Baritone Saxophone Reeds | page 2

Baritone saxophone reeds are made for the large baritone mouthpiece; soprano, alto and tenor sizes do not replace them. The reed affects the attack, blowing resistance and support of the low tone. Check the baritone designation, strength, material and pack quantity. A suitable model responds without excess pressure and remains stable at stronger dynamics.

Match strength to the mouthpiece

A softer reed usually speaks more easily but may be too flexible on a particular mouthpiece when played loudly. A harder one gives more resistance, yet it is a poor match if you constantly have to force it. As makers' scales differ, consult a strength comparison and test a small pack when changing range.

Packs and spare reeds

One damaged reed can interrupt a rehearsal or concert, so keep a familiar spare ready. Rotate natural reeds and let them dry flat after playing. When moving to synthetic material, do not assume that the feel or numbered strength will be identical; follow the manufacturer's information.

Before ordering a larger pack, confirm that the reed matches your baritone mouthpiece and responds evenly in the registers you normally use. This avoids building up a stock of an unsuitable model.