C Melody Sax reeds

A frequent question we get at Rico from players relates to what type of reed to use on C Melody Sax. As many of you know, the C Melody sax is pitched in C instead of Bb for Tenor or Eb for Alto. While there is limited ensemble use for C Melody Sax (wind and military band), the fact that it doesn't transpose makes it a versitle horn for reading music written for C instruments.

The C Melody sax is larger than the alto sax and smaller than the tenor sax. With regards to mouthpieces, a true C Melody mouthpiece is similar to a tenor sax mouthpiece. With this type of C Melody Sax mouthpiece, bass clarinet like Rico Royal or Grand Concert Select reeds work well.

However many people simply use an alto sax mouthpiece on C Melody Sax. If you are using an alto sax mouthpiece then alto sax reeds should be used such as Rico Royal or Rico reeds. You can also try the Reserve Alto or Reserve Tenor reeds.

Reserve - a huge fan!

Of course, I work for D'Addario - Rico!


But when being on a stage (I was trained as classical clarinetist in Paris and still perform as solo, chamber music and orchestra player), just the quality of my set-up is important.


I play the Reserve reed for Bb clarinet because I like this dark and deep sound but also the large scope of musical colors I get.


I am currently preparing several concerts with the Mozart Concerto. And Reserve is the reed I will play. It sounds as I like, I feel comfortable and therefore can express myself "ad libitum".


FYI - my set-up is Signature Selmer clarinet / Lomax mouthpiece / Reserve #3.5+ Check out the video of Romain Guyot talking about his equipment:



Just try it and let me know. Thanks.

JFB