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

The plastic coating acts as a moisture barrier, preventing the reed from wearing out quickly or warping. This results in a longer lifespan and more consistent performance during long sessions.

Are D'Addario Plasticover reeds made entirely of plastic?

No, they feature a natural cane core material. The plastic is an external coating applied to enhance durability and brilliance.

What kind of tone do these reeds produce?

They produce a warm, clear tone supported by the cane core, with added 'extra brilliance' and projection due to the coating. This makes them brighter than many standard cane reeds.

How many reeds are included in this specific pack?

This product listing includes five (5) reeds per pack. This is a common quantity for tenor saxophone reeds in the D'Addario range.

What strength is this specific model of Plasticover reed?

This specific model is Strength 2. This is a relatively soft strength, offering less resistance for the player compared to higher numbers.

In what performance environments are Plasticover reeds most useful?

They are ideal for outdoor performances and live gigs. The coating protects the reed from changes in humidity and temperature that would affect standard cane.

Do these reeds work with standard tenor saxophone mouthpieces?

Yes, they are designed for use with standard tenor saxophone mouthpieces, such as those from Yamaha or JodyJazz. They fit under standard ligatures like the Rovner 3RL Dark.

How does the durability compare to D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds?

Plasticover reeds generally last longer than the Organic Select Jazz series because the coating prevents the cane fibres from breaking down due to moisture. However, the Select Jazz series may offer a more traditional jazz response.

Is the tone suitable for classical music?

While they can be used, their 'extra brilliance' is usually preferred for jazz, pop, and marching band contexts. Classical players often prefer the darker, more traditional sound of uncoated reeds.

Do I need to soak these reeds before playing?

Because of the plastic coating, they require significantly less wetting than standard cane reeds. They are often ready to play almost immediately, though the tip still benefits from a small amount of moisture.

How does the price of a 5-pack compare to others?

A 5-pack of D'Addario Plasticover Tenor reeds typically retails for around GBP 31. This is a competitive price point considering their extended lifespan compared to uncoated reeds.

Can these reeds be used by beginners?

Yes, the Strength 2 rating makes them accessible for beginners or those who prefer a free-blowing feel. The consistency of the reed also helps students avoid the frustration of warped reeds.

Gear article

D'Addario Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds

D'Addario Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds are hybrid woodwind reeds featuring a traditional cane core coated in a durable plastic layer. Designed for longevity and environmental resistance, they provide a brilliant, clear tone suitable for outdoor performances and high-volume live settings.

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Overview

The D'Addario Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds are engineered to meet the needs of live performers who require consistent performance across varying environmental conditions. By combining a natural cane core with a thin plastic coating, D'Addario aims to offer the best of both worlds: the organic response of wood and the durability of synthetic materials. This specific strength 2 model is typically favoured by players seeking a lighter resistance and easier articulation.

Design and Construction

The defining feature of the Plasticover series is the specialised plastic coating that encases the cane. This barrier prevents the reed from absorbing excessive moisture or drying out too quickly, which effectively mitigates the common issues of warping and wearing over time. Despite this synthetic layer, the heart of the reed remains natural cane, ensuring the vibration characteristics remain familiar to those used to traditional reeds.

Tonal Characteristics

Plasticover reeds are specifically tuned for extra brilliance. While the cane core provides a warm, clear foundational tone, the plastic coating adds a layer of brightness and projection. This makes the reed particularly effective for outdoor performances or ensemble settings where a saxophone needs to cut through a dense mix without losing its core clarity.

Suitability and Comparison

These reeds are ideal for marching bands, pit orchestras, and jazz musicians performing in diverse climates. When compared to traditional unfiled reeds like the D'Addario Organic Select Jazz series, the Plasticover offers significantly more resistance to atmospheric changes. While alternatives like Vandoren Java reeds are prized for their flexibility in jazz contexts, the Plasticover is preferred by those who prioritise longevity and a high-frequency 'zing' in their sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the plastic coating on these reeds?: The plastic coating acts as a moisture barrier, preventing the reed from wearing out quickly or warping. This results in a longer lifespan and more consistent performance during long sessions.
Are D'Addario Plasticover reeds made entirely of plastic?: No, they feature a natural cane core material. The plastic is an external coating applied to enhance durability and brilliance.
What kind of tone do these reeds produce?: They produce a warm, clear tone supported by the cane core, with added 'extra brilliance' and projection due to the coating. This makes them brighter than many standard cane reeds.
How many reeds are included in this specific pack?: This product listing includes five (5) reeds per pack. This is a common quantity for tenor saxophone reeds in the D'Addario range.
What strength is this specific model of Plasticover reed?: This specific model is Strength 2. This is a relatively soft strength, offering less resistance for the player compared to higher numbers.
In what performance environments are Plasticover reeds most useful?: They are ideal for outdoor performances and live gigs. The coating protects the reed from changes in humidity and temperature that would affect standard cane.
Do these reeds work with standard tenor saxophone mouthpieces?: Yes, they are designed for use with standard tenor saxophone mouthpieces, such as those from Yamaha or JodyJazz. They fit under standard ligatures like the Rovner 3RL Dark.
How does the durability compare to D'Addario Organic Select Jazz reeds?: Plasticover reeds generally last longer than the Organic Select Jazz series because the coating prevents the cane fibres from breaking down due to moisture. However, the Select Jazz series may offer a more traditional jazz response.
Is the tone suitable for classical music?: While they can be used, their 'extra brilliance' is usually preferred for jazz, pop, and marching band contexts. Classical players often prefer the darker, more traditional sound of uncoated reeds.
Do I need to soak these reeds before playing?: Because of the plastic coating, they require significantly less wetting than standard cane reeds. They are often ready to play almost immediately, though the tip still benefits from a small amount of moisture.
How does the price of a 5-pack compare to others?: A 5-pack of D'Addario Plasticover Tenor reeds typically retails for around GBP 31. This is a competitive price point considering their extended lifespan compared to uncoated reeds.
Can these reeds be used by beginners?: Yes, the Strength 2 rating makes them accessible for beginners or those who prefer a free-blowing feel. The consistency of the reed also helps students avoid the frustration of warped reeds.