Thanks, I needed a refresher course on reed set up. Trying to get back into playing the saxophone after thirty years. Work, marriage, and children came first. December of 2022 turned 75 yrs old, wish me luck. 😊😊
Hey! Yes, reed placement is super important. If you want a clear step by step pathway to help you get started again, check out my Sax School. I've got Beginner & Early Intermediate Pathway courses that will help you get your sax playing back together again in no time at all. Here's the link: www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com
I feel I’ve commented on this before but this is great to go over and over as you’re starting To play and trying all these reeds. All those perspectives are great! I love Legere reeds!! Thank you so much. 😊
Scott, I'm so happy I bought my Barkley Brazil Pop Kustom 7 from you! It's definitely my favorite piece, even more than my Guardala Vintage Studio. I can do anything with it. You rock, hard...
I'm a convert! At first sceptical I took a chance with the Legere Signature reeds for both my tenor and alto. Brilliant! Consistent, and reliable. Cane reeds can be so hit and miss. Thanks Scott!
Hi Scott. If there's one video that has made so much difference to my playing in 3 years of playing the Sax, it's this one. I've always battled with the transition from b,c & c# to middle D being stuffy. Not anymore. Also the intonation has improved no end, especially on the high register notes. None of my Sax teachers have ever really checked my reed placement for these issues, preferring to focus on altering my technique. Such a drastic improvement by a simple video. Wish you'd done this 3 years ago!! Cheers mate. Forever in your debt
Hey David!! Yeah, reed placement is a super big deal. Glad that you got it in just the right place. I'm sure it is way more fun to play now as well :-)
I just want to let you know that I randomly opened one of your videos and it is definitely my favorite. I am new to sax and your videos answered so many questions of mine when I was poking around. I am still trying to watch all of them through but I am definitely looking forward to any of your new tutorials!
I remembered I had trouble playing one of the music pieces for my orchestras, because of many high notes mainly F# F E Eflat and D, and I installed my reeds, overlapping the mouthpiece, just so I can get to the high notes easier XD, but I had to control the air flow well, otherwise I would make my partners deaf.....
It's all subjective too. I know Steve Neff talked about in his blog that some mouthpieces play better with the reed a little higher up or a little lower, same with ligatures. That's why Theo Wanne's metal pieces have all the different holes for the attached ligature so you can fine tune the exact amount of resistance you want
Hi Scott. Thank you very much for your very useful videos. I applied your advises from just two of your videos and my playing and sound has improved a lot! I find your lessons the best I have come across on the Internet. Thank you!
Great video, I’m brand new to the Saxophone one week in, I bought a (Legere 150 Studio Cut) for my Yamaha YAS 275. After struggling with cane reeds I placed this Legere in and Shazam constant tone 👍🏼.
Welcome to the sax world! Yeah, I recommend legeres for all beginners so that it eliminates the problems with good and bad reeds. They all just play! If your looking for some structure in learning how to play the sax, you should check out my Sax School, you will see results very quickly. www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com
I cant understand why so many people still continue using cane reeds. I switched to Legere Signature reeds (all the other makes I've tried are horrendous imo) a year ago and they simply eliminate all the variables of cane. They feel great; sound great and last for ages, staying consistent for 95% of their lifespan. I work with some guys who won't even try one out.....crazy
Boy Bergs I use one personally, but they definitely aren’t for everyone. For me, a marginal increase in tone quality isn’t worth all the things like consistency, no maintenance, and a much longer lifespan.
@@vladimirlopez7840 I just switched to Legere Signature 2.25 from Vandoren Java Green 2.5. Pretty much the same. Might still be a little stiffer at 2.25 but its pretty close. I've not tried the Signature 2 strength. Love them so far after a month or so of use.
Very interesting and informative Scott, I've played many synthetic, cane , and plastic coated and currently staying with cane...because I'm a glutton for punishment. But I agree, your choice of reed is a wise one and your tone sounds great.
wow I've been playing like this for years with it being too low, was looking for a legere review from you but it looks like everyone loves them so I'm going to switch. can't believe I was making such an amateur mistake lol
This is good general advice, especially about centering the reed, but there are also benefits to having the reed extend slightly past the mouthpiece depending on the sound and style you're going for. I've been doing it that way for about 15 years because I get a darker, fuller sound and more resistance (which is helpful in the upper register). Same thing goes for ligature placement - different setups respond differently to various ligature setups. Dexter Gordon playd with the ligature way far back on the mouthpiece, for example. A lot of it is just experimenting and finding what leads to a feel/sound that you like, but maybe that's not something beginners should do.
Yeah, this video is intended for sax players who are working on perfecting the basics. This is the method I use with all of my students, and how I play, although on tenor my ligature is pretty far back. Once you get to a more advanced level I think tweaking it is a normal part of the process.
Great lesson 🥇 My Question When the reed is on the mouthpiece…should I be able to a space (looking from the side) or should the reed and mouthpiece be flush?
I’ve been playing for about 3 years and I by no means consider myself an expert but I don’t think I’ve ever seen them be flush. If that gap was gone you wouldn’t be able to blow air through the instrument and the reed wouldn’t be able to vibrate and make noise. Just re reading and just to make sure I answered the right question you’re referring to the tip of the mouthpiece right? The base part of the reed that gets tight against the mouthpiece should be touching so that way the reed doesent move.
Scott, one last other stupid question. I like your mpc and ligature. The ligature is also available in black (love it) but do you think it will affect the sound much in comparison with the silver one you use? I love open bright poppy crisp sound like yours! So does does the black color lacquer of the mpc have huge impact in comparision with the silver one. Thnx once again!!!
That's a good question! There was a noticeable difference (but not big) between the silver, gold, and rose gold. Those were the 3 that I tried. I liked the response of the silver the most, but there wasn't a huge difference. I haven't played the black one yet. I think it is fairly new, so I don't know how that one would sound. It doesn't make much sense that the type of lacquer on a ligature would affect the sound, but it does. Again, just a little bit. Hope that helps. If you get the black, let me know how it plays.
Hey Scott have you tried the Fiberreeds? I just got the Carbon Onyx and it is awesome! I am a beginner and find it much easier to play than my legere with a fuller tone.
I liked Fiberreeds, but they were soooooooo inconsistent and they only lasted about a week before me before they were dead and altissimo and tuning became and issue.
Yes!!! I preffer Fiberreeds by far! Mines sounds fantastic after 10 months of hard work (practicing and events). The best sinthetyc reeds after try others too. His sound and durability are the best, its a natural sound, not to plastic.
Ji Scott. I just subscribed. I'm an adult player (as you call it) and I have to say that your content is timeless, meaning that you posted this video 2 years ago and it's still relevant!!! Keep up the fantastic teaching tools that you provide the community. Can you tell me if I am doing something wrong perhaps because I find the synthetic Legere Signature tenor sax reeds a little bit stuffier than the cane reeds? Not sure about the reed strengths since the numbers wear off after a little bit of use. Any suggestions on the stuffiness?
I use a 2.25. The number you use would be dependent on the rest of your equipment, how long you've been playing and how fast your air is moving. There is no best reed size.
Hi scott you never disappoint keep up the good work a quick one how do I get legere reeds in South Africa Thanks for all lesson bra they really make a difference
Thanks! I have no idea. lol. I'm sure there is some music store that ships there. I get mine directly from Legere or if I order them I go through Amazon.
Always useful content Scott, one thing i wondered though - your comment about cane reeds warping once they are wet and then dried out, suggests either that you can only use cane reeds once, or you have to keep them wet (eg, in a glass of water). I don’t think this can be true. Clarify?
They make special cases with humidifiers that help, but if you get a reed really wet, when it dries it will warp most of the time. That means if you go a couple days without playing, you'll come back to a warped reed. If you play on a regular basis they most likely won't dry out.
Hey Scott..a fan and student of your vids..I"m a beginner alto sax student..been playing about 4months..I"m having a problem w/cane reeds..both Rico and Vandoren..I play a 2.5 w/a yamaha 5C mouthpiece..but its hit or miss w/the reeds..one session all my notes will sound really good..next time I look like a blowfish..I ordered a legere American cut 2.25..what's the diff between signature series and American cut.. I also have an Ernie Northway mouthpiece that came w/the horn..for whatever this piece sounds better w/3 reeds..go figure ..
You advise that we should not allow our cane reeds to dry out. What is the best way to achieve this ? Do we need a special humidifying storage box ? How should we keep them flat and at the same time, moist ?
Scott Paddock ........ thanks Scott. I have a Legere Signature which is great. But it was very expensive. In addition, I have an assortment of possibly 20 or so cane reeds from various manufacturers. They’re mostly pretty good and I’m reluctant to throw them away in favour of the Legere. They work, but I was attracted to the no soaking properties of the Legere. I don’t like waste, S o I’d like to store them, keeping them moist in line with your advice and also keeping them as flat as possible. Any ideas ?
Once I started playing saxophone (started with a Selmer S80 C*) I had a teacher who told me to get a Meyer 7 medium with a VanDoren 3 or 3.5 reed. He mentioned that it will train to get more and solid air pressure from the stumach for airflow control. Do you think that is a good advice?
I would never give that advice. It would be pretty difficult to get a good sound playing through that setup unless you already had a lot of experience playing. I would suggest Meyer 5, and then whatever size reed sounds the best. There is no 1 size fits all reed size. A size 3.5 is not better than a size 2.5. It all depends on what sounds the best when you play it. Playing on a reed with too much resistance would just lead to a lot of frustration.
I guess I should try out a synthetic but I inherited a big box of Ricos. Yes, I chuck more than I keep but I love the ones that sound very reedy. One reason I don't use Vandoren or Royale is that their consistency eliminates the gems along with the duds. My concern is that synthetic will be too refined for my tastes so any suggestion of a raw and raspy synthetic?
Hey mate, im thinking of giving legere signature reeds a crack as ive heard plenty of great reviews.. yourself included ,what size would you suggest as I notice they come in increments of .25 sizing.. i currently play jody jazzHR 6 size 2 1/2 reeds? P.S.Keep up the.Great work ....
Hey Jose! If you are a beginner, you should really consider checking out the Beginner Pathway Course in my Sax School. You will make some really fast progress!! Like - super fast! Here's the link: www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com
Some people do that, but I never did (when I played cane reeds). It's all a personal preference thing. If you do leave them in water, they will be waterlogged, which isn't a terrible thing, but make sure to keep the water clean as it can get really nasty really quick. Try it out for a week or two and see what you think.
Could you do a full episode on the Legeres? In past episodes, you've mentioned them having a limited lifetime as well as a break-in period. But I've been using my current Legere for 11 years. This darn thing doesn't seem to want to wear out. On the other hand, I notice that after a few hours, it stops responding crisply and I have to switch to another reed and it takes a day or two for that original reed to recover. Also, I have tried other brands of plastic reeds but have not found anything as good as Legere. Brand comparisons could be a 2nd full episode but, to avoid bias, that should wait until after your Legere sponsorship is over :-)
Hi Scott, I live where we get all the seasons and presently it’s super cold, now it’s 14 degrees below 0. How do I maintain my cane reeds for best playability in this kind of weather?
Throw them away and get a Legere Signature? haha! They aren't effected by weather at all. I gave up on dealing with cane reeds a few years ago, but Chung's advice sounds like a good starting point.
Scott Paddock Thanks man. I’ll seek another way to source them. It’s easy getting things out of China to the US etc but more difficult the other way around.
There are so many different thoughts on storing cane reeds. Some people use reed cases with charcoal, some store them in water. I personally keep them in there case unopened and use a Legere Signature. haha.
Yes they should with specific reed cases. I use the vandoren hygro reed case. Another cheaper option is the d’addario reed case. These use sponges & little moisture packets to control humidity within the case, so that they don’t get to wet nor do they get too dry causing them to warp
I get either spitty sound, squeeks, no sound or sometimes I even get just the sound of air rushing through the reed but not playing a note clearly and I can hear the buzzing... Will continue to persevere but the squeaks sometimes give me a headache lol! Id blame my equipment but i just got my sax tuned up!!
Always thought no black... Couldn't play low notes for the life of me (below E). I tried the lowest reeds with the droppest of jaws. Just to realise, there is supposed to be a "thin black line"
I’ve never tried a Legere Reed,but have tried Rico Royale synthetic reeds in the past that lasted longer than cane, but I never really liked the sound. Have been playing vandoren V16 reeds no 3 on both tenor and alto for quite a while and I’m very happy with them. I might try a Legere though. Would they they be also no 3?. Ps looks like I have the same alto as you 😊
Hey Scott, I just started learning alto sax. I'm using a Vandoren A5 V16 mouthpiece. I've been using Vandoren 2.5 reeds. I'm considering trying out the Legere reeds. What reed gauge would you recommend?
Hi Scott. There is a fairly strong argument concerning a difference in sound between cane reeds and Legere reeds...I have heard of more prominent sax teachers insisting on came reeds for the sound. I have tried Legere reeds on my alto, and found them to be a little "stuffy/chalky sounding...of course the number may have been not to my liking.I understand Legere will adjust the red to the customers preference....I'm considering using Legere for my tenor.I use a Van Doren T95 metal mouthpiece.....your thoughts?
All gear is subjective, some people love x and hate y, and some people love y and hate x. It all comes down to personal preference. But there are very few sax players alive who would continue to play on a cane reed if they found a synthetic that they liked. I found that in Legere Signatures! If you try another make sure 1. It's a signature series. 2. It's a 1/4 to 1/2 strength weaker than the cane reed you use.
@@ScottPaddock thank you Scott. I have been constantly trying different cane reeds, primarily for my tenor mouthpiece....I think I will invest in a signature #2...of course there a billion combinations, embochure,reed mpc horn etc....I like your bright sound on alto, I'm reaching for an equally bright sound on my Yamaha 62 tenor. I will stay with the "Martin" sound on my 58 Martin tenor, using cane reeds.....thanks again for all your valuable videos..JJR.:-)
How can I develop my sound to get that rich jazzy tone like you. I use the D6M daddario as well as 3 daddario reeds. The sound is there with some notes but it’s hard to keep it throughout the range of the sax or even get it for that. I got mostly everything else down but my tone lacks much jazz sound to it at all in comparison to your other videos
The gear helps perfect your sound, but the main thing is how you get the air into the saxophone. The faster and more focused your airstream is the bigger and more full your sound will be. I did a few videos on it. Check it out!
this reed you are on about, the signature... i've looked it up, it is far too expensive for me so i was wondering if there were any other types i could try that are cheaper and several are in the box with really good quality. or could you provide a couple reasons why it is worth the $37 price tag?
Joy Pass where did you find them for $17? I love these reeds. They last a long time and they don’t warp or chip. Once you figure out what size to get, it makes reeds a no-brainer. You just put them on and they play.
Hey Sam, if you want a quality product you have to play a quality price. However, these reeds are priced right in the middle of the market. If you compare them to other synthetics most are between $25 - $45. If you price them against a box of cane reeds they are about the same price, the difference being you get one reed that lasts as long as all 10 in the box combined. Also, there is no guess work, unlike a cane reed they just work. Also, my videos for the month are sponsored by Legere, and I play Legere Signatures, I'm not sure what other recommendation you were looking for :-).
Harold Chick I’m not sure about a year but I get about 4 or 5 months on mine. And considering you just put them on and they play...it’s worth it to me.
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Thanks, I needed a refresher course on reed set up. Trying to get back into playing the saxophone after thirty years. Work, marriage, and children came first. December of 2022 turned 75 yrs old, wish me luck. 😊😊
Hey! Yes, reed placement is super important. If you want a clear step by step pathway to help you get started again, check out my Sax School. I've got Beginner & Early Intermediate Pathway courses that will help you get your sax playing back together again in no time at all. Here's the link: www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com
I feel I’ve commented on this before but this is great to go over and over as you’re starting
To play and trying all these reeds. All those perspectives are great! I love Legere reeds!! Thank you so much. 😊
Thanks for the video! I didn't see vídeo like that in my mother language. Greetings from Brazil!
Estamos juntos nessa cara!! 😆😆😆
Thanks Scott for ur reply about the chords on the line and space of the staff, I learn from ur answer, keep on doing good Scott, thanks.
Scott, I'm so happy I bought my Barkley Brazil Pop Kustom 7 from you! It's definitely my favorite piece, even more than my Guardala Vintage Studio. I can do anything with it. You rock, hard...
Thanks Mark! Yeah man, that is a seriously powerful mouthpiece!
I'm a convert! At first sceptical I took a chance with the Legere Signature reeds for both my tenor and alto. Brilliant! Consistent, and reliable. Cane reeds can be so hit and miss. Thanks Scott!
are they good for altissimo?
Nobody told me to wet the bottom of the reed before!! Thank you Scott, I will definitely join your sax school online...
Hi Scott. If there's one video that has made so much difference to my playing in 3 years of playing the Sax, it's this one. I've always battled with the transition from b,c & c# to middle D being stuffy. Not anymore. Also the intonation has improved no end, especially on the high register notes. None of my Sax teachers have ever really checked my reed placement for these issues, preferring to focus on altering my technique. Such a drastic improvement by a simple video. Wish you'd done this 3 years ago!! Cheers mate. Forever in your debt
Hey David!! Yeah, reed placement is a super big deal. Glad that you got it in just the right place. I'm sure it is way more fun to play now as well :-)
Thanks for the teachings! I am beginner with Sax!
I just want to let you know that I randomly opened one of your videos and it is definitely my favorite. I am new to sax and your videos answered so many questions of mine when I was poking around. I am still trying to watch all of them through but I am definitely looking forward to any of your new tutorials!
Thanks Teresa!
I remembered I had trouble playing one of the music pieces for my orchestras, because of many high notes mainly F# F E Eflat and D, and I installed my reeds, overlapping the mouthpiece, just so I can get to the high notes easier XD, but I had to control the air flow well, otherwise I would make my partners deaf.....
It's all subjective too. I know Steve Neff talked about in his blog that some mouthpieces play better with the reed a little higher up or a little lower, same with ligatures. That's why Theo Wanne's metal pieces have all the different holes for the attached ligature so you can fine tune the exact amount of resistance you want
Hey Yoni, this video is being taught to the sax player who is trying to perfect the basics. But yes, everything can be tweaked.
Enjoyed your video and love your sax. Just bought me a P. Muriat, which looks a lot like the Martin I started on 60 years ago.
Thanks! I love P. Mauriat! Martin's made some great horns too.
Hi Scott. Thank you very much for your very useful videos. I applied your advises from just two of your videos and my playing and sound has improved a lot! I find your lessons the best I have come across on the Internet. Thank you!
Awesome! Glad they are helping! thanks.
Impeccable timing thank you so much for this video
👍👍👍
Great video, I’m brand new to the Saxophone one week in, I bought a (Legere 150 Studio Cut) for my Yamaha YAS 275.
After struggling with cane reeds I placed this Legere in and Shazam constant tone 👍🏼.
Welcome to the sax world! Yeah, I recommend legeres for all beginners so that it eliminates the problems with good and bad reeds. They all just play! If your looking for some structure in learning how to play the sax, you should check out my Sax School, you will see results very quickly. www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com
Oh man....you saved me!!
Was having problems hitting my altissimo notes with my Beri alto synthetic reed. Not now !
Tanx dude!!
👍
So, that is why I get that fuzzy sound sometimes. Thanks for the advice.
Yes! That or your reed is to hard. Both of those cause fuzziness.
@@ScottPaddock Thank you for the advice! BTW your videos are helping me a lot.
I cant understand why so many people still continue using cane reeds. I switched to Legere Signature reeds (all the other makes I've tried are horrendous imo) a year ago and they simply eliminate all the variables of cane. They feel great; sound great and last for ages, staying consistent for 95% of their lifespan. I work with some guys who won't even try one out.....crazy
I'm with you! You couldn't get me to play on cane reeds if you paid me.
The same with me, but i preffer carbon fiber reeds Fiberreed.. because they have all this advantages and his sound is natural, not plastic.
Boy Bergs I use one personally, but they definitely aren’t for everyone. For me, a marginal increase in tone quality isn’t worth all the things like consistency, no maintenance, and a much longer lifespan.
I may try a legere just not sure what strength to order. I play Rico royal blue box 2.5 right now
@@vladimirlopez7840 I just switched to Legere Signature 2.25 from Vandoren Java Green 2.5. Pretty much the same. Might still be a little stiffer at 2.25 but its pretty close. I've not tried the Signature 2 strength. Love them so far after a month or so of use.
Very interesting and informative Scott, I've played many synthetic, cane , and plastic coated and currently staying with cane...because I'm a glutton for punishment. But I agree, your choice of reed is a wise one and your tone sounds great.
Thanks! Those cane reeds use to kill me. My life is so much more peaceful with these synthetics 😁😁
Scott, you have my utmost gratitude!
👍👍
I've been using cane reeds since I started (couple weeks ago). Just ordered one of those Legeres in strength 2. Hopefully it works out!
Thank you! I was squeaking sometimes, didn't know why - problem solved!
Thanks 🙏 Scott P
I learned something
I have a Meyer 5
Awesome! Use that line on it to line up your ligature.
Simple but oh so important advice ....thanks Scott for another great video
super super important 👍
Great stuff man !!! Just found one of your video and now I subscribed :D Keep up the good work !!!
Thanks Mytza!
@@ScottPaddock You're welcome !
wow I've been playing like this for years with it being too low, was looking for a legere review from you but it looks like everyone loves them so I'm going to switch. can't believe I was making such an amateur mistake lol
This is good general advice, especially about centering the reed, but there are also benefits to having the reed extend slightly past the mouthpiece depending on the sound and style you're going for. I've been doing it that way for about 15 years because I get a darker, fuller sound and more resistance (which is helpful in the upper register). Same thing goes for ligature placement - different setups respond differently to various ligature setups. Dexter Gordon playd with the ligature way far back on the mouthpiece, for example. A lot of it is just experimenting and finding what leads to a feel/sound that you like, but maybe that's not something beginners should do.
Yeah, this video is intended for sax players who are working on perfecting the basics. This is the method I use with all of my students, and how I play, although on tenor my ligature is pretty far back. Once you get to a more advanced level I think tweaking it is a normal part of the process.
Great lesson 🥇
My Question
When the reed is on the mouthpiece…should I be able to a space (looking from the side) or should the reed and mouthpiece be flush?
I’ve been playing for about 3 years and I by no means consider myself an expert but I don’t think I’ve ever seen them be flush. If that gap was gone you wouldn’t be able to blow air through the instrument and the reed wouldn’t be able to vibrate and make noise.
Just re reading and just to make sure I answered the right question you’re referring to the tip of the mouthpiece right? The base part of the reed that gets tight against the mouthpiece should be touching so that way the reed doesent move.
Scott, Superlike! Thank you So Much! Very helpful and great explanation and show.
I aspire to reach a level where I can't sound bad even if I tried😂😂 This video is very helpful thank you Scott!
😁😁
How often should you change your reeds ? And is there a best way to store them ? Thank you for the video
All depends on the reed. I use Legere Signatures which take way less maintenance.
Scott, one last other stupid question. I like your mpc and ligature. The ligature is also available in black (love it) but do you think it will affect the sound much in comparison with the silver one you use? I love open bright poppy crisp sound like yours! So does does the black color lacquer of the mpc have huge impact in comparision with the silver one. Thnx once again!!!
That's a good question! There was a noticeable difference (but not big) between the silver, gold, and rose gold. Those were the 3 that I tried. I liked the response of the silver the most, but there wasn't a huge difference. I haven't played the black one yet. I think it is fairly new, so I don't know how that one would sound. It doesn't make much sense that the type of lacquer on a ligature would affect the sound, but it does. Again, just a little bit. Hope that helps. If you get the black, let me know how it plays.
Thnx for your answer Scott and your time!!!
Hey Scott have you tried the Fiberreeds? I just got the Carbon Onyx and it is awesome! I am a beginner and find it much easier to play than my legere with a fuller tone.
I liked Fiberreeds, but they were soooooooo inconsistent and they only lasted about a week before me before they were dead and altissimo and tuning became and issue.
Yes!!! I preffer Fiberreeds by far! Mines sounds fantastic after 10 months of hard work (practicing and events).
The best sinthetyc reeds after try others too.
His sound and durability are the best, its a natural sound, not to plastic.
Good lesson Scott!! 👍🏾
Thanks!!
Ji Scott. I just subscribed. I'm an adult player (as you call it) and I have to say that your content is timeless, meaning that you posted this video 2 years ago and it's still relevant!!! Keep up the fantastic teaching tools that you provide the community. Can you tell me if I am doing something wrong perhaps because I find the synthetic Legere Signature tenor sax reeds a little bit stuffier than the cane reeds? Not sure about the reed strengths since the numbers wear off after a little bit of use. Any suggestions on the stuffiness?
what about reed numbers? which one do you use and what guidance would you recommend to select the right number?
I use a 2.25. The number you use would be dependent on the rest of your equipment, how long you've been playing and how fast your air is moving. There is no best reed size.
Hi scott you never disappoint keep up the good work a quick one how do I get legere reeds in South Africa Thanks for all lesson bra they really make a difference
Thanks! I have no idea. lol. I'm sure there is some music store that ships there. I get mine directly from Legere or if I order them I go through Amazon.
Always useful content Scott, one thing i wondered though - your comment about cane reeds warping once they are wet and then dried out, suggests either that you can only use cane reeds once, or you have to keep them wet (eg, in a glass of water). I don’t think this can be true. Clarify?
They make special cases with humidifiers that help, but if you get a reed really wet, when it dries it will warp most of the time. That means if you go a couple days without playing, you'll come back to a warped reed. If you play on a regular basis they most likely won't dry out.
Hey Scott..a fan and student of your vids..I"m a beginner alto sax student..been playing about 4months..I"m having a problem w/cane reeds..both Rico and Vandoren..I play a 2.5 w/a yamaha 5C mouthpiece..but its hit or miss w/the reeds..one session all my notes will sound really good..next time I look like a blowfish..I ordered a legere American cut 2.25..what's the diff between signature series and American cut.. I also have an Ernie Northway mouthpiece that came w/the horn..for whatever this piece sounds better w/3 reeds..go figure ..
You advise that we should not allow our cane reeds to dry out. What is the best way to achieve this ? Do we need a special humidifying storage box ? How should we keep them flat and at the same time, moist ?
I use synthetic reeds. I'd suggest checking out a Legere Signature. They don't dry out, require no maintenance, and always work.
Scott Paddock ........ thanks Scott. I have a Legere Signature which is great. But it was very expensive. In addition, I have an assortment of possibly 20 or so cane reeds from various manufacturers. They’re mostly pretty good and I’m reluctant to throw them away in favour of the Legere. They work, but I was attracted to the no soaking properties of the Legere. I don’t like waste, S o I’d like to store them, keeping them moist in line with your advice and also keeping them as flat as possible.
Any ideas ?
Once I started playing saxophone (started with a Selmer S80 C*) I had a teacher who told me to get a Meyer 7 medium with a VanDoren 3 or 3.5 reed. He mentioned that it will train to get more and solid air pressure from the stumach for airflow control. Do you think that is a good advice?
I would never give that advice. It would be pretty difficult to get a good sound playing through that setup unless you already had a lot of experience playing. I would suggest Meyer 5, and then whatever size reed sounds the best. There is no 1 size fits all reed size. A size 3.5 is not better than a size 2.5. It all depends on what sounds the best when you play it. Playing on a reed with too much resistance would just lead to a lot of frustration.
Great video!!!
Thanks!
Have a happy new year! 🍀❤🤗 I wish you luck, health (!!!) and a very successful year 2019 🎷💪☀🌍
Thanks! Happy new year to you too. See you soon :-)
Good advise all around. Thanks.
thanks!
How do one knows when to replace the reed? How often should it be changed? Thx u.
Thank you very much sir for sharing your knowledge
👍👍👍
I guess I should try out a synthetic but I inherited a big box of Ricos. Yes, I chuck more than I keep but I love the ones that sound very reedy. One reason I don't use Vandoren or Royale is that their consistency eliminates the gems along with the duds. My concern is that synthetic will be too refined for my tastes so any suggestion of a raw and raspy synthetic?
Hey mate, im thinking of giving legere signature reeds a crack as ive heard plenty of great reviews.. yourself included ,what size would you suggest as
I notice they come in increments of .25 sizing.. i currently play jody jazzHR 6 size 2 1/2 reeds?
P.S.Keep up the.Great work ....
I always suggest 1/4 to 1/2 size weaker than what you are using. I have most people start off with a 2.5 or 2.25.
lol, your sound is good even with the reed on a side :)
THANKS AS A BEGINNER i FEEL LIKE im MOVEING ALONG
Hey Jose! If you are a beginner, you should really consider checking out the Beginner Pathway Course in my Sax School. You will make some really fast progress!! Like - super fast! Here's the link: www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com
Can I just keep my reeds in water continually?
Some people do that, but I never did (when I played cane reeds). It's all a personal preference thing. If you do leave them in water, they will be waterlogged, which isn't a terrible thing, but make sure to keep the water clean as it can get really nasty really quick. Try it out for a week or two and see what you think.
Could you do a full episode on the Legeres? In past episodes, you've mentioned them having a limited lifetime as well as a break-in period. But I've been using my current Legere for 11 years. This darn thing doesn't seem to want to wear out. On the other hand, I notice that after a few hours, it stops responding crisply and I have to switch to another reed and it takes a day or two for that original reed to recover. Also, I have tried other brands of plastic reeds but have not found anything as good as Legere. Brand comparisons could be a 2nd full episode but, to avoid bias, that should wait until after your Legere sponsorship is over :-)
Did you say 11 years??? haha. I'll put that on the list! They usually last me about 3 months, and a week or so to break in.
Hallo, try Fiberreeds, (carbon fiber). His sound is natural.
Sir please, what's your set-up. What sax do you use
Spot on
👍
Hi Scott, I live where we get all the seasons and presently it’s super cold, now it’s 14 degrees below 0. How do I maintain my cane reeds for best playability in this kind of weather?
The d'addario (previously rico) humidity controlled reed cases are pretty cheap and handy. The canes will rarely warp as long as you keep it in there.
Chung Junwoo the thank you so much for your help.
Throw them away and get a Legere Signature? haha! They aren't effected by weather at all. I gave up on dealing with cane reeds a few years ago, but Chung's advice sounds like a good starting point.
Scott Paddock Thanks man. I’ll seek another way to source them. It’s easy getting things out of China to the US etc but more difficult the other way around.
Question how tight should the reed be fastened?
It should be tightened until the screw doesn't turn anymore, but don't over tighten or you'll break the ligature.
Thanks for the vid...really helpful. Should a cane reed be stored moist between uses to prevent warping?
There are so many different thoughts on storing cane reeds. Some people use reed cases with charcoal, some store them in water. I personally keep them in there case unopened and use a Legere Signature. haha.
Yes they should with specific reed cases. I use the vandoren hygro reed case. Another cheaper option is the d’addario reed case.
These use sponges & little moisture packets to control humidity within the case, so that they don’t get to wet nor do they get too dry causing them to warp
Hi dear.
Im a beginner.
What is the time life of synthetic reed if you play everyday 2 or 3 hour?
I want bay synthetic reed 2.5
I get either spitty sound, squeeks, no sound or sometimes I even get just the sound of air rushing through the reed but not playing a note clearly and I can hear the buzzing... Will continue to persevere but the squeaks sometimes give me a headache lol! Id blame my equipment but i just got my sax tuned up!!
That definitely sounds like some type of equipment or reed placement problem.
Always thought no black... Couldn't play low notes for the life of me (below E). I tried the lowest reeds with the droppest of jaws. Just to realise, there is supposed to be a "thin black line"
The thin black line will make a big difference.
I’ve never tried a Legere Reed,but have tried Rico Royale synthetic reeds in the past that lasted longer than cane, but I never really liked the sound. Have been playing vandoren V16 reeds no 3 on both tenor and alto for quite a while and I’m very happy with them. I might try a Legere though. Would they they be also no 3?. Ps looks like I have the same alto as you 😊
I'd start with a 2.75 and see how that feels.
Thanks Scott🎷
Hey Scott, I just started learning alto sax. I'm using a Vandoren A5 V16 mouthpiece.
I've been using Vandoren 2.5 reeds. I'm considering trying out the Legere reeds. What reed gauge would you recommend?
I'd give the 2.25 Legere Signatures a try
Okay cool, Thanks!
Hi Scott. There is a fairly strong argument concerning a difference in sound between cane reeds and Legere reeds...I have heard of more prominent sax teachers insisting on came reeds for the sound. I have tried Legere reeds on my alto, and found them to be a little "stuffy/chalky sounding...of course the number may have been not to my liking.I understand Legere will adjust the red to the customers preference....I'm considering using Legere for my tenor.I use a Van Doren T95 metal mouthpiece.....your thoughts?
All gear is subjective, some people love x and hate y, and some people love y and hate x. It all comes down to personal preference. But there are very few sax players alive who would continue to play on a cane reed if they found a synthetic that they liked. I found that in Legere Signatures! If you try another make sure 1. It's a signature series. 2. It's a 1/4 to 1/2 strength weaker than the cane reed you use.
@@ScottPaddock thank you Scott. I have been constantly trying different cane reeds, primarily for my tenor mouthpiece....I think I will invest in a signature #2...of course there a billion combinations, embochure,reed mpc horn etc....I like your bright sound on alto, I'm reaching for an equally bright sound on my Yamaha 62 tenor. I will stay with the "Martin" sound on my 58 Martin tenor, using cane reeds.....thanks again for all your valuable videos..JJR.:-)
Thank you
Welcome!
Thanks Scott! I use Plasticovers exclusively but want to try Legere, what would you recommend to equal my 2.5 for Alto?
Start with a 2.25 legere signature
Scott Paddock Will do Scott!!
Ron Robbins I used to plastic over reeds but switched to legere and wouldn't go back. Every legere is consistent for me.
If I try a legere Reed, do I buy the same size? Vandoren 3 = legere?
I'd go down a little - maybe start at a 2.75
Fred Hemke, DMA Northwestern University Professor of Saxophone said 99% of the time sound problems were caused by lack of air pressure and velocity.
Hi scott!
I just got myself chinese metal mpc. It's too airy. How is this remedied?
Genial !!!
Yo tb tengo una Barkley Pop
👍👍👍
I can’t get use that Reed. The Rico Royal is my fav, it’s sounds alive
How can I develop my sound to get that rich jazzy tone like you. I use the D6M daddario as well as 3 daddario reeds. The sound is there with some notes but it’s hard to keep it throughout the range of the sax or even get it for that. I got mostly everything else down but my tone lacks much jazz sound to it at all in comparison to your other videos
The gear helps perfect your sound, but the main thing is how you get the air into the saxophone. The faster and more focused your airstream is the bigger and more full your sound will be. I did a few videos on it. Check it out!
Scott Paddock sounds like overtones to me
What reed You use ? looks like syntetic
hahahaha!!! The intro to the video is about what reed I use. Legere Signature.
Thumbs Up!!
what size of reed and what size of mouth pc and brand?
Hur hur... you can't make it sound bad!
Got me converted to légère
Switching to synthetic Legere reeds has been one of the best gear decisions I've ever made!
WOW GOOD video i sub thks in advance
👍👍
@@ScottPaddock just start play a sax i load a practice video cover ur ears lol
how to get a mouthpiece in
It obviously takes skill to hit those super super high notes, but i'm just not into them (tone-wise). Anyone feel the same???
High notes Fingering full display
this reed you are on about, the signature... i've looked it up, it is far too expensive for me so i was wondering if there were any other types i could try that are cheaper and several are in the box with really good quality. or could you provide a couple reasons why it is worth the $37 price tag?
I've bought mine for 17 online and they last me for at least 2 to 3 months. That's with about 10-15 hours a week of playing.
Joy Pass where did you find them for $17? I love these reeds. They last a long time and they don’t warp or chip. Once you figure out what size to get, it makes reeds a no-brainer. You just put them on and they play.
Hey Sam, if you want a quality product you have to play a quality price. However, these reeds are priced right in the middle of the market. If you compare them to other synthetics most are between $25 - $45. If you price them against a box of cane reeds they are about the same price, the difference being you get one reed that lasts as long as all 10 in the box combined. Also, there is no guess work, unlike a cane reed they just work. Also, my videos for the month are sponsored by Legere, and I play Legere Signatures, I'm not sure what other recommendation you were looking for :-).
Sam Purnell. because it will last about one year or more.
Harold Chick I’m not sure about a year but I get about 4 or 5 months on mine. And considering you just put them on and they play...it’s worth it to me.
Hello sir
Hi!
Unfortunately, you sound too good with misplaced reeds. It would be interesting to hear what a student would sound like under the same conditions.
sorry what was that? i was too busy looking at your mouthpiece
Haha!
Awesome video but he talks really weirdly :/
He (me) talks the way I talk 😁
Thank you it helped alot. I subscribed🥲😅😅😅
Sir which number reed and which one is batter please