What is the primary benefit of the plastic coating on these reeds?

The plastic coating prevents the cane from absorbing moisture, which protects the reed from wearing out quickly and ensures it maintains its shape over long performances.

Does the Plasticover reed sound like a synthetic reed?

No, because it features a real cane core, it retains the warm, clear tone of a traditional reed, though the coating adds extra brilliance and projection.

Are these reeds suitable for outdoor playing?

Yes, they are specifically designed for outdoor performances because the coating makes them resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.

What strength are these specific baritone saxophone reeds?

This specific pack contains reeds with a strength of 2.5, which is generally considered a medium-soft to medium resistance.

How many reeds come in one box?

This product is sold as a 5-pack, providing five individual Plasticover reeds for the baritone saxophone.

Can I use these reeds with any baritone saxophone mouthpiece?

Yes, they are designed to fit standard baritone saxophone mouthpieces, including models like the Yamaha 5C or JodyJazz Super Jet.

Do Plasticover reeds require soaking before use?

While some players prefer a quick dip, they generally require much less wetting than traditional reeds because the coating prevents the cane from drying out or becoming over-saturated.

Are these reeds unfiled or filed?

The Plasticover series typically follows an unfiled profile to support the added brilliance and projection intended for the series.

How does the price of Plasticover reeds compare to standard cane reeds?

At approximately GBP 43 for a 5-pack, they are often more expensive per reed than standard cane, but they are intended to last significantly longer, providing better value over time.

Is the tone of these reeds warm or bright?

The reeds produce a warm clear tone due to the cane core, but they are specifically tuned for extra brilliance, making them brighter than many standard jazz reeds.

Will these reeds help me be heard in a loud band?

Yes, the extra brilliance and clarity provided by the plastic coating are designed to help the baritone saxophone cut through the mix in live environments.

Who is the manufacturer of Plasticover reeds?

These reeds are manufactured by D'Addario, a leading brand in woodwind and string instrument accessories.

Gear article

D'Addario Plasticover Baritone Saxophone Reeds

D'Addario Plasticover Baritone Saxophone Reeds are a hybrid woodwind accessory featuring a cane core coated in a thin layer of plastic for enhanced longevity. Designed specifically for baritone saxophone, these strength 2.5 reeds are engineered to withstand environmental changes and provide a bright, clear tone for live performers.

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Overview and Construction

The D'Addario Plasticover series represents a fusion of traditional organic materials and modern synthetic enhancements. At its centre, the reed utilises a standard cane core which maintains the response of a natural woodwind reed. This core is treated with a specialized plastic coating designed to shield the cane from moisture absorption and physical wear.

By sealing the organic fibres, D'Addario ensures that the reed remains stable regardless of humidity or temperature fluctuations. This makes the 2.5 strength baritone reed particularly resilient during long practice sessions or high-intensity live sets.

Tonal Character and Performance

While the cane core provides the fundamental warmth and clarity expected of professional reeds, the plastic coating introduces a distinct 'extra brilliance' to the sound profile. This bright characteristic allows the baritone saxophone to cut through dense musical arrangements more effectively.

The coating also facilitates a more immediate response across the registers of the instrument. This makes it an effective choice for players who require a consistent, punchy sound that does not degrade as the reed becomes saturated with moisture.

Ideal Applications

The Plasticover reeds are specifically optimized for outdoor performances and challenging environments. Standard cane reeds often warp or soften when exposed to varying weather conditions; however, the plastic barrier on these reeds prevents such deformation.

Typical use cases include: * Marching bands and outdoor festival performances. * Pit orchestra doubling where instruments may sit for long periods between use. * Live pop or rock settings requiring high volume and projection. * Touring musicians who travel through different climate zones.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to traditional unfiled reeds like the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz or Vandoren Java series, the Plasticover offers significantly higher durability and a brighter top-end. While a purely organic reed may offer a more nuanced 'woody' texture preferred in classical settings, the Plasticover is chosen for its reliability and 'pop'.

Unlike fully synthetic reeds, the Plasticover retains a cane heart, providing a familiar feel for players who are transitioning away from standard reeds but are not yet ready for a 100% composite material. To maximize performance, these reeds are often paired with high-projection mouthpieces such as the JodyJazz Super Jet or controlled ligatures like the Rovner Dark series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the plastic coating on these reeds?: The plastic coating prevents the cane from absorbing moisture, which protects the reed from wearing out quickly and ensures it maintains its shape over long performances.
Does the Plasticover reed sound like a synthetic reed?: No, because it features a real cane core, it retains the warm, clear tone of a traditional reed, though the coating adds extra brilliance and projection.
Are these reeds suitable for outdoor playing?: Yes, they are specifically designed for outdoor performances because the coating makes them resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
What strength are these specific baritone saxophone reeds?: This specific pack contains reeds with a strength of 2.5, which is generally considered a medium-soft to medium resistance.
How many reeds come in one box?: This product is sold as a 5-pack, providing five individual Plasticover reeds for the baritone saxophone.
Can I use these reeds with any baritone saxophone mouthpiece?: Yes, they are designed to fit standard baritone saxophone mouthpieces, including models like the Yamaha 5C or JodyJazz Super Jet.
Do Plasticover reeds require soaking before use?: While some players prefer a quick dip, they generally require much less wetting than traditional reeds because the coating prevents the cane from drying out or becoming over-saturated.
Are these reeds unfiled or filed?: The Plasticover series typically follows an unfiled profile to support the added brilliance and projection intended for the series.
How does the price of Plasticover reeds compare to standard cane reeds?: At approximately GBP 43 for a 5-pack, they are often more expensive per reed than standard cane, but they are intended to last significantly longer, providing better value over time.
Is the tone of these reeds warm or bright?: The reeds produce a warm clear tone due to the cane core, but they are specifically tuned for extra brilliance, making them brighter than many standard jazz reeds.
Will these reeds help me be heard in a loud band?: Yes, the extra brilliance and clarity provided by the plastic coating are designed to help the baritone saxophone cut through the mix in live environments.
Who is the manufacturer of Plasticover reeds?: These reeds are manufactured by D'Addario, a leading brand in woodwind and string instrument accessories.