What does the '2M' strength signify in D'Addario reeds?

D'Addario Select Jazz reeds use a unique grading system where numbers 2, 3, and 4 are subdivided into Soft (S), Medium (M), and Hard (H). A 2M strength represents a medium-stiffness within the '2' range, offering a balance between ease of play and resistance.

What is the difference between filed and unfiled reeds?

Filed reeds, like this model, have a strip of bark removed in a straight line across the shoulder. This usually results in a faster response and a more focused, brighter tone compared to unfiled reeds, which tend to have a darker, more resistant feel.

What makes these reeds 'Organic'?

D'Addario Organic reeds are manufactured from cane grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. The manufacturing process ensures that no chemicals are added to the cane, maintaining a natural product for the player.

How many reeds are included in a standard pack?

This specific product listing for the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Tenor Sax Reeds includes a pack of 5 individual reeds. Larger packs, such as 10-packs, are sometimes available for other models like the Alto version.

Are these reeds suitable for classical music?

While designed primarily for jazz due to their flexible cane and projection, the filed cut provides a level of focus that some players may find useful in crossover settings. However, they are specifically voiced to meet the demands of jazz musicians.

Which mouthpiece works well with these reeds?

These reeds are compatible with a wide range of mouthpieces. Jazz-focused mouthpieces, such as the JodyJazz Super Jet or the Yamaha 5C, are common pairings to complement the reed's natural projection and vibrance.

How does the spine thickness affect the sound?

The thick spine provides the reed with more 'heart,' which contributes to a more focused and stable tone. It helps the reed maintain its structural integrity during high-volume playing or when pushing for greater projection.

What instrument are these reeds designed for?

These specific reeds are designed for the Tenor Saxophone. D'Addario also produces similar Select Jazz models for Alto, Baritone, and Soprano saxophones with varying specifications.

How does the tip shape affect playability?

These reeds feature a traditional tip shape. This design helps the reed integrate well with standard mouthpiece facings, providing a predictable response across the full range of the saxophone.

Are these reeds consistent from one to the next?

D'Addario uses advanced digital machinery and state-of-the-art processes to ensure that each reed in the pack is cut to identical specifications. This reduces the number of 'dud' reeds often found in traditional manufacturing.

How do these compare to Vandoren Java reeds?

Vandoren Java reeds are another popular jazz choice, but the D'Addario Select Jazz Filed typically offers a thicker blank and spine. This often results in a more centred and focused sound compared to the broader, brighter character of a Java reed.

What is the typical price for a 5-pack of these reeds?

The typical price range for a 5-pack of D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Tenor Sax Reeds is approximately £22.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific strength selected.

Gear article

D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed Tenor Saxophone Reeds

The D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed Tenor Saxophone Reeds are professional-grade cane reeds featuring the thickest spine and blank of D'Addario’s jazz-focused range. Produced from the brand's most flexible grade of organic cane, these reeds are engineered for ease of vibration, projection, and a focused tonal quality.

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Background and Construction

D'Addario Woodwinds has implemented state-of-the-art machinery and upgraded processes to ensure high levels of consistency across their reed production. The Organic Select Jazz series represents a commitment to high-quality cane sourcing and precision manufacturing. Unlike the 'Unfiled' variants, the 'Filed' version features an extra layer of bark removed from the shoulders, often referred to as a French file, which influences the response and tonal clarity of the reed.

Technical Design and Features

These reeds are distinguished by having the thickest spine and blank among D'Addario's jazz offerings, paired with a traditional tip shape. They are manufactured using a flexible grade of cane to ensure they vibrate with minimal resistance. Key technical aspects include:

Organic Cane: Cultivated using sustainable methods.
Filed Cut: Provides a quicker response and more focused sound.
Thick Spine: Contributes to the core and depth of the note.
Consistency: Utilises D'Addario's digital reed-making technology for uniform quality across the pack.

Sound Character and Performance

The Select Jazz Filed reeds are designed to offer significant projection and focus, making them suitable for a wide range of performance environments. The combination of the flexible cane and the filed cut allows for a free-blowing experience. Musicians typically find that these reeds provide a clear, centred tone with enough harmonic complexity to suit various jazz sub-genres, from swing to contemporary styles.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the D'Addario range, these reeds differ from the 'Unfiled' Select Jazz models, which generally offer a more robust, resistant feel. Compared to competitors such as the Vandoren Java series, the D'Addario Select Jazz Filed reeds often provide a more focused and slightly darker tonal profile due to the thicker blank. For players seeking a different response, the Vandoren Java 1.5 offers a thinner profile, while the Select Jazz 2M provides a mid-range strength with more structural support in the spine.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the '2M' strength signify in D'Addario reeds?: D'Addario Select Jazz reeds use a unique grading system where numbers 2, 3, and 4 are subdivided into Soft (S), Medium (M), and Hard (H). A 2M strength represents a medium-stiffness within the '2' range, offering a balance between ease of play and resistance.
What is the difference between filed and unfiled reeds?: Filed reeds, like this model, have a strip of bark removed in a straight line across the shoulder. This usually results in a faster response and a more focused, brighter tone compared to unfiled reeds, which tend to have a darker, more resistant feel.
What makes these reeds 'Organic'?: D'Addario Organic reeds are manufactured from cane grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. The manufacturing process ensures that no chemicals are added to the cane, maintaining a natural product for the player.
How many reeds are included in a standard pack?: This specific product listing for the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Tenor Sax Reeds includes a pack of 5 individual reeds. Larger packs, such as 10-packs, are sometimes available for other models like the Alto version.
Are these reeds suitable for classical music?: While designed primarily for jazz due to their flexible cane and projection, the filed cut provides a level of focus that some players may find useful in crossover settings. However, they are specifically voiced to meet the demands of jazz musicians.
Which mouthpiece works well with these reeds?: These reeds are compatible with a wide range of mouthpieces. Jazz-focused mouthpieces, such as the JodyJazz Super Jet or the Yamaha 5C, are common pairings to complement the reed's natural projection and vibrance.
How does the spine thickness affect the sound?: The thick spine provides the reed with more 'heart,' which contributes to a more focused and stable tone. It helps the reed maintain its structural integrity during high-volume playing or when pushing for greater projection.
What instrument are these reeds designed for?: These specific reeds are designed for the Tenor Saxophone. D'Addario also produces similar Select Jazz models for Alto, Baritone, and Soprano saxophones with varying specifications.
How does the tip shape affect playability?: These reeds feature a traditional tip shape. This design helps the reed integrate well with standard mouthpiece facings, providing a predictable response across the full range of the saxophone.
Are these reeds consistent from one to the next?: D'Addario uses advanced digital machinery and state-of-the-art processes to ensure that each reed in the pack is cut to identical specifications. This reduces the number of 'dud' reeds often found in traditional manufacturing.
How do these compare to Vandoren Java reeds?: Vandoren Java reeds are another popular jazz choice, but the D'Addario Select Jazz Filed typically offers a thicker blank and spine. This often results in a more centred and focused sound compared to the broader, brighter character of a Java reed.
What is the typical price for a 5-pack of these reeds?: The typical price range for a 5-pack of D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Tenor Sax Reeds is approximately £22.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific strength selected.