical in its conception. It should also be noted that a growing number of jazz players seem to enjoy Classique’s response these days as well.<\/p>\n

Source: superial.com\/classique<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Strengths Available<\/h5>\n

1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5<\/p>\n

Packaging<\/h5>\n

Box of 5<\/p>\n

Where to buy<\/h5>\n

Alexander reeds has an established worldwide dealer network<\/a>. It is also worth checking with the brick and mortar music store you usually deal with, since wholesalers often carry brands that local shops can order in as a one-off. <\/a><\/p>\n

MARCA Superieure<\/a><\/h4>\n
\"bass<\/a>Company’s Description<\/h5>\n

Ongoing refinements in Marca\u2019s manufacturing processes have resulted in a reed of both the highest quality and the most uniform consistency; The Marca Sup\u00e9rieure reeds for clarinet and saxophones. While professionals can benefit from these high-quality reeds\u2019 fine balance, rich timbre, and lively response, educators and students will find them long-lasting and, most important, consistently playable, reed after reed, box after box. The Sup\u00e9rieure has cemented Marca\u2019s harmony of professional quality and economical uniformity. The Marca Sup\u00e9rieure reed has contributed much to the renown of our company. This model gives a clarinet sound neither too dark not too clear…<\/p>\n

FEATURES & BENEFITS<\/h6>\n