Why Saxophone Reed Strength Matters (And How to Use it to Get to the Next Level of Saxophone Playing)
When you started out on saxophone, you probably got some reeds recommended by your teacher or music store. As the weeks and months went by, you probably continued to use the same reed strength without much thought. But as you progress, you will need to move up several reed strengths, one strength at a time. Moving up reed strengths at the right time will allow you to produce a better sound, expand your range of high notes, and refine your dynamic range.
What is reed strength?
It’s a little more complicated, but essentially, reed strength is a measure of the thickness of a reed. Reed manufacturers group reeds with the same range of thickness into “strengths”. Most manufacturers have a strength numbering system that starts around 2 and goes up in increments of .5, to around 4. This number is clearly marked on the reed package and usually stamped on the back (flat side) of each reed.
Why should I care about reed strength?
Think of reed strength like the level setting on a treadmill. If you’re not a regular runner, you would probably start with a low level, like 3 or 4. As you train more, you might progress to 4.5 one week, then 5 the next week, then 5.5, and so on. Each new level requires you to work a little harder and allows you to run a little faster.
But if you try to skip to a level that’s too high before you’re ready, you’ll find that you get tired pretty fast, and you might even hurt yourself or fall off the treadmill! And eventually even the best runner won’t be able to increase their treadmill level forever. In fact, they may get the best workout by sticking with a level that is somewhere medium / high range, allowing them to build health and endurance.
Just like with treadmill level, you’ll want to gradually increase your reed strength as you develop in your saxophone “training”. A harder reed will allow you to produce a better sound, expand your range of high notes, and refine your dynamic range.
I’m switching to a different reed brand. Should I use the same strength?
Not all scales of reed strength are created equal! A 2.5 strength Vandoren blue box reed is not the same thickness as a 2.5 strength Rico Royal reed. To help you compare reed strengths across brands and manufacturers, I’ve created this interactive reed comparison chart.
How do I know when it’s time to move up a strength?
I have a post on that! Check out Should I Change My Reed Strength? (How to Tell When to Move Up or Down a Strength).