Best synthetic saxophone reeds

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 4, 2022

In this article, we've compiled the best synthetic saxophone reeds you can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 98 of synthetic saxophone reeds and selected the 35 top options by BG(0002698761). Check out what we recommend in 2023.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Royal Alto Sax Reeds
#TOP 1
Royal Alto Sax Reeds
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Other Studio Cut Alto Sax Reed (Other)
#TOP 2
Other Studio Cut Alto Sax Reed (Other)
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Rico Saxophone Reeds
#TOP 3
Rico Saxophone Reeds
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score

Top 35 Best synthetic saxophone reeds Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Royal Alto Sax Reeds

D'Addario Woodwinds

Features

  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
  • Also offered in 3-reed packs
  • Strength 3.0, Filed cut, box of 10 reeds
  • Traditional Rico cut with a stronger spine
  • Works well for both classical and jazz applications
#TOP 2

Other Studio Cut Alto Sax Reed (Other)

Other

Features

  • Strength: #2
  • Completely non-toxic
  • No risk, 30 day Exchange policy
  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
  • Has the properties of moist cane
#TOP 3

Rico Saxophone Reeds

D'Addario

Features

  • SAX REEDS ALTO – For nearly a century, Rico has been synonymous with quality reeds. Now part of the D’Addario family of instruments and accessories, D’Addario Woodwinds has revamped the reed-making process to create the most consistent reed in the world.
  • PACKAGING OPTIONS – Rico strength 2.0 alto sax reeds are available in 3-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers.
  • EDUCATION STANDARD - Rico reeds have been the standard among teachers and students for generations. Priced affordably, Rico reeds are designed to reward the student with an immediate sound.
  • EASE OF PLAY – Featuring a thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play, a traditional blank for a clear sound and unfiled for powerful tone, D’Addario Woodwinds alto sax reeds are ideal for students, revered by educators worldwide and a favorite among jazz musicians.
  • FROM FIELD TO FACTORY - Harvested by hand in France, the cane specifically grown to make Rico reeds is the finest in the industry. D’Addario’s new state-of-the-art digital reed-making technology has resulted in unprecedented quality and consistency in today’s Rico reed.
#TOP 4

Legere Reeds Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed Strength 2.5

Legere Reeds

Features

  • Available in a variety of strengths
  • 5 Professional Signature Series reeds are a great more responsive in all registers than traditional reeds
  • Signature Series reeds are made from a more dense material, allowing the reed to be cut substantially thinner
  • Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed Strength 2
  • The unique design of these reeds makes them more flexible across the tip, producing maximum results with minimal effort
#TOP 5

Legere American Cut 1.75 Alto Saxophone Reed (L450703)

Legere

Features

  • The reed’s unmistakable character is thanks to an entirely reinvented profile and heart, and a shorter and wider vamp.
  • Country of Origin : Canada
  • Package Dimensions: 11.709 H x 1.193 L x 7.188 W (centimeters)
  • Package Weight: 0.018 kilograms
#TOP 6

Legere Tsss 2.5 Tenor Saxophone Signature Series Reed 2.5

Legere

Features

  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
  • Like all Légère reeds this reed has the properties of moist cane.
  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
  • Has the properties of moist cane
  • Like all Légère reeds this reed has the properties of moist cane.
  • No Risk, 30 day Exchange Policy
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Strength: #2.5
  • Completely Non-Toxic
#TOP 7

Legere American Cut 2.75 Alto Saxophone Reed (L451106)

Legere

Features

  • Model Number: ASA2.75
  • Manufacturer: Legere
  • The reed’s unmistakable character is thanks to an entirely reinvented profile and heart, and a shorter and wider vamp.
  • Brand Name: Legere
#TOP 8

Rico Plasticover Alto Sax Reeds

D'Addario

Features

  • NOTE: Refer the User Manual before use.
  • Optical laser measurements ensure accuracy
  • Color video inspection sorts cane quality
  • Offered in strengths 1.0 to 4.0
  • Coated with plastic to resist changes in moisture and climate
  • Strength 3.0, Unfiled cut, box of 5 reeds
#TOP 9

Legere Alto Sax Reed Signature 3.0 (ASSS3.0)

Legere

Features

  • Completely non-toxic
  • Strength: #3
  • Has the properties of moist cane
  • No risk, 30 day Exchange policy
  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
#TOP 10

Legere Reeds Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed Strength 3

Legere Reeds

Features

  • Available in a variety of strengths
  • Professional Signature Series reeds are a great more responsive in all registers than traditional reeds
  • Signature Series reeds are made from a more dense material, allowing the reed to be cut substantially thinner
  • Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed Strength 3
  • The unique design of these reeds makes them more flexible across the tip, producing maximum results with minimal effort
#TOP 11

Bravo Synthetic Reeds

Bravo!

Features

  • Tip cracking and humidity resistant
  • Individual reed cases click together for secure storage
  • 5 premium synthetic reeds
  • Significantly longer reed life compared to the best cane reeds
  • Non-toxic
#TOP 12

Legere American Cut 2.25 Alto Saxophone Reed (L450901)

Legere

Features

  • Product Type: Instrument Parts And Accessories
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Package Weight: 0.026 lbs
  • Country Of Origin: Canada
#TOP 13

Other Signature Alto Sax Reed 3.25 (Other)

Other

Features

  • No risk, 30 day Exchange policy
  • Completely non-toxic
  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
  • Has the properties of moist cane
  • Strength: #3.25
#TOP 14

Legere Tenor Saxophone Reeds (TSG2.25)

Legere

Features

  • Natural tone and feel
  • Reed strength, #2. 5
  • Long lasting
  • Will not warp
  • High-quality synthetic reeds
#TOP 15

Legere American Cut 2.25 Tenor Saxophone Reeds (L490907)

Legere

Features

  • Package Dimensions :2.75 " L X0.4 " W X4.5 " H
  • Product Type :Instrument Parts And Accessories
  • Package Quantity :1
  • Country Of Origin :Canada
#TOP 16

Legere Reeds LTD Legere Alto American Cut 2.50 Saxophone Reed (L451007)

Legere Reeds LTD

Features

  • Colorful, and loaded with personality
  • Effortlessly free-blowing
  • Provides the right amount of tonal edge
  • Alto Saxophone Reed, Strength 2.5
  • Gives players a full, clear low register and vibrant altissimo
#TOP 17

Other Signature Alto Sax Reed 2.5 (Other)

Other

Features

  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
  • No risk, 30 day Exchange policy
  • Strength: #2.5
  • Completely non-toxic
  • Has the properties of moist cane
#TOP 18

Other Signature Soprano Sax Reed (Other)

Other

Features

  • Strength: #2
  • No risk, 30 day Exchange policy
  • Has the properties of moist cane
  • Completely non-toxic
  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
#TOP 19

Legere Synthetic Studio Cut Alto Sax Reed (1.5)

Legere

Features

  • Properties are very similar to those of wet cane
  • Needs NO moistening prior to playing!
  • New players should choose the Studio Cuts
  • Original Cuts are designed for a darker sound and generally used for a classical set-up
#TOP 20

Other Signature Alto Sax Reed 2 (ASG200)

Other

Features

  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
  • Strength: #2
  • No risk, 30 day Exchange policy
  • Has the properties of moist cane
  • Completely non-toxic
#TOP 21

Legere Reeds Signature Series Alto Saxophone Reed Strength 3.5

Legere Reeds

Features

  • High-quality synthetic reeds
  • Natural tone and feel
  • Available in strengths of 2 - 3.5
  • Will not warp
  • Long lasting
#TOP 22

EASTROCK Tenor Saxophone Reeds 2.0/2.5/3.0

EASTROCK

Features

  • Package: designed for beginners, 10 pieces in one box, easy to carry
  • Timbre: stable vibration, low resistance, soft and bright sound
  • Material characteristics: reed with a growth period of more than two years is used, which is not easy to deform.
  • Appearance: file cut design, suitable for pop music and classical music.
  • After sales: all the instruments and instrument accessories of EASTROCK enjoy one-year after-sales service
#TOP 23

Legere Reeds Studio Cut Alto Saxophone Reed Strength 2.5

Legere Reeds

Features

  • Sold individually
  • Sold individually
  • " "Freer blowing and more flexible, the Studio Cut Alto Saxophone Reed is the choice of many jazz and show musicians
  • 5 "Freer blowing and more flexible, the Studio Cut Alto Saxophone Reed is the choice of many jazz and show musicians
  • Studio Cut Alto Saxophone Reed Strength 2
#TOP 24

Legere Tenor Saxophone Reeds (TSG3.25)

Legere

Features

  • Has the properties of moist cane
  • Strength: #3.25
  • Completely non-toxic
  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
  • Completely Non-Toxic
  • Like all Légère reeds this reed has the properties of moist cane.
  • Does not have to be Preconditioned before playing
  • No risk, 30 day Exchange policy
#TOP 25

Legere Reeds Baritone Saxophone Reeds Strength 3

Legere Reeds

Features

  • Perfect for ALL types of playing
  • The Legere Baritone Saxophone Reed is made of a new low density material that is extremely similar to conditioned cane
  • Sold individually
  • Baritone Saxophone Reeds Strength 3
  • Legere reeds represent the best in synthetic reeds
#TOP 26

Other Alto Sax Reed (AS2.5)

Other

Features

  • Brand: LEGERE
  • Fantastic response you would expect from a great reed
  • Special polymer compound
  • Will last for months, not days
  • Designed to mimic the important properties of damp cane
#TOP 27

Other Alto Sax Reed (AS3.0)

Other

Features

  • Special polymer compound
  • Brand: LEGERE
  • Designed to mimic the important properties of damp cane
  • Fantastic response you would expect from a great reed
  • Will last for months, not days
#TOP 28

Bravo Synthetic Reeds

Bravo!

Features

  • Non-toxic
  • Individual reed cases click together for secure storage
  • 5 premium synthetic reeds
  • Tip cracking and humidity resistant
  • Significantly longer reed life compared to the best cane reeds
#TOP 29

Plastic Reeds For Alto Sax

Tbest

Features

  • [Convenient to Use] - No need to wet it before use, easy to use and convenient. Clarinet Reeds Comes in a pack of 3 pieces of reeds, enough for long term use.
  • [Suitable for] - Alto saxophone reed set accessory suitable for saxophone beginners. From beginners to professionals, from students to teachers, from classic.
  • [Quality guaranteed] - If you have any questions about our alto saxophone reed or if they are unsatisfactory, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have to help you solve the problem well.
  • [Suitable for] - Alto saxophone reed set accessory suitable for saxophone beginners. From beginners to professionals, from students to teachers, from classic.
  • [Suitable for] - Alto saxophone reed set accessory suitable for saxophone beginners. From beginners to professionals, from students to teachers, from classic.
  • [Suitable for] - Alto saxophone reed set accessory suitable for saxophone beginners. From beginners to professionals, from students to teachers, from classic.
  • [Quality Material] - The clarinet saxophone reeds are made of high quality resin, safe, non-toxic, durable, with high corrosion resistance and moisture resistance, not easily affected by humidity change. Having a price that normal students can afford while having a warm and resilient voice.
  • [Suitable for] - Alto saxophone reed set accessory suitable for saxophone beginners. From beginners to professionals, from students to teachers, from classic.
  • [Suitable for] - Alto saxophone reed set accessory suitable for saxophone beginners. From beginners to professionals, from students to teachers, from classic.
  • [Perfect Gift] - Alto Sax Reeds Professional Reeds is suitable for alto saxophone, easy to install and use. A nice gift for students, teachers, family children, a good and helpful accessory for saxophonists.
#TOP 30

D'Addario VENN G2 Synthetic Alto Saxophone Reeds

D'Addario

Features

  • Unique layering of polymer fibers give VENN natural flexibility, for response and articulation similar to a cane reed.
  • Combined with resin making VENN resistant to adverse elements and stresses that quickly break down natural cane reeds.
  • VENN is back and better than ever. Introducing Generation 2 of our groundbreaking synthetic reed.
  • Natural cane particles allow VENN to mimic cane, giving a warmer and richer sound.
  • Available for Bb Clarinet, Alto & Tenor Saxophone in single units.
#TOP 31

3pcs Plastic Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Reeds 2.5 Reed

Wbestexercises

Features

  • Standard SpecificationResin Saxophone Reed Conform to strict quality control standards, dependable to use.Saxophone Reeds 2.5 For Sax Parts Manufactured according to the original specifications.
  • Suitable forSaxophone Reeds Plastic Suitable for alto saxophones, easy to install and use.Suitable for saxophone beginners.Practical and convenient in use.Such a practical tool you will need it.
  • Easy to UseSaxophone Reeds 2.5,No need to get it wet before use it, easy to use and convenient.Built to meet standard specification, strictly follow factory quality control.
  • Resin MaterialAlto Saxophone Reeds made of good quality resin, safe, non-toxic, durable.Good quality not only can provide a safer guarantee for your life,but also good materials can increase product life.
  • Excellent PerformancePlastic Reeds For Alto Sax,Comes in a pack of 3pcs reeds, enough for long time use.Exquisite workmanship, stylish and generous appearance.
#TOP 32

Bravo Synthetic Reeds

Bravo!

Features

  • Significantly longer reed life compared to the best cane reeds
  • Non-toxic
  • Individual reed cases click together for secure storage
  • 5 premium synthetic reeds
  • Tip cracking and humidity resistant
#TOP 33

3pcs Alto Saxophone Reeds

VGEBY

Features

  • DURABLE: The Alto Saxophone Reed is made of good quality resin material, safe, non-toxic, durable for long time use with exquisite design and fine workmanship.
  • EASY TO USE: No need to get it wet before use it, easy and convenient to use, suitable for alto saxophones and easy to install.
  • WIDE APPLICATION: The Saxophone Reed works well for both classical and jazz application, also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones.
  • GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied with our product received, you can apply for unconditional return and refund in 180 days. In terms of any problem of this product, you can send emails to us at any time. We will reply you soon.
  • STRENGTH 2.5: It comes in a pack of 3pcs reeds, enough for long time use, Strength 2.5, filed cut, suitable for saxophone beginners.
#TOP 34

Alto Saxophone Reeds Plastic Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Reeds Strength 2.5 Repair Reed Accessory

Alomejor

Features

  • SIMPLE TO USE: There is no need to get it wet before using it, which is very easy and convenient to use.
  • LONG TIME USE: This product comes in a pack of 3pcs reeds, enough for long time use and is able to give you a wonderful experience.
  • HIGH QUALITY: The reed is made of good quality resin, which has the feature of safe, non toxic and durable, as well as suitable for long time use.
  • GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied with our product you received, you can send emails to us at any time. We will reply you instantly and help you solve your problem.
  • SCOPE OF APPLICATION: This product is suitable for alto saxophones and saxophone beginners, which is easy to install and use.
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
#TOP 35

D'Addario VENN G2 Synthetic Tenor Sax Reeds

D'Addario

Features

  • Unique layering of polymer fibers give VENN natural flexibility, for response and articulation similar to a cane reed.
  • Combined with resin making VENN resistant to adverse elements and stresses that quickly break down natural cane reeds.
  • VENN is back and better than ever. Introducing Generation 2 of our groundbreaking synthetic reed.
  • Natural cane particles allow VENN to mimic cane, giving a warmer and richer sound.
  • Available for Bb Clarinet, Alto & Tenor Saxophone in single units.

Selecting the Right synthetic saxophone reeds - What to Keep in Mind

Do Legere reeds wear out?

While the lifetime of the reeds differs based on the amount it is used, most musicians agree that with proper care, one Légère reed will last for months. Students are typically able to have one reed last the entire scholastic semester or even longer.

How long should a saxophone reed last?

around a week to two weeks Reeds don't last long This is why the reed is one of the most critical parts. Expect a reed to last for around a week to two weeks. When you change from a reed you've been using for some time to a new reed, the sound of your instrument will change with it.

Do saxophone reeds expire?

Saxophone reeds almost never expire provided that they are not being actively used. This is especially true if the reed is kept in its original container and never played at all.

Can I play with a chipped reed?

You can play on a chipped reed if it's not chipped too bad. But, the damage to the reed will affect the sound. It is not advisable to use chipped reeds because in some cases, it will destroy the sound of your reed instrument or it will be completely unplayable. It is normal for a reed to expire.

Can you play sax with a chipped reed?

Is the Tip Chipped? If you're noticing that the tip of your saxophone reed is chipped, it may be time for a replacement. In some cases, chipped tips won't affect playing, while in other instances chipped reed tips will make the reed completely unplayable.

What reeds do professional saxophone players use?

Vandoren also produces a variety of saxophone reeds including Vandoren Traditional, V12, V16, Java, Java Filed Red Cut, and ZZ. While Vandoren Traditional and V12 reeds are designed for both classical and jazz playing, jazz and commercial saxophonists primarily use Vandoren V16, Java, Java Filed Red Cut and ZZ reeds.

Do you have to soak synthetic reeds?

The advantages of quality synthetic reeds could be many: consistency from reed to reed. consistency of one reed from day to day. no need to soak.

Editor's Notes

To find the best of the best, we've analyzed 83 different options of synthetic saxophone reeds available out there. Our editors have collected over 1001 customer reviews and shortlisted the 35 best synthetic saxophone reeds according to the pros and cons most buyers stated. The selected options have an average rating of 304 and are available at $938 on average.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.