The topic I chose for my science fair project is: Which Saxophone Reeds are the Loudest? I chose this project because my cousin did this project a couple years ago and it inspired me to try for myself. I did not ever hear his final result about which reeds ended up being the loudest. I did hear some of the different materials and strengths of the reeds that he used and I chose more strengths of reeds than he did. There are three important facts about reeds. First, reeds can be altered as well to fit the saxophone player’s needs. There are several tools for this job. There all tools such as files and blades that can be used for altering saxophone reeds. It is possible to shave the reed to make it thinner or to cut the tip of the reed off.
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Synthetic reeds are much easier to play on than cane reeds. Synthetic reeds are plastic, so they provide less resistance than cane reeds. “Synthetic reeds do not have the same feel as traditional cane when played and the tone is quite different. For this reason, most saxophonists choose to play traditional cane reeds.” (Tracy Heavner, 2015) People say the stronger the reed the better. This is not necessarily true. “Young students are often taught that stronger reeds/higher numbers are better. This may help to encourage students to develop strong embouchures, but it is not relevant after learning the basics.” (Andrew Hadro, …show more content…
I am in the marching band and I would like to play louder than I currently do. I have tried many different reeds but I need to officially test which reed produces the loudest sound. I am trying two different materials, plastic, and cane. Cane reeds have a better sound than synthetic reeds. Synthetic reeds have a much more shallow and abrasive sound than cane reeds. “There is a general consensus among professional saxophone players that synthetic reeds sound different (ie: worse) than natural reeds.” (Danielle Luna, 2011) Synthetic reeds last much longer than cane reeds, though. Cane reeds are much more susceptible to warping and cracking than synthetic reeds. Cane reeds are the better choice if you are going for a great-sounding reed; synthetic reeds are a better choice for if you play
Synthetic reeds are much easier to play on than cane reeds. Synthetic reeds are plastic, so they provide less resistance than cane reeds. “Synthetic reeds do not have the same feel as traditional cane when played and the tone is quite different. For this reason, most saxophonists choose to play traditional cane reeds.” (Tracy Heavner, 2015) People say the stronger the reed the better. This is not necessarily true. “Young students are often taught that stronger reeds/higher numbers are better. This may help to encourage students to develop strong embouchures, but it is not relevant after learning the basics.” (Andrew Hadro, …show more content…
I am in the marching band and I would like to play louder than I currently do. I have tried many different reeds but I need to officially test which reed produces the loudest sound. I am trying two different materials, plastic, and cane. Cane reeds have a better sound than synthetic reeds. Synthetic reeds have a much more shallow and abrasive sound than cane reeds. “There is a general consensus among professional saxophone players that synthetic reeds sound different (ie: worse) than natural reeds.” (Danielle Luna, 2011) Synthetic reeds last much longer than cane reeds, though. Cane reeds are much more susceptible to warping and cracking than synthetic reeds. Cane reeds are the better choice if you are going for a great-sounding reed; synthetic reeds are a better choice for if you play