D'Addario Woodwinds Rico Woodwinds Hemke Tenor Sax Reeds, Strength 2.5, 5-pack - RHKP5TSX250

I've used Hemke sax reeds for 40 years. They're always perfect, they rarely need any soaking, and they last many gigs if you're careful with them. What's not to like? Addition in Feb. 2022: I see these are sold under the D'Addario name now, instead of Rico. D'Addario took over Rico in 2004, but I've purchased Hemke reeds since then (last purchase was 2016)! After reading post-D'Addario reviews of Hemke reeds in Amazon, it sounds as if the quality control may have slipped with the new branding. I have NOT experienced that (yet). I've loved Hemke reeds since I discovered them--I can break a great reed, pull out a brand new Hemke, wet it a few seconds and begin playing immediately without worrying whether the new reed will respond the same as the old one. They don't need breaking in, they don't need sanding or other maintenance. And when, after years of playing the same reed for gigs, the reed gets tired or acts sluggish or begins playing softer, a quick nip with a reed tip trimmer (take off just the tiniest amount your reed trimmer can remove & test--take off a bit more until you get it back to your preferred firmness) and you're back in business. I play Alto & Tenor Sax professionally, and Hemke reeds have taken the guess work out of selecting a great reed. Every reed in the box is always a great one! Pre-Hemke I was a Vandoren reed user, since I'd tested all the reeds I could get my hands on, and found Vandorens were occasionally awesome (more often than other brands), but often a box of ten would always have one or two poor ones, maybe six acceptable ones, and two great reeds. Examining Vandoren reeds by holding them up to the light, it's easy to see through the tips and observe just how thick or thin they are, and how fine or bold the reed filaments are. I used to buy there where I could inspect two boxes & pick & choose the ones I wanted, but vendors don't allow that anymore. So Hemke's are still my go-to reed 100% of the time for my alto or tenor saxes.

Good box of reeds. They play well out of the box with minimal breaking in. Quality was consistent across the 5 reeds.

To answer the Amazon question concerning use of product and purpose: I use this reed to play my 1918 Buescher C-melody saxophone. I am curious about other uses for an tenor sax reed. The Hemke reeds meet my needs for this horn and for my alto, on which I use the number three reeds.

good right out of the box

The reeds play great straight out of the box. They have a deep, rich tone. I play Vandoren's on alto but stick with these on tenor. It just seems to go with the deep, rich feel of the tenor I suppose... Icing on the cake is the fact that the reeds are packaged in individual plastic cases that I love--the reeds slip in vertically (instead of horizontally like with many other little plastic covers) and the packages have these little ramps that hold the reed in place. They almost feel like mini reed protectors. Some people in their reviews mention that the reeds seem thin and breakable, but I don't get that feel from them. I even sometimes accidentally snag the reed on something and am sure there will be a chip, but I look down to see that the reed is completely undamaged. Perhaps the real test of their durability is the fact that my 9 yo (who is learning to play the saxophone) hasn't managed to chip it either.

Value for the money

As a band teacher I take reed recommendations seriously, especially if a family is hesitant to spend money. After playing saxophone for a couple decades I also feel comfortable changing it up with my setup and know what feels “right” and what just won’t work for me or what causes too much effort to “make it work.” I tested a combination recently of six reed brands/strengths and five mouthpieces and found the Hemke 3 for tenor to have the most versatility and response on every mouthpiece, which I couldn’t say of the others tested. It’s all I play on now and I feel good telling students to check them out. (If you play alto sax try LaVoz Medium Hard for some easy response and playability).

These reeds sound great. I bought a box after being recommended them from a saxophone teacher, and I was immediately impressed with the sound and response I was getting. Will have to see how they hold up, but a couple of hours of playing and I cant say im going to switch back to a different brand any time soon

Para mí son un poco blandas y el sonido no es muy Redondo. Pero la emisión es muy fácil con ellas tanto en grabes como en agudos.

zijn prima in het lage register

Es la primera vez que priebo estás cañas, y me gustaron mucho. Muy buen sonido obscuro, aunque sentí que sacrifica algo de control en los graves, (nada que no puedas corregir con un poco más de aire y control en la embocadura). Quedé satisfecho con su relación calidad - precio.

A good box of reeds

Buone ance per musica classica, hanno rimpiazzato le Vandoren blu che sono estremamente incostanti. Queste, seppur anche loro con una certa variabilità, sono decisamente migliori.