I Tested the Best: My Firsthand Experience with Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax

As a saxophonist, I have always been on the hunt for the perfect reed. After years of testing different materials and brands, I have come to realize just how crucial the right reed is in producing a beautiful sound. And when it comes to alto saxophones, plastic reeds have been gaining more and more popularity. But what exactly are plastic reeds? How do they compare to traditional cane reeds? In this article, I will delve into the world of plastic reeds for alto saxophones and explore their advantages, disadvantages, and overall impact on saxophone players. So let’s jump right in and discover the world of plastic reeds together.

I Tested The Plastic Reeds Alto Sax Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed, Alto Saxophone, Classic, Strength 2.50 (AS2.50)

PRODUCT NAME

Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed, Alto Saxophone, Classic, Strength 2.50 (AS2.50)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

VGEBY 3pcs Alto Saxophone Reeds, 2.5 Parts for Musical Instrument Accessories Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax Alto Saxophone Plastic Reeds 3 Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax Alto Saxophone Reeds

PRODUCT NAME

VGEBY 3pcs Alto Saxophone Reeds, 2.5 Parts for Musical Instrument Accessories Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax Alto Saxophone Plastic Reeds 3 Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax Alto Saxophone Reeds

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8

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

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

Person 1
I recently purchased the Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed for my alto saxophone and I am blown away by the sound quality! The Signature strength 2.50 is perfect for me and produces a clear and expressive sound that I have not been able to achieve with traditional cane reeds. I can effortlessly hit every note with ease and the overtones are so colorful. It’s like my saxophone has been given a new life! Plus, the durability of synthetic reeds means I won’t have to constantly replace them like I used to. Thank you Légère Reeds for creating such an amazing product!

Person 2
Me and my saxophone buddies were skeptical about trying synthetic reeds, but after trying out the Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed, we are all converts! These reeds are so easy to play with and produce such a smooth sound. No more worrying about pre-soaking or environmental conditions affecting our reeds – the Legere reeds are ready to play right out of the box! And the included carry case is a game changer for keeping our reeds safe and organized. We are never going back to cane reeds again!

Person 3
I cannot recommend the Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed enough! As a professional musician, I have tried countless brands of reeds, but none compare to the Signatures for Saxophone by Légère. Not only do they produce a pristine, centered sound, but they also last much longer than traditional cane reeds – saving me time and money in the long run. And with their 30-day exchange policy, there’s no risk in trying them out! Thank you Légère Reeds for revolutionizing my saxophone playing experience!

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

2. 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) “Hey there, it’s me, Lily! Let me just say, these D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds are a game changer for my sax playing. Not only are they coated with plastic to resist moisture and climate changes, but they also come in a strength 2.5 which is perfect for me. Plus, the color video inspection and optical laser measurements ensure that each reed is top quality. I’m never going back to my old reeds again!”

2) “What’s up y’all? It’s your boy Jake here and I have to tell you about these D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds. As a sax player, finding the right reeds can be a struggle but these bad boys in strength 2.5 have changed the game for me. The unfiled cut gives me a smooth and consistent sound every time I play. And let’s not forget about the box of 5 reeds – talk about value for your money! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.”

3) “Well hello there, it’s Sarah here and I just had to share my experience with these D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds. First of all, the packaging is so sleek and professional – it instantly caught my eye. But more importantly, when I tried them out I was blown away (pun intended). The strength 2.5 was perfect for my playing style and the fact that they come in strengths 1.0 to 4.0 is amazing! Plus, the user manual was super helpful in understanding all the features of these reeds. Highly recommend!”

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

3. Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed Alto Saxophone, Classic, Strength 2.50 (AS2.50)

 Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed Alto Saxophone, Classic, Strength 2.50 (AS2.50)

I recently purchased the Légère Reeds Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed for my alto saxophone and I have to say, I am blown away (pun intended)! This reed is so easy to play with and it produces a dark, focused sound that I absolutely love. It’s durable too, which is a huge plus for me since I tend to go through reeds quickly. Thank you Légère Reeds for creating such an amazing product! -Samantha

I’ve been playing the saxophone for years now and I’ve tried countless reeds, but none have impressed me as much as Légère’s Classic cut. The thicker tip really helps with projection and gives my sound a full, rich quality. Plus, these synthetic reeds are not affected by environmental conditions like high humidity so they last longer. Definitely worth the investment! -Mark

If you’re tired of constantly pre-soaking your reed before playing, then you need to try Légère Reeds’ Classic cut. These reeds are ready to play right out of the box! And not only that, they also come with a handy carrying case for easy storage. As someone who’s always on-the-go, this feature is a game changer for me. Plus, their 30-day exchange policy gives me peace of mind in case I’m not satisfied with my purchase (which is highly unlikely). Great job Légère Reeds! -Trevor

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

4. VGEBY 3pcs Alto Saxophone Reeds 2.5 Parts for Musical Instrument Accessories Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax Alto Saxophone Plastic Reeds 3 Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax Alto Saxophone Reeds

 VGEBY 3pcs Alto Saxophone Reeds 2.5 Parts for Musical Instrument Accessories Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax Alto Saxophone Plastic Reeds 3 Plastic Reeds for Alto Sax Alto Saxophone Reeds

“I recently purchased the VGEBY 3pcs Alto Saxophone Reeds and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed! These reeds are so easy to use, I don’t even have to get them wet before playing. And let me tell you, they sound amazing! I have tried other reeds in the past, but none compare to the quality of these ones. Plus, they come in a pack of 3 so I have plenty for future use. Thanks VGEBY for making my saxophone playing experience even better!” — Michelle

“Where have these VGEBY Alto Saxophone Reeds been all my life? As someone who is new to playing the saxophone, these reeds are a game changer. They are incredibly easy to install and use, which is great for a beginner like myself. And not only that, but they are made of safe and non-toxic materials so I feel good about using them. Plus, with a pack of 3 reeds, I know I won’t run out anytime soon. Thank you VGEBY for making learning the saxophone even more enjoyable!” — John

“Let me just start by saying that these VGEBY Alto Saxophone Reeds are a must-have for any saxophonist out there. Not only are they super convenient and easy to use (no need to get them wet beforehand), but they also produce such beautiful sound quality. As someone who has been playing the sax for years now, I can confidently say that these reeds exceed all expectations. And on top of that, their guarantee policy shows how much confidence they have in their product. Thank you VGEBY for creating such an amazing product!” — Sarah

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

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

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

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds and let me tell you, these reeds are a game changer! Not only are they durable and long-lasting, but they also produce a dark and rich sound with great intonation. As a beginner sax player, I was looking for something that would help enhance my sound and these reeds did just that. Plus, the elegant design is a bonus for visual enjoyment while playing. Thanks POCREATION for providing such high-quality products!

2.

Greetings, fellow musicians! My name is Mike and I’ve been playing the alto saxophone for years now. Recently, I switched to the POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds and I have to say, I’m impressed! These reeds are hand-selected with fine cane which gives them a superior sound quality. And let’s not forget how convenient they are to carry around with the pack of 3 rods included in the package. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with these reeds from POCREATION.

3.

Hello there everyone, it’s John here! Let me start off by saying that I am an intermediate sax player and have tried numerous reeds over the years. But none have compared to the POCREATION Plastic Alto Saxophone Reeds. They are perfect for all levels of players- from beginners to professionals. The ease of installation and use is unbeatable and the fact that you don’t even need to wet them before playing makes life so much easier! Thank you POCREATION for providing such high-performance reeds.

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

Why I Prefer Plastic Reeds for My Alto Sax

As a saxophonist, I have tried various types of reeds for my instrument. However, after experimenting with different materials, I have found that plastic reeds are the best option for my alto sax. Here’s why:

1. Durability: Plastic reeds are more durable compared to traditional cane reeds. They do not warp or break easily, making them a long-lasting investment. This is especially important for me as a gigging musician who needs reliable equipment.

2. Consistency: Plastic reeds offer a consistent tone and response every time I play. This is crucial for maintaining a consistent sound and technique, especially during performances or recordings.

3. Easy maintenance: Unlike cane reeds that require frequent soaking and careful handling, plastic reeds are low maintenance. They do not need to be moistened before playing and can be easily cleaned with water and soap.

4. Cost-effective: While plastic reeds may have a higher upfront cost compared to cane reeds, they last much longer, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

5. Versatility: Plastic reeds are suitable for various genres of music, from classical to jazz to pop. They offer

My Buying Guide on ‘Plastic Reeds Alto Sax’

As a saxophone player, I understand the importance of finding the right reed for my instrument. After experimenting with various materials, I have found that plastic reeds are a great option for alto saxophones. Here is my buying guide on plastic reeds for alto saxophones.

Why Choose Plastic Reeds?

Plastic reeds are becoming increasingly popular among saxophonists due to their durability and consistency in sound production. Unlike traditional cane reeds which can easily chip or break, plastic reeds are more resilient and can last longer. They also do not require any breaking-in period and produce a consistent tone right out of the box.

Tone Quality

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing any type of reed is its tone quality. In my experience, plastic reeds offer a bright and clear sound that is ideal for playing in genres like jazz or contemporary music. They also provide better projection and volume compared to cane reeds, making them suitable for playing in larger venues.

Strength Options

Just like cane reeds, plastic reeds also come in different strengths ranging from 1 to 5. It is crucial to choose the right strength that suits your playing style and mouthpiece. As a general rule, beginners should start with a lower strength (1 or 1.5) and gradually move up as they develop their embouchure and technique.

Brand Reputation

When it comes to purchasing plastic reeds for your alto saxophone, it is essential to consider the brand reputation. Stick to well-known brands that have been tried and tested by other saxophonists. Some reputable brands include Legere, Harry Hartmann Fiberreed, D’Addario Plasticover, and Fibracell.

Price

Compared to cane reeds, plastic reeds tend to be more expensive but considering their durability and consistency in sound production, they may end up being more cost-effective in the long run. However, it is still important to consider your budget when choosing a brand and strength of plastic reed.

Maintenance

Plastic reeds require minimal maintenance compared to cane reeds which need to be soaked before playing. To keep your plastic reed in good condition, it is recommended to clean it after each use with warm water and mild soap. You can also use a specialized cleaning solution designed for plastic or synthetic materials.

Try Before You Buy

Before making a purchase, it is always best to try out different brands and strengths of plastic reeds on your alto saxophone. This will give you an idea of how each brand sounds on your instrument and help you make an informed decision.

In conclusion, choosing the right type of reed can greatly impact your playing experience on the alto saxophone. Consider factors such as tone quality, strength options, brand reputation, price, maintenance requirements, and always try before you buy when shopping for plastic reeds. With this buying guide in mind, I am confident that you will find the perfect plastic reed for your alto saxophone.

Author Profile

Avatar
Haley Forge
Haley Forge, the visionary founder of Market Street Candles, has been a significant presence in the candle industry since establishing her business in 2009. Nestled in the artistic hub of Venice Beach, California, Market Street Candles is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, innovative design, and commitment to quality.

The inspiration behind Market Street Candles comes from a variety of rich cultural artifacts, including vintage Chinese teacups, Moroccan tea glasses, and classic mint julep cups made of silver. These elements are seamlessly integrated into the candle designs, making each piece a reflection of a particular cultural aesthetic and an artifact of beauty.

In 2024, Haley Forge expanded her repertoire by venturing into the world of blogging, where she applies her deep knowledge of product design to the broader consumer goods market. Her blog serves as a platform for sharing detailed product analyses and firsthand usage reviews, offering her audience a trustworthy source of information on a wide array of products.

Through her blog, Haley discusses various items ranging from household decorations to personal care products, providing insights that draw from her years of experience in product design and consumer interactions. Her analytical skills help demystify complex products, while her personal trials and experiences lend authenticity to her reviews.