reeds


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BRANCHER Classic and BRANCHER Jazz
Vandoren Java and ZZ reeds
Rico Royal reeds

Sopranino	Soprano	Alto	Tenor	Baritone
	Brancher Jazz
	Brancher Classic
	Vandoren ZZ
	Vandoren Java
Vandoren Traditional
	Rico Royal
Reed Resurfacers

Vandoren Reed Resurfacers
Reeds swell when wet and often can change shape enough to adversely affect their seal with the mouthpiece. This makes playing difficult or can turn an otherwise good reed bad. Use Vandoren's reed resurfacer to flatten the back of the reed (when wet) to improve its playability.

Reeds can vary enough in stiffness within a stiffness grade to make some reeds harder to play than a player may prefer. Use Vandoren's reed resurfacer to remove a little cane from the back of the reed to make playing easier.

Vandoren Basic Reed Resurfacer
A flat abrasive material bonded to a reference flat surface
Price: $6.95

Vandoren Deluxe Etched Glass Reed Resurfacer with Profile Tool
An etched glass flat abrasive plate and a conical etched glass abrasive rod with washable surfaces. Beautifully made
Price: $51.99.

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BRANCHER Reeds
These are our favorite! In the Var region of France, there is a small cane grower with substantial stocks of slow-growing wild cane.... the best cane we know of. This company makes reeds under their own name but, for whatever reason, they are not very good. Enter a crop of small businessmen-players and you have the numerous collaborations that have produced reeds under the names Peter Ponzol, Alexander Superial etc. and, the best of these... BRANCHER reeds. Pascal Brancher is a player and a savvy designer. His reeds won hands down in a blind play-test we performed here and we placed our order immediately.

BRANCHER reeds are made from wild grown French cane, selected for its consistency and density. These reeds play better and longer than reeds made of plantation grown cane. Best of all, they last longer too.

Two versions are offered... Classic and Jazz. Do not confuse these unfortunate names with the fact that each model has its own sound and each can be used wherever the player desires.

BRANCHER Classic Reeds:
Sound character is comparable to the warm sound of Vandoren ZZ or Rico Jazz Select reeds, but the palette is richer and response is better.

BRANCHER Classic Reeds	Soprano Box of 6 $12.49	Alto Box of 6 $15.99	Tenor Box of 4 $15.99	Baritone Box of 4 $24.99
# 1 1/2
# 2
# 2 1/2
# 3
# 3 1/2
# 4

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BRANCHER Jazz Reeds
These are our favorite! In the Var region of France, there is a small cane grower with substantial stocks of slow-growing wild cane.... the best cane we know of. This company makes reeds under their own name but, for whatever reason, they are not very good. Enter a crop of small businessmen-players and you have the numerous collaborations that have produced reeds under the names Peter Ponzol, Alexander Superial etc. and, the best of these... BRANCHER reeds. Pascal Brancher is a player and a savvy designer. His reeds won hands down in a blind play-test we performed here and we placed our order immediately.

BRANCHER reeds are made from wild grown French cane, selected for its consistency and density. These reeds play better and longer than reeds made of plantation grown cane. Best of all, they last longer too.

Two versions are offered... Classic and Jazz. Do not confuse these unfortunate names with the fact that each model has its own sound and each can be used wherever the player desires.

BRANCHER Jazz Reeds:
This reed design has a thinner cut than the Classic and these reeds are easier to play and more responsive. They play with a brighter sound with just a little edge. Sound character is comparable to Vandoren Java but with more punch.
IMPORTANT: Select a stiffness grade # 1/2 step stiffer than your usual reed if you play VanDoren reeds or Brancher Classic reeds..

BRANCHER Jazz Reeds	Soprano Box of 6 $12.49	Alto Box of 6 $15.99	Tenor Box of 4 $15.99	Baritone Box of 4 $24.99
# 2 (equivalent strength to most # 1 1/2 reeds)
# 2 1/2 (equivalent strength to most # 2 reeds)
# 3 (equivalent strength to most # 2 1/2 reeds)
# 3 1/2 (equivalent strength to most # 3 reeds)
# 4 (equivalent strength to most # 3 1/2 reeds)
# 5 (equivalent strength to most # 4 reeds)

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Rico Royal Reeds
The thin tip makes the reed play well instantly however reed life is only moderate. A great value among reed makes today.

Rico Royal Reeds	Soprano Box of 10 $15.29	Alto Box of 10 $18.29
# 2
# 2 1/2
# 3 1/2
# 4

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Vandoren ZZ
Released in the spring of 2003, these reeds feature a thicker tip than the Java and even than the V16. But the vamp has been thinned compared to the V16 to make it more consistent and easier to play. V16s could be a little inconsistent and a little too heavy for most players.The result is a dark reed with a ton of power. Perfect for strong aggressive players.

Vandoren ZZ Reeds	Soprano Box of 10 Price: $20.99	Alto Box of 10 Price: $25.99	Tenor Box of 5 Price: $18.99
#2
# 2 1/2
# 3
# 3 1/2
# 4

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Vandoren Java
These reeds are thinner and brighter than the Vandoren Traditional and ZZ reeds. Reminiscent of the Rico Royal but with a finer grade of cane. Noticeably smoother in finish than the Rico Royal but a touch darker. Their flexible cut is perfect for exp ressive music styles.

Vandoren Java Reeds	Soprano Box of 10 Price: $20.99	Alto Box of 10 Price: $25.99	Tenor Box of 5 Price: $18.99
# 1 1/2	n/a
# 2
# 2 1/2
# 3
# 3 1/2
# 4

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Vandoren Traditional
This dark, thick cut reed is ideal for the natural brightness of the sopranino saxophone.

Vandoren Traditional Reeds	Soprano Box of 10 Price: $19.49	Sopranino Box of 10 Price: $24.99
# 2
# 3
# 4

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