After introducing Superial, Tom Alexander wanted to add another model to their line which they thought might meet the needs of players who were looking for a different style cut and tonal response.

Using the same cane, they made exhaustive tests and alterations to fabricate a reed with somewhat changed response characteristics from the original Superial, and thus the new Superial "DC" (or "Double Cut) was created.

This reed has a slightly harder tip and more wood in the heart and sides than Superial and therefore produces a more solid tonal core, enhanced projection and power, and a little darker harmonic timbre than Superial, but still one with the kind of "edge" and authority needed in soloing or lead work.

For "DC" they was thinking in terms of a tonal concept reminiscent of the saxophonists they had admired and been influenced by from the 1950's to the "Blue Note", "Miles" and "Trane", and "Wayne" eras.

They also had in mind a reed of increased power that would be particularly suitable for big band, stage band or marching reed players, as well. So in a sense, they worked on "DC" with an idea of making a reed that fit closest to the tonal palate of their own musical influences and this became the reed Tom Alexander used on Tenor most of the time.

Since its introduction in 1995, "DC" seems to be especially favored by professionals who need a lot of power and want to push the reed to the limits of its dynamic capabilities, while still retaining an even balance from top to bottom.

Strenghts from #1.5 to #4.5 available.  Right now we are only carrying the boxes of 5 reeds and are only stocking #2.5 and #3 at this time, but can special order other strengths or boxes of 10 for you as well.

I have found with these reeds, that you can't judge them by a first play.  You must continue to use them for a while as they get better with use.

After the introduction of Superial, "DC", and Classique in the 1990's, Tom Alexander began to conceive of a model which would add a new and different dimension to the tonal universe of his reeds.

This reed was born following extensive conversations and correspondence between Tom and the legendary late, great Jazz saxophone genius Michael Brecker beginning some years ago. Without Michael's gracious and invaluable feedback following  experimentation with different prototype designs, this new reed simply would not have come into existence.  It was a singular honor to have been guided by this greatly missed, phenomenal musical spirit and exceptional human being.

NY was also thoroughly field tested by subjecting it to many months of on the job playing in the concert and tour performances of several of our World Artists who gave it their seal of approval and use it as their primary reed today.

The result is a new reed made with the same high grade S. France cane, yet a redesigned tip and profile which produces a big and bold sound, full response throughout the registers and the type of vibrant, solid tone traditionally associated with that of the New York music scene.  The tip is somewhat harder than Superial DC which gives it a sustaining power, especially in the high end of the horn.

We welcome you to debut our new work, Alexander N Y.

Only #3.5 available at this time at a VERY SPECIAL PRICE!! (Boxes of 5) 

Don't judge these reeds by the first time you play them.  I have found that they get better the more you play them. 

After the introduction of Superial, "DC", and Classique in the 1990's, Tom Alexander began to conceive of a model which would add a new and different dimension to the tonal universe of his reeds.

This reed was born following extensive conversations and correspondence between Tom and the legendary late, great Jazz saxophone genius Michael Brecker beginning some years ago. Without Michael's gracious and invaluable feedback following  experimentation with different prototype designs, this new reed simply would not have come into existence.  It was a singular honor to have been guided by this greatly missed, phenomenal musical spirit and exceptional human being.

NY was also thoroughly field tested by subjecting it to many months of on the job playing in the concert and tour performances of several of our World Artists who gave it their seal of approval and use it as their primary reed today.

The result is a new reed made with the same high grade S. France cane, yet a redesigned tip and profile which produces a big and bold sound, full response throughout the registers and the type of vibrant, solid tone traditionally associated with that of the New York music scene.  The tip is somewhat harder than Superial DC which gives it a sustaining power, especially in the high end of the horn.

We welcome you to debut our new work, Alexander N Y.

Strenghts from #1.5 to #4.5 available.  Right now we are only carrying the boxes of 5 reeds and are only stocking #2.5 and #3 at this time, but can special order other strengths or boxes of 10 for you as well.

I have found with these reeds, that you can't judge them by a first play.  You must continue to use them for a while as they get better with use.

In the early 1990's, after many months of intense development and testing of prototypes, the original "Alexander Superial" was put into production.

Tom Alexanders aim with this first model was to design a reed which produced a warm, resonant "buzz", good projection, even scale throughout the registers, and a wide dynamic range. In other words he wanted this reed to provide a tonal platform that was free blowing, capable of quick and accurate articulation, and one that gave immediate presence.

This was in line with the tonal concept of the "American" style single cut reeds, but with more developed heart and rear vamp area, one with "spring" and natural resilience needed to produce a really big sound.

He ran an extensive testing program with various professionals and we were also fortunate enough to have the valuable feedback from the renowned veteran mouthpiece maker Ralph Morgan, his excellent crew and others.

After all the testing confirmed the good results of the final prototype, Tom believed he had finally come up with a reed worthy of manufacture.

Only #3.5 available at this time at a VERY SPECIAL PRICE!! (Boxes of 5 & 10) 

Don't judge these reeds by the first time you play them.  I have found that they get better the more you play them. 

In the early 1990's, after many months of intense development and testing of prototypes, the original "Alexander Superial" was put into production.

Tom Alexanders aim with this first model was to design a reed which produced a warm, resonant "buzz", good projection, even scale throughout the registers, and a wide dynamic range. In other words he wanted this reed to provide a tonal platform that was free blowing, capable of quick and accurate articulation, and one that gave immediate presence.

This was in line with the tonal concept of the "American" style single cut reeds, but with more developed heart and rear vamp area, one with "spring" and natural resilience needed to produce a really big sound.

He ran an extensive testing program with various professionals and we were also fortunate enough to have the valuable feedback from the renowned veteran mouthpiece maker Ralph Morgan, his excellent crew and others.

After all the testing confirmed the good results of the final prototype, Tom believed he had finally come up with a reed worthy of manufacture.

Strenghts from #1.5 to #4.5 available.  Right now we are only carrying the boxes of 5 reeds and are only stocking #2.5 and #3 at this time, but can special order other strengths or boxes of 10 for you as well.

I have found with these reeds, that you can't judge them by a first play.  You must continue to use them for a while as they get better with use.

Discontinued item.

Only Hard strength left.

Price per reed.

Eastman "Esperto" Reeds are made from premium French, Var Region, cane.  Esperto Reeds begin with the thickest cane so that the blank used incorporates the best part of the cane into the most important parts of the finished reed.  Each handcrafted Esperto Reed is selected for its straight grain and consistent measurements from heel to tip. 

These reeds that are beautifully finished and consistent, in a French Style cut, at a VERY reasonable price!  Available strengths are in half sizes from #2.5 through #5.  #2.5 through #3.5 are generally in stock.

(Box of 10)

Eastman "Esperto" Reeds are made from premium French, Var Region, cane.  Esperto Reeds begin with the thickest cane so that the blank used incorporates the best part of the cane into the most important parts of the finished reed.  Each handcrafted Esperto Reed is selected for its straight grain and consistent measurements from heel to tip. 

These reeds that are beautifully finished and consistent, in a French Style cut, at a VERY reasonable price!  Available strengths are in half sizes from #2.5 through #5.  #2.5 through #3.5 are generally in stock.

(Box of 10)

Eastman "Esperto" Reeds are made from premium French, Var Region, cane.  Esperto Reeds begin with the thickest cane so that the blank used incorporates the best part of the cane into the most important parts of the finished reed.  Each handcrafted Esperto Reed is selected for its straight grain and consistent measurements from heel to tip. 

These reeds that are beautifully finished and consistent, in a French Style cut, at a VERY reasonable price!  Available strengths are half sizes from #2.5 through #5.  #2.5 through #3.5 are generally in stock. 

(Box of 6)

Eastman "Venuto" Reeds are made from premium French, Var Region, cane and feature excellent response in all registers and dynamics.  Each reed is precisely cut in a French Style using a long cut to achieve flexibility at the heart of the reed for a great legato and staccato articulation in all registers.

These reeds are beautifully finished and consistent at a VERY reasonable price!  Available strengths are in half sizes from #2 through #5.  #2.5 through #3.5 are generally in stock.

(Box of 10)

Eastman "Venuto" Reeds are made from premium French, Var Region, cane and feature excellent response in all registers and dynamics.  Each reed is precisely cut in a French Style using a long cut to achieve flexibility at the heart of the reed for a great legato and staccato articulation in all registers.

These reeds are beautifully finished and consistent at a VERY reasonable price!  Available strengths are in half sizes from #2 through #5.  #2.5 through #3.5 are generally in stock.

(Box of 10)

Eastman "Venuto" Reeds are made from premium French, Var Region, cane and feature excellent response in all registers and dynamics.  Each reed is precisely cut in a French Style using a long cut to achieve flexibility at the heart of the reed for a great legato and staccato articulation in all registers.

These reeds are beautifully finished and consistent at a VERY reasonable price!  Available strengths are in half sizes from #2 through #5.  #2.5 through #3.5 are generally in stock. 

The “Classique” reed for alto sax was developed through the experience of Francois Louis as a saxophonist combined with the advice of many classical musicians, who have tried prototypes and confirmed his selections in the creation of this reed.

These play about one half strength softer. (Alto "Classique" #4 plays more like #3.5.) Everyone that has purchased these has commented that NEARLY EVERY REED played out of the box! That makes your price per reed lower than other brands which usually have only 2 or 3 reeds playing well out of the box. These are the best playing reeds I have come across in the last 10 or 15 years!

The Classique Reeds are available for alto saxophone and for clarinet, in strengths from 2 - 5. (Clarinet Reeds can be special ordered, but are not normally in stock.)

French File Cut.  Price per box of 10.

François Louis developed the Excellence reed to meet jazz saxophonists’ expectations: consistency, strength and durability.  Its progressive flexibility on the longer portion helps to produce a fuller and deeper tone on the most popular jazz mouthpieces while maintaining body and stability in the higher register.

Everyone that has purchased these has commented that NEARLY EVERY REED played right out of the box!  That makes your price per reed lower than other brands which usually have only 2 or 3 reeds playing well out of the box.  These are the best playing reeds I have come across in the last 10 to 15 years!

The Excellence Reeds are available in strengths from 2 - 5.  These play about 1/2 to one full strength softer than indicated. ("Excellence" #3 plays more like #2.5 or #2.)  

Non-French Cut.  Price per box of 10.