Best Daddario Woodwinds Alto Saxophone Reeds in 2026

<p>The Frederick L. Hemke reeds in strength 3.5 feature a thinner tip and shorter vamp for easy response combined with a medium spine thickness for a warm sound with good resistance. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.<p>

Shorter vamp for a darker tone

Strength 3.5, Filed cut, box of 5 reeds

<p>La Voz reeds in Medium strength feature a traditional tip thickness combined with a stronger spine and an unfiled cut for more resistance and a full tone. </p><p>Crafted from premium cane for consistent response and playability, La Voz is the choice of professional saxophonists. Unfiled for a deep, powerful tone, La Voz is the reed of choice for many of the world's top jazz musicians. Available for saxophone and clarinet in boxes of ten reeds.</p><p>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.<p>

Stronger spine for more resistance

Medium strength, Unfiled cut, box of 10 reeds

<p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.<p>

Shorter vamp for a darker tone

Strength 3.0, Filed cut, box of 5 reeds

Available in black, red, yellow, green, blue, and purple

Each reed guard holds four reeds

Available in two sizes: Small (Bb Clarinet, Soprano & Alto Saxophone), and Large (Bass Clarinet, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones)

Conveniently stores four tenor/baritone sax reeds

Affordably priced

Comes in black

<p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.<p>

Thinner vamp cut designed for ease of play

Strength 2.5, Unfiled cut, package of 3 reeds

DISCONTINUED: This discontinued reed is now available in our new organic reed!

THICK BLANK: Reserve Classic thick blank reeds offer a rich, warm tone, a heavy spine for dynamic flexibility and exceptional tone quality, a narrow rail slope for consistency of response, and a traditional tip thickness for ease of articulation.

ADVANCED PLAYERS: Ideal for the advancing student and professional