I heard the same basic characteristics within the sound but the black labels felt a bit more "weighty" and "full" whereas the silvers were more "open". I personally like the fullness of the black ones, so if it was up to me that's what I'd pick. But either way you get a really nice sound on both of them
You sound great on both, as always. The black label reeds sound like they have a lot of core. The silver reeds sound like they have an added sparkle to the sound, but still with the same darkness and core the black label has, and the volume and projection also came across very well in the recordings. I’m actually surprised how noticeable the differences are despite the fact that you say they feel so similar. Dig it!
Thanks for making me aware of these reeds. I tried the silver box and found them to be a joy to play - everything felt just a little bit easier. Amazed by the intonation on these reeds too.
I am an absolute beginner. I bought one of Jay's Better Alto Sax early this year and i've slowly been learning. I have really been wanting to try BSS reads as many content creators have spoken so highly about the consistency of them. Being a 47 year old beginner, without a tutor to visually check me and see me has been a concern of mine since I began. So, anything i can get my hands on that boasts consistency gives me 1 less thing to worry about. This video definitely was the straw that broke the camels back in my decision to try them out. Since I'm still so new, i'm not so worried about dark or bright as i'm still just trying to play in tune, but i'll give the Silvers a try! Thank you Dave!
@@fbales that is awesome! For me, anything that is consistent is good. I have no teeth, so I have to learn with a certain method. I’m positive that me playing out of tune is 100% my inexperience, but using top quality reeds just reassures me of 1 less thing that could be wrong.
Hey dave pollack i just wanted u to know im a big fan and i love everything you do on this channel and for the sax community. I started sax about 6 months ago and your informative videos helped me so much man
I liked the silver reeds more. They both had a similar sound but the silver have a bigger sound with more oomph as you said and clearer tone which I preferred.
I’ve been playing the black label since they came out. I really love them. Watching this video, I think I’ll give the silver label a spin. Thank you for this! Great playing! 🎷🎷🎷
I agree with your comments at the end. Silver had more projection, but I really liked the sweet, innocent sound you get with the black. So, as you said, it really depends on what situation you're playing in. In truth, though, I did prefer the black 😉
They both sounding good to me. Imo, I prefer the black label for recording and silver label for live performances. Also silver for the smooth jazz and black for the standard jazz. In general, I like the silver label. :) Thanks for the post Dave...
Thank you for the post Dave. You answered all my questions in this video presentation. Will definitely try out the Silver label reeds! Thanks man and beautiful playing!
I personally play 3.5 black box reeds on my tenor with a 105 tip opening and I prefer them over the silver box. One of my friends said they liked the silver box ones on their alto so I’ll take their word for that since I haven’t.
Fabulous playing Dave!! Thanks for this excellent comparison video. I had heard about these new reeds (I currently play black box) but wasn’t sure how they sounded in comparison.
On tenor, I am ambivalent about the silver vs black. Silver maybe a bit more "open" but like you said. Hard to discern. Like them both. Played them both. Will do so in the future, too!!
Great playing! .. I like the lengthy video comparisons. I've tried the black box on tenor but find them too resistant for me. I think the silver have more edge and projection I prefer when playing. Btw I really like how much fun you're having digging "each other" on the video! 😄🎷🎵
Both sounded great to me, hard to pick a favorite. I’m playing the black box and am happy, but a little less resistance would be a good thing for me. Hard to tell from the video but it appeared you took in a bit more mouthpiece with the silver. Curious... 🤔
I listened on my iPhone so need to listen with headphones because I heard it exactly the opposite of what you said. I heard more core and brightness with the black box reed. Both sounded great though.
I play the Nexus Black reeds on both Alto and Tenor. For me, the black label reeds were a shade warmer and I preferred the sound but that is down to personal preference.
While a spectrum analyzer may possibly show a slight bump in the mid-high frequencies with the Silver box compared to the black box, that type a analysis wouldn’t really help since, as you said, it’s how the reed feels when playing that is important. I really like the black box on my tenor and soprano. Whenever I try another brand of reeds, I am quickly reminded of the great consistency of Boston Sax Shop reeds. I’ll have to give the silver box a try. Thanks for the great comparison video!
Silver a bit more presence, seemed clearer, maybe a slight Bit brighter. Doesn’t have as much buzz as the black label has behind it (resistance) in comparison. I like the black label in cause when blown fully it creates more suspense/tension in the sound. But the clearness in silver is nice too. Both sound great!
Hey Dave. God you sound great......period. I liked the black a little better. Thought your sound had a little more body to it. When you went to the silver I thought your sound was a little thinner. But still amazing of course! I just slightly preferred your sound with the black box. My 1 1/2 cents. Marty (will be interested what you think when you listen to the recordings)
The Silver ones sounded like they have that added punch to the sound while i love the warmth that the Black ones offer especially on a ballad. Both incredible sounding reeds for sure! I had just only ordered a bunch of black label reeds and a few days later the Silver ones were released! Guess it will be a while before i get some silver ones to try out :) Will be enjoying the black ones for a little while longer for now :D I have a question though - Where do you get your backing tracks from? They are awesome! Also, absolutely looking forward to the workshop!
Also, if you do the "Boston Sax Shop" drinking game on this one, you're in for a fun night.... 😂 rules: everytime Dave says Boston Sax Shop take a drink, every time he says silver or black label, empty your glass....
The reeds sound great and I will give them a try, however, what stands out for me in this video is your amazing solos! Are these also recorded somewhere that I can listen to the whole tunes? I would like to analyze and study your approach to this material more so than the reeds. I especially appreciate the funky groove on "Giant Steps," very creative and reminds me of Gary Bartz's playing the tune as a samba some years back .
Great playing as always. If I were to be hearing you in a small club jazz setting I’d prefer the black box. If you were playing lead alto in a big band, or playing in a more pop/funk/fusion setting, the silver box may be more appropriate. I hear a lot of Cannonball sound from the silver box reed. All that said, my comments are you with your setup and…well…you. If you were to put both reeds on a different setup, say a super high baffle piece, the differences may be even more pronounced. Would be an interesting followup comparison. Thanks for putting this out there!
Not at the end, but whilst watching, it's clear you're more comfortable on the black reed, probably because you're used to them. The silver had a more powerful tone to my ears, not necessarily bright but a bit more punch to it. But it looked as though you're having more of a harder time getting it to do what you want, e.g. the altissimo section on Softly. EDIT: got ti the end and it was interesting to hear your comments around how they felt the same, to my ears it sounded as though you were fighting the silver label, perhaps because of the added protection and feeling a bit much on those earlier songs? Less apparent on the Giant Steps take.
I am definitely way more used to the black reeds, so I'm sure that's why it seemed like I was fighting the silver a bit. They really did feel similar, even though there are noticeable differences to them.
Thank you for posting this comparison, Dave! Can you tell us what strength reeds you were using - were they both the same? Assuming so if you say they felt that way. Is this on your Alto Madness 7 mouthpiece? I love your playing style and tone - definitely one of my models/inspirations when I practice.
Can't tell the difference....truth is once you reach a real high standard ,you could play any old Reed and stick it on the cheapest sax going ....and you'll still sound great.....cos you've reached that high standard.....Happy days !!!....have a nice day from over here in sunny UK.🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
Hey dave you sound great as usual!I have to be honest! I've never tried boston sax shop reeds as I've been playing on legere for so long. I dont like to adjust them lol! But you've got me curious to try them now.😮
Great playing Dave. Could I ask how does one get around the copyright on the backing tracks when uploading on yt? I'd like to make a short video for educational purposes but I can't figure this out. Tks!
Thanks! I use iRealPro for the backing tracks and there’s no issue with copyright. Even if it recognizes a melody you’re playing, the worst you’ll get is a claim and not a strike, so no need to worry!
Sorry this isn't directly related to this video, but I was wondering what mouthpiece and neckstrap you're using in this video? You sound great! And I definitely liked the black label sound more- maybe it was just the recording setup, but it sounded grittier? Idk how to describe it, whereas the silver sounded finer, purer, less complexity in the tone something like that. I think it might just be my personal preference though.
@@DavePollackquestion for you really quick… if I use the black BSS #3 is it the same strength for the silver? I mean were you using the same strength on the video for both?
Ngl im not too fond of the silver ones because the black label gives more resistance which is what I prefer. I could try a different thickness but I play 3s normally so yeah.
I think I like the silver box better. There is a certain “depth” or “richness” that I don’t exactly hear with the black box. I don’t know how else to explain what I am hearing. One man’s opinion.
Just play them and see which you like better! I've NEVER thought about how the reed is made, and I've NEVER worked on (sanded, clipped, etc) a reed. Just slap it on and go. Don't like it? Try another!
I liked both, the silver had more projection and clarity and the black had a darker feel. I really think you could use either depending on the gig and sound necessary. They are both great! I use Hartman. Copper carbon because I play multiple instruments at each job. If I was just playing one instrument I would choose the silver.
black label all the way... silver have that kind of quacking duck overtone to it. The black seem more neutral and dont over color your sound. Killah tone on the black...
I heard the same basic characteristics within the sound but the black labels felt a bit more "weighty" and "full" whereas the silvers were more "open". I personally like the fullness of the black ones, so if it was up to me that's what I'd pick. But either way you get a really nice sound on both of them
You sound great on both, as always. The black label reeds sound like they have a lot of core. The silver reeds sound like they have an added sparkle to the sound, but still with the same darkness and core the black label has, and the volume and projection also came across very well in the recordings. I’m actually surprised how noticeable the differences are despite the fact that you say they feel so similar. Dig it!
That's a great way to analyze it! Spot on.
Thanks for making me aware of these reeds. I tried the silver box and found them to be a joy to play - everything felt just a little bit easier. Amazed by the intonation on these reeds too.
Yeah Dave!! I really dig the clearness and the extra “oomph” that the silver reeds give you. I’ll definitely have to try them for myself
Definitely get them - if you dig the Black Label you'll love the Silver!
I am an absolute beginner. I bought one of Jay's Better Alto Sax early this year and i've slowly been learning. I have really been wanting to try BSS reads as many content creators have spoken so highly about the consistency of them. Being a 47 year old beginner, without a tutor to visually check me and see me has been a concern of mine since I began. So, anything i can get my hands on that boasts consistency gives me 1 less thing to worry about. This video definitely was the straw that broke the camels back in my decision to try them out. Since I'm still so new, i'm not so worried about dark or bright as i'm still just trying to play in tune, but i'll give the Silvers a try! Thank you Dave!
That’s awesome to hear! You won’t be disappointed. Be sure to use the link in the description!
I bought Jay’s Better Sax alto sax too, but I’m a 74 year old beginner. 😊 I’m going to give them both a try, and see how the feel.
@@fbales that is awesome! For me, anything that is consistent is good. I have no teeth, so I have to learn with a certain method. I’m positive that me playing out of tune is 100% my inexperience, but using top quality reeds just reassures me of 1 less thing that could be wrong.
Hey dave pollack i just wanted u to know im a big fan and i love everything you do on this channel and for the sax community. I started sax about 6 months ago and your informative videos helped me so much man
Thanks so much for those kind words! I really appreciate it 🙏
I liked the silver reeds more. They both had a similar sound but the silver have a bigger sound with more oomph as you said and clearer tone which I preferred.
I’ve been playing the black label since they came out. I really love them. Watching this video, I think I’ll give the silver label a spin. Thank you for this! Great playing! 🎷🎷🎷
They are both feelin' each other's playing...
I agree with your comments at the end. Silver had more projection, but I really liked the sweet, innocent sound you get with the black. So, as you said, it really depends on what situation you're playing in. In truth, though, I did prefer the black 😉
They both sounding good to me. Imo, I prefer the black label for recording and silver label for live performances. Also silver for the smooth jazz and black for the standard jazz. In general, I like the silver label. :) Thanks for the post Dave...
Interesting - I dig it!
I'm really excited too!
This is exactly the video I was wanting to watch today
Awesome!
Thank you for the post Dave. You answered all my questions in this video presentation. Will definitely try out the Silver label reeds! Thanks man and beautiful playing!
You’re very welcome!
Been waiting for a review on these thanks a lot for the video ❗️❗️
You got it!
I personally play 3.5 black box reeds on my tenor with a 105 tip opening and I prefer them over the silver box. One of my friends said they liked the silver box ones on their alto so I’ll take their word for that since I haven’t.
Get these new reeds or anything else on the Boston Sax Shop website using this link!
►www.bostonsaxshop.com?aff=9
Yeah Dave , so good ! Ballad master.. can’t get these reeds anyway haha so just came to hear you play
Hey! Thanks so much 🙏
Can’t go wrong with BSS reeds; Rigotti and Select Jazz are right there also👀🎵🎶🎷
i very much dig these !
Dave is the funniest and coolest saxophonist ever.
🙏🙏🙏
Ever?
This is a great way to compare gear
Thanks!
I could hear more projection (& a bit more brightness) in the Silver.
Fabulous playing Dave!! Thanks for this excellent comparison video. I had heard about these new reeds (I currently play black box) but wasn’t sure how they sounded in comparison.
Thanks so much! You won’t be disappointed if you try them 🙏
Also, Giant Steps in smooth jazz style!!! 😂
we need a comparison of these two and the nexus reeds by chad. i’m on nexus right now and i’m loving the way they play.
On tenor, I am ambivalent about the silver vs black. Silver maybe a bit more "open" but like you said. Hard to discern. Like them both. Played them both. Will do so in the future, too!!
Great playing! .. I like the lengthy video comparisons. I've tried the black box on tenor but find them too resistant for me. I think the silver have more edge and projection I prefer when playing. Btw I really like how much fun you're having digging "each other" on the video! 😄🎷🎵
ahh hell yeah that upbeat double solo reminded me of dolphy and McIntyre
Both sounded great to me, hard to pick a favorite. I’m playing the black box and am happy, but a little less resistance would be a good thing for me. Hard to tell from the video but it appeared you took in a bit more mouthpiece with the silver. Curious... 🤔
Hmm not sure if/why I did that! Maybe the angle?
I listened on my iPhone so need to listen with headphones because I heard it exactly the opposite of what you said. I heard more core and brightness with the black box reed. Both sounded great though.
I play the Nexus Black reeds on both Alto and Tenor. For me, the black label reeds were a shade warmer and I preferred the sound but that is down to personal preference.
That’s the great thing - BOTH of these are great, so it’s choosing what you like more and not what is “better” - it’s a win/win!
While a spectrum analyzer may possibly show a slight bump in the mid-high frequencies with the Silver box compared to the black box, that type a analysis wouldn’t really help since, as you said, it’s how the reed feels when playing that is important. I really like the black box on my tenor and soprano. Whenever I try another brand of reeds, I am quickly reminded of the great consistency of Boston Sax Shop reeds. I’ll have to give the silver box a try. Thanks for the great comparison video!
Much appreciated!
Silver a bit more presence, seemed clearer, maybe a slight Bit brighter. Doesn’t have as much buzz as the black label has behind it (resistance) in comparison. I like the black label in cause when blown fully it creates more suspense/tension in the sound. But the clearness in silver is nice too. Both sound great!
I appreciate that!
I desperately need your interpretation of "I've never been in love before" on spotify :(
Sweet! Thanks!
The silver had a bit more projection. I like them both.
Hey Dave. God you sound great......period. I liked the black a little better. Thought your sound had a little more body to it. When you went to the silver I thought your sound was a little thinner. But still amazing of course! I just slightly preferred your sound with the black box. My 1 1/2 cents. Marty (will be interested what you think when you listen to the recordings)
The Silver ones sounded like they have that added punch to the sound while i love the warmth that the Black ones offer especially on a ballad. Both incredible sounding reeds for sure!
I had just only ordered a bunch of black label reeds and a few days later the Silver ones were released! Guess it will be a while before i get some silver ones to try out :) Will be enjoying the black ones for a little while longer for now :D
I have a question though - Where do you get your backing tracks from? They are awesome!
Also, absolutely looking forward to the workshop!
Thank you so much!! The backing tracks are just from iRealPro - nothing special!
Also, if you do the "Boston Sax Shop" drinking game on this one, you're in for a fun night.... 😂 rules: everytime Dave says Boston Sax Shop take a drink, every time he says silver or black label, empty your glass....
The reeds sound great and I will give them a try, however, what stands out for me in this video is your amazing solos! Are these also recorded somewhere that I can listen to the whole tunes? I would like to analyze and study your approach to this material more so than the reeds. I especially appreciate the funky groove on "Giant Steps," very creative and reminds me of Gary Bartz's playing the tune as a samba some years back
.
I really appreciate that! I only recorded them for this video, so this is the only place they exist.
Cool, thanks a lot for this!
You're very welcome!
Great playing as always. If I were to be hearing you in a small club jazz setting I’d prefer the black box. If you were playing lead alto in a big band, or playing in a more pop/funk/fusion setting, the silver box may be more appropriate. I hear a lot of Cannonball sound from the silver box reed. All that said, my comments are you with your setup and…well…you. If you were to put both reeds on a different setup, say a super high baffle piece, the differences may be even more pronounced. Would be an interesting followup comparison. Thanks for putting this out there!
Thanks so much!
Not at the end, but whilst watching, it's clear you're more comfortable on the black reed, probably because you're used to them.
The silver had a more powerful tone to my ears, not necessarily bright but a bit more punch to it. But it looked as though you're having more of a harder time getting it to do what you want, e.g. the altissimo section on Softly.
EDIT: got ti the end and it was interesting to hear your comments around how they felt the same, to my ears it sounded as though you were fighting the silver label, perhaps because of the added protection and feeling a bit much on those earlier songs? Less apparent on the Giant Steps take.
I am definitely way more used to the black reeds, so I'm sure that's why it seemed like I was fighting the silver a bit. They really did feel similar, even though there are noticeable differences to them.
Thank you for posting this comparison, Dave! Can you tell us what strength reeds you were using - were they both the same? Assuming so if you say they felt that way. Is this on your Alto Madness 7 mouthpiece? I love your playing style and tone - definitely one of my models/inspirations when I practice.
Both were size 3, and yea it’s my Alto Madness 7. Thanks so much for the kind words! 🙏
Can't tell the difference....truth is once you reach a real high standard ,you could play any old Reed and stick it on the cheapest sax going ....and you'll still sound great.....cos you've reached that high standard.....Happy days !!!....have a nice day from over here in sunny UK.🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂
Thanks so much! Eventually it comes down to the feel to the player
Great video as always, Dave! What was the ballad you played?
“I’ve Never Been in Love Before” - my favorite standard!
@@DavePollack So beautiful!!
Hey dave you sound great as usual!I have to be honest! I've never tried boston sax shop reeds as I've been playing on legere for so long. I dont like to adjust them lol! But you've got me curious to try them now.😮
I’ve never adjusted a reed in my life! Only use cane reeds.
Great playing Dave. Could I ask how does one get around the copyright on the backing tracks when uploading on yt? I'd like to make a short video for educational purposes but I can't figure this out. Tks!
Thanks! I use iRealPro for the backing tracks and there’s no issue with copyright. Even if it recognizes a melody you’re playing, the worst you’ll get is a claim and not a strike, so no need to worry!
@@DavePollack thanks for taking the time to inform me!
Sorry this isn't directly related to this video, but I was wondering what mouthpiece and neckstrap you're using in this video? You sound great! And I definitely liked the black label sound more- maybe it was just the recording setup, but it sounded grittier? Idk how to describe it, whereas the silver sounded finer, purer, less complexity in the tone something like that. I think it might just be my personal preference though.
Thanks! Neckstrap is Boston Sax Shop and mouthpiece is 10mfan “Alto Madness” size 7.
I liked your sound on black better, but your comment on relative resistance makes me curious though…
Now I want to try the silver ones 😂
Do it!
@@DavePollackquestion for you really quick… if I use the black BSS #3 is it the same strength for the silver? I mean were you using the same strength on the video for both?
Yep same strength - and that’s the way to go with these, no need to switch around
Black for life. Tried both recently, and the silver just doesn’t have the core I’m looking. The presence.
A little more happening with the silver.
Ngl im not too fond of the silver ones because the black label gives more resistance which is what I prefer. I could try a different thickness but I play 3s normally so yeah.
Well the good thing is you have choices, and the black label reeds are a great choice!
I think I like the silver box better. There is a certain “depth” or “richness” that I don’t exactly hear with the black box. I don’t know how else to explain what I am hearing. One man’s opinion.
I agree! A bit more “body” to the sound
Pop (Giant Steps) 😂
That’s what it was!
The biggest difference is filled versus unfilled
Just play them and see which you like better! I've NEVER thought about how the reed is made, and I've NEVER worked on (sanded, clipped, etc) a reed. Just slap it on and go. Don't like it? Try another!
@@DavePollack I did try them, I like the sliver better:)
SSW🎵🎶🎷
frist
I liked both, the silver had more projection and clarity and the black had a darker feel. I really think you could use either depending on the gig and sound necessary. They are both great! I use Hartman. Copper carbon because I play multiple instruments at each job. If I was just playing one instrument I would choose the silver.
Love it!
black label all the way... silver have that kind of quacking duck overtone to it. The black seem more neutral and dont over color your sound. Killah tone on the black...