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

The plastic coating prevents the cane from absorbing moisture, which stops the reed from warping or becoming soft during play. This results in a longer-lasting reed that remains consistent in different humidity levels.

Are D'Addario Plasticover reeds made of real cane?

Yes, they feature a natural cane core material. The plastic is only a thin exterior coating applied to the outside of the cane structure.

How many reeds come in a standard pack?

This specific product listing includes five reeds per pack. This is a common quantity for tenor saxophone reeds in this price bracket.

What kind of tone do Plasticover reeds produce?

They produce a warm, clear tone with added brilliance. They are designed to be brighter and more projecting than standard unfiled cane reeds.

Are these reeds suitable for outdoor performances?

Yes, they are specifically tuned for extra brilliance and clarity, making them ideal for outdoor environments where projection is necessary.

What instrument are these specific reeds designed for?

These reeds are designed specifically for the tenor saxophone. They will not fit alto, soprano, or baritone saxophones correctly.

What is the strength rating of this specific pack?

This pack features reeds with a strength rating of 3. This is considered a medium strength suitable for many established players.

Do I need to soak Plasticover reeds before playing?

While they are ready to play almost instantly due to the coating, a very brief dip in water can help the cane core settle. However, they require significantly less 'wetting' than traditional reeds.

How does the durability compare to standard cane reeds?

They are designed for long-lasting durability. The coating prevents the common wearing and fraying that occurs with organic reeds, allowing for a longer functional lifespan.

Can these be used with a Rovner Dark ligature?

Yes, they are compatible with standard tenor saxophone ligatures, including the Rovner 3RL Dark series. The coating does not affect the fit on the mouthpiece.

Are these reeds 'filed' or 'unfiled'?

Plasticover reeds are generally characterized by their coating rather than a specific filed cut, but they function similarly to a high-projection unfiled reed in terms of blow resistance.

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

The typical price is approximately £31.00. This reflects the premium nature of the coating process compared to basic cane reeds.

Gear article

D'Addario Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds

D'Addario Plasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds are hybrid woodwind reeds featuring a traditional cane core encased in a thin plastic coating. They are designed to offer the tonal warmth of natural cane with enhanced durability and resistance to environmental changes, particularly suited for outdoor and live performance settings.

See live prices

Overview

The D'Addario Plasticover series represents a specialised approach to reed design, bridging the gap between traditional organic cane and modern synthetic options. These reeds are constructed from a standard cane core that is treated with a unique plastic coating. This design choice aims to mitigate the common issues associated with natural reeds, such as moisture absorption and structural degradation over time.

The specific model reviewed here is the Strength 3 tenor saxophone variant, which is typically sold in packs of five. The coating serves a dual purpose: it protects the reed from the elements and alters the vibrating properties of the cane to produce a specific sonic profile.

Key Features and Construction

The primary innovation of the Plasticover reed is its weather-resistant exterior. By sealing the cane in plastic, D'Addario ensures that the reed does not warp or become waterlogged during extended playing sessions.

Key technical aspects include: * Cane Core: Maintains the fundamental response and feel that saxophonists expect from woodwind gear. * Plastic Coating: Provides a barrier against humidity and temperature fluctuations. * Brilliance Tuning: The reed is specifically voiced to provide extra projection and clarity compared to uncoated models. * Durability: The coating prevents the tip from fraying and the heart of the reed from losing its 'spring' prematurely.

Sound Character and Performance

The Plasticover reeds are characterised by a 'warm yet clear' tone. While the cane core preserves the harmonic richness of the saxophone, the plastic coating introduces an additional level of brilliance. This makes the reed particularly effective for musicians who need to cut through a loud ensemble or perform in open-air environments where sound can easily become lost.

In live performance scenarios, these reeds are noted for their consistency. Because they do not absorb saliva like standard cane, their playability remains stable from the beginning of a set to the end, regardless of the climate or stage lighting heat.

Target Audience

These reeds are primarily aimed at live musicians and those who perform in challenging environments. The 'extra brilliance' tuning makes them a popular choice for marching bands, outdoor jazz festivals, and pop/rock contexts where a brighter lead sound is desired. The Strength 3 rating provides a medium resistance that suits intermediate to professional players who utilize standard tip-opening mouthpieces.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to D'Addario's Organic Select Jazz series, the Plasticover offers a much brighter top end and significantly longer lifespan. Unlike the Select Jazz (available in Filed and Unfiled), which focuses on pure organic response, the Plasticover prioritises utility and projection.

Compared to purely synthetic reeds or traditional cane options like the Vandoren Java, the Plasticover occupies a middle ground. It retains the internal cellular structure of cane—which many players find more comfortable than full synthetics—while offering a level of moisture resistance that Vandoren Java reeds cannot match without frequent rotation.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the main benefit of the plastic coating on these reeds?: The plastic coating prevents the cane from absorbing moisture, which stops the reed from warping or becoming soft during play. This results in a longer-lasting reed that remains consistent in different humidity levels.
Are D'Addario Plasticover reeds made of real cane?: Yes, they feature a natural cane core material. The plastic is only a thin exterior coating applied to the outside of the cane structure.
How many reeds come in a standard pack?: This specific product listing includes five reeds per pack. This is a common quantity for tenor saxophone reeds in this price bracket.
What kind of tone do Plasticover reeds produce?: They produce a warm, clear tone with added brilliance. They are designed to be brighter and more projecting than standard unfiled cane reeds.
Are these reeds suitable for outdoor performances?: Yes, they are specifically tuned for extra brilliance and clarity, making them ideal for outdoor environments where projection is necessary.
What instrument are these specific reeds designed for?: These reeds are designed specifically for the tenor saxophone. They will not fit alto, soprano, or baritone saxophones correctly.
What is the strength rating of this specific pack?: This pack features reeds with a strength rating of 3. This is considered a medium strength suitable for many established players.
Do I need to soak Plasticover reeds before playing?: While they are ready to play almost instantly due to the coating, a very brief dip in water can help the cane core settle. However, they require significantly less 'wetting' than traditional reeds.
How does the durability compare to standard cane reeds?: They are designed for long-lasting durability. The coating prevents the common wearing and fraying that occurs with organic reeds, allowing for a longer functional lifespan.
Can these be used with a Rovner Dark ligature?: Yes, they are compatible with standard tenor saxophone ligatures, including the Rovner 3RL Dark series. The coating does not affect the fit on the mouthpiece.
Are these reeds 'filed' or 'unfiled'?: Plasticover reeds are generally characterized by their coating rather than a specific filed cut, but they function similarly to a high-projection unfiled reed in terms of blow resistance.
What is the typical price for a 5-pack of these reeds?: The typical price is approximately £31.00. This reflects the premium nature of the coating process compared to basic cane reeds.