Alexander Reeds Superial Tenor Saxophone 2.5

I have a Selmer La Vie tenor which I chose in preference to a Yamaha YTS 280 because I preferred the sound, which I felt had more character. I have learned over time that means it does not have a neutral tone but is somewhat mid-range biased and that is what gives it a great jazz sound. It also means that jazz reeds - D'Addario Select Jazz, Vandoren Java and ZZ are not a good match because they are also mid range biased and it's just too much with my instrument. I have therefore been playing neutral sound reeds, mainly Vandoren blue, which I find a bit stuffy and Rico Royal, which I find a bit rough and ready.

The Alexander Superial reeds were a great find. They are neutral sounding and have a very lively sound. They are responsive and easy to play, and exactly what I needed. It has made a huge difference to the tone of my horn, making it sound more full bodied and alive.

The manufacturing quality is not so good. Most of the reeds in the box are cut with a ragged arc on the spine and one splintered at the tip the first time I put it on the mouthpiece. Somehow it doesn't seem to matter as they play well and sound good.

btw I have tried the Alexander Superial DC and didn't like them. They are too dark for my taste.