Best Legere Soprano Saxophone Reeds in 2026

EASE OF PLAY – Featuring a thinner vamp and unfiled cut designed for ease of play and a traditional blank for a clear sound, Rico by D’Addario Bb clarinet reeds are ideal for a wide array of playing situations. They are perfect 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.

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 and unfiled cut designed for ease of play and a traditional blank for a clear sound, Rico by D’Addario B♭ clarinet reeds are ideal for a wide array of playing situations. They are perfect 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.

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.

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)

Coated with plastic to resist changes in moisture and climate

Strength 3.5, Unfiled cut, box of 5 reeds

Color video inspection sorts cane quality

<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

<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

<p>Select Jazz reeds in strength 3M feature a thicker spine, combined with a thicker blank and traditional tip, to provide a balanced and round sound with greater projection. </p><p>The Rico Select Jazz cut features a strong, well-defined heart, and longer vamp, yielding unprecedented projection and a clear, fat tone. Available with or without a French file. Offered in 1/3rd strengths, allowing the player to fine-tune their exact strength preference.</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>

Huge sound with powerful projection

Strength 3M, Filed cut, box of 5 reeds

<p>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. </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 3.0, Unfiled cut, package of 3 reeds