Best tenor saxophone reeds

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 2, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best tenor saxophone reeds one can find on the market today. We've found about 50 of tenor saxophone reeds and selected the 28 top options by Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals, Galaxy Audio. Read on to find out what exactly made us pick these ones.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

20 Pcs Bamboo Saxophone Reeds
#TOP 1
20 Pcs Bamboo Saxophone Reeds
ftb score rating icon 10
PBM Score
Vandoren SR272 Tenor Sax JAVA Reeds Strength 2
#TOP 2
Vandoren SR272 Tenor Sax JAVA Reeds Strength 2
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Vandoren SR223 Tenor Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 3
#TOP 3
Vandoren SR223 Tenor Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 3
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score

Top 28 Best tenor saxophone reeds Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

20 Pcs Bamboo Saxophone Reeds

Exasinine

Features

  • Can provide a better sound
  • Material: bamboo
  • Size: fits Bb tenor saxophone
  • Comes with good quality
  • Perfect gifts to send to saxophone lovers
#TOP 2

Vandoren SR272 Tenor Sax JAVA Reeds Strength 2

Vandoren

Features

  • Vibrates over a longer palette producing a bright sound with immediate response
  • More flexible than Traditional and V16 reeds
  • Also available in other strengths
  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
#TOP 3

Vandoren SR223 Tenor Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 3

Vandoren

Features

  • Item Package Weight: 0.023 kilograms
  • Package Dimensions: 2.54 L x 12.7 H x 4.318 W (centimeters)
  • Each reed is cut from field-dried cane that grown in the Var region of France
  • Consistently responsive and wonderfully centered
#TOP 4

Vandoren SR273 Tenor Sax JAVA Reeds Strength 3

Vandoren

Features

  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
  • More flexible than Traditional and V16 reeds
  • Vibrates over a longer palette producing a bright sound with immediate response
  • Also available in other strengths
#TOP 5

Vandoren SR2225 Tenor Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 2.5

Vandoren

Features

  • Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
  • Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
  • Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
#TOP 6

Vandoren SR2235 Tenor Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 3.5

Vandoren

Features

  • Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
  • Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
  • Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
#TOP 7

Vandoren SR273R Tenor Sax JAVA Red Reeds Strength 3

Vandoren

Features

  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
  • Also available in other strengths
  • First file cut reed from Vandoren which is ideal for jazz and popular music
  • Relative of JAVA reed family
#TOP 8

Vandoren SR423 Tenor Sax ZZ Reeds Strength 3

Vandoren

Features

  • The unique relationship between the heart and tip provides extaordinary color, great response and a durable life
  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
  • Combines medium-thick heart, spine and rounded tip of V16 reed with the flexible platte design of the JAVA reed
  • Also available in other strengths
  • Immediately responsive without sacraficing the brightness or tone quality required for this style of music
#TOP 9

Rico by D'Addario RKA1020 Tenor Sax Reeds

Rico by D'Addario

Features

  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
  • Designed for a wide variety of playing situations, Rico Reeds in strength 2.0 are designed to vibrate easily. Featuring an unfiled cut and thinner vamp, Rico offers an ease of play that, combined with its affordable price and convenient packaging options, explains why more musicians worldwide find Rico the best value. Rico reeds have been the standard among reed players for generations. All Rico reeds are manufactured on state-of-the-art equipment that ensure an accurate cut and smooth finish. Every reed is precisely graded for its strength and quality, making Rico the best value for students and professionals alike.Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more.
  • Strength 2.0, Unfiled cut, box of 10 reeds
  • Also offered in 3-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
  • Priced affordably for educators
  • Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
#TOP 10

Rico Tenor Sax Reeds

D'Addario Woodwinds

Features

  • Strength 3.0, Unfiled cut, box of 10 reeds
  • Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
  • Also offered in 3-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
  • Priced affordably for educators
  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
#TOP 11

Rico by D'Addario Tenor Sax Reeds

D'Addario

Features

  • Also offered in 3-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
  • Strength 2.5, Unfiled cut, box of 10 reeds
  • Priced affordably for educators
  • Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
  • Designed for a wide variety of playing situations, Rico Reeds in strength 2.5 are designed to vibrate easily. Featuring an unfiled cut and thinner vamp, Rico offers an ease of play that, combined with its affordable price and convenient packaging options, explains why more musicians worldwide find Rico the best value. Rico reeds have been the standard among reed players for generations. All Rico reeds are manufactured on state-of-the-art equipment that ensure an accurate cut and smooth finish. Every reed is precisely graded for its strength and quality, making Rico the best value for students and professionals alike.Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more.
#TOP 12

D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Select Jazz Tenor Sax Reeds

D'Addario Woodwinds

Features

  • Available in third strengths from 2 to 4, in S (Soft), M (Medium), and H (Hard)
  • Outstanding control and projection
  • Strength 2M, Filed cut, box of 5 reeds
  • Huge sound with powerful projection
  • Offered in both Filed and Unfiled models
#TOP 13

D’Addario Woodwinds Rico Tenor Sax Reeds

Rico by D'Addario

Features

  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
  • Strength 2.5, Unfiled cut, package of 3 reeds
  • Priced affordably for educators
  • Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
  • Designed for a wide variety of playing situations, Rico Reeds in strength 2.5 are designed to vibrate easily. Featuring an unfiled cut and thinner vamp, Rico offers an ease of play that, combined with its affordable price and convenient packaging options, explains why more musicians worldwide find Rico the best value. Rico reeds have been the standard among reed players for generations. All Rico reeds are manufactured on state-of-the-art equipment that ensure an accurate cut and smooth finish. Every reed is precisely graded for its strength and quality, making Rico the best value for students and professionals alike.Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more.
  • Also offered in 10-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
#TOP 14

Vandoren SRMIXT25 Tenor Sax Jazz Reed Mix Card includes 1 each ZZ

Vandoren

Features

  • Economical way to try out all four jazz style reeds
  • Each reed has their own unique characteristics worth sampling
  • Also available in other strengths
  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
  • Reed comparison chart included on all Mix Cards
#TOP 15

Vandoren SRMIXT35 Tenor Sax Jazz Reed Mix Card includes 1 each ZZ

Vandoren

Features

  • Reed comparison chart included on all Mix Cards
  • Each reed has their own unique characteristics worth sampling
  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
  • Economical way to try out all four jazz style reeds
  • Also available in other strengths
#TOP 16

Vandoren SR823 Tenor Saxophone V21 Reeds Strength 3

Vandoren

Features

  • Unique conical design
  • Designed for players looking for added focus, smoothness and consistency
  • Built on the success of the Bb Clarinet V21 introduced in 2015
  • Offers musicians a warm and centered sound
  • Clear and compact response
#TOP 17

Rico Select Jazz Tenor Sax Reeds

D'Addario Woodwinds

Features

  • Offered in both Filed and Unfiled models
  • Outstanding control and projection
  • Strength 3M, Filed cut, box of 5 reeds
  • Huge sound with powerful projection
  • Available in third strengths from 2 to 4, in S (Soft), M (Medium), and H (Hard)
#TOP 18

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 19

Vandoren SR222 Tenor Sax Traditional Reeds Strength 2

Vandoren

Features

  • Extremely flexible, allowing the legato or staccato execution of large intervals while maintaining a richness of tone that gives body and clarity to the sound, which is a hallmark of Vandoren reeds.
  • Traditional reeds are available for all clarinets and saxophones in various strengths.
  • Traditional reeds are known for their excellent response in all registers, allowing a pianissimo attack in even highest notes.
  • Every reed sealed in 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness.
#TOP 20

Royal by D'Addario Tenor Sax Reeds

D'Addario Woodwinds

Features

  • Works well for both classical and jazz applications
  • Traditional Rico cut with a stronger spine
  • Strength 2.0, Filed cut, box of 10 reeds
  • Also offered in 3-reed packs
  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
#TOP 21

Royal Tenor Sax Reeds

D'Addario Woodwinds

Features

  • Also offered in 3-reed packs
  • Traditional Rico cut with a stronger spine
  • Works well for both classical and jazz applications
  • Strength 3.0, Filed cut, box of 10 reeds
  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
#TOP 22

Rico by D'Addario Tenor Sax Reeds

Rico by D'Addario

Features

  • Strength 2.0, Unfiled cut, package of 3 reeds
  • Designed for a wide variety of playing situations, Rico Reeds in strength 2.0 are designed to vibrate easily. Featuring an unfiled cut and thinner vamp, Rico offers an ease of play that, combined with its affordable price and convenient packaging options, explains why more musicians worldwide find Rico the best value. Rico reeds have been the standard among reed players for generations. All Rico reeds are manufactured on state-of-the-art equipment that ensure an accurate cut and smooth finish. Every reed is precisely graded for its strength and quality, making Rico the best value for students and professionals alike.Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more.
  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
  • Also offered in 10-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
  • Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
  • Priced affordably for educators
#TOP 23

D’Addario Woodwinds Hemke Tenor Sax Reeds

D'Addario

Features

  • Strength 3.0, Filed cut, box of 5 reeds
  • Shorter vamp for a darker tone
  • The Frederick L. Hemke reeds in strength 3.0 feature a thinner tip and shorter vamp for easy response combined with a medium spine thickness for a warm sound with good resistance. Frederick L. Hemke reeds, part of the Rico family of reeds, provide the dark tone favored by many classical and traditional jazz saxophonists. The design is especially well-suited to traditional, round-chambered mouthpieces.Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more.
  • Balanced, slightly thinner tip for quick response and articulation
  • Offered in strengths 2.0 to 4.0
  • Filed to increase depth in harmonics
#TOP 24

Rico Tenor Sax Reeds

Rico by D'Addario

Features

  • Strength 3.0, Unfiled cut, package of 3 reeds
  • Also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones
  • Designed for a wide variety of playing situations, Rico Reeds in strength 3.0 are designed to vibrate easily. Featuring an unfiled cut and thinner vamp, Rico offers an ease of play that, combined with its affordable price and convenient packaging options, explains why more musicians worldwide find Rico the best value. Rico reeds have been the standard among reed players for generations. All Rico reeds are manufactured on state-of-the-art equipment that ensure an accurate cut and smooth finish. Every reed is precisely graded for its strength and quality, making Rico the best value for students and professionals alike.Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more.
  • Priced affordably for educators
  • Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play
  • Also offered in 10-reed packs and 25-reed Novapak reed dispensers
#TOP 25

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 26

La Voz Tenor Saxophone Reeds

D'Addario

Features

  • Available in strengths from 'soft' To 'hard'
  • Suitable for multiple musical styles
  • Offered in packs of 5
  • Stronger spine for a fuller tone
  • Available for all Saxophones, Bb Clarinet, and bass clarinet
#TOP 27

EASTROCK Tenor Saxophone Reeds 2.0/2.5/3.0

EASTROCK

Features

  • After sales: all the instruments and instrument accessories of EASTROCK enjoy one-year after-sales service
  • Appearance: file cut design, suitable for pop music and classical music.
  • Package: designed for beginners, 10 pieces in one box, easy to carry
  • Material characteristics: reed with a growth period of more than two years is used, which is not easy to deform.
  • Timbre: stable vibration, low resistance, soft and bright sound
#TOP 28

Legere Tenor Saxophone Signature Series 3.0

Legere

Features

  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Completely Non-Toxic
  • Does not have to be preconditioned before playing
  • Strength: #3
  • Has the properties of moist cane
  • No Risk, 30 day Exchange Policy

Selecting the Ideal tenor saxophone reeds: The Buyer's Guide

Are Rico reeds softer than Vandoren?

The Vandoren Blue Box are a Half strength harder than Rico. I'm enjoying Vandoren Juno clarinet reeds at the moment and these are numbered the same as Rico. The Juno reeds are also consistent in that they all play much the same. With Blue Box Vandoren I could never find two the same.

Does saxophone damage your teeth?

Most of the problems are experienced by musicians who play the saxophone or clarinet as they will put a lot of pressure on the lower lip and the teeth to support the weight of the saxophone/clarinet. Teeth misalignment may also be experienced if they play the instruments extensively.

How do I know my reed size?

The most important factor in selecting a reed is the reed thickness. Reed thickness is most often expressed as a number. The normal range for reeds is 2 to 5: the lower the number, the thinner the reed, and the higher the number, the thicker the reed.

Should you soak reeds in water?

You should soak your reeds for about one minute with saliva. This ensures that the reed is moist enough to play well without being so wet that it becomes waterlogged. If the reed is brand new, you may want to soak it more thoroughly with water for about twenty minutes before working with it.

Is a 2.5 reed good?

Thinner reeds (between 2 and 2.5) are good for beginners since it vibrates more easily and it has a brighter tone; preferred among Jazz players! On the other hand, thicker reeds with a size of 4 to 5 are harder and need more skill to sounds, but the tone is a lot bolder.

Whats better filed or unfiled reeds?

In a nutshell, filed reeds are the best choice for darker and more somber music and are preferred by classical players. On the other hand, unfiled reeds are pop and jazz players' choice as they're known for the brightness of sound and ease of playability.

Which reed brand is the best?

ImageModelFeatures
Our #1 Pick!Vandoren V16 ReedsProduces a more brilliant and percussive sound than Vandoren alteratives.
Most versatileRoyal by D'AddarioExtremely versatile, good value for money
Best for funk & bluesD'Addario La VozFree-blowing, played by many top jazz, funk and R&B players

Editor's Notes

To compile this list of the top tenor saxophone reeds we spent 41 hours to analyze over 1325 buyer reviews carefully. Eventually, our editors selected the 28 models most people truly liked. They boast of the rating of 264, on average, and cost around $696.

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.