Detail 01
Plasticover coating
Thin plastic film seals the cane, so the reed absorbs less water and stays flat between sets.
Product detailSKU #1274034480696
RicoPlasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds Strength 3.5 Box of 5
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Coated cane tenor sax reeds in a firm 3.5, five per box. For established players who want reeds that hold up to moisture and long playing.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Outdoor or humid gigs where uncoated cane swells and warps
- Doublers who switch horns mid-set and need instant response
- Players already comfortable at 3 wanting more resistance
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners still building embouchure strength
- Players chasing a dark, subtle classical sound
- Anyone on a very open mouthpiece — 3.5 will feel stiff
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Strength 3.5
Firm. Takes more air and a settled embouchure, but gives more control at volume.
Detail 03
Tenor saxophone cut
Sized for tenor only. Will not fit alto, soprano or bari mouthpieces.
Detail 04
Box of 5
About $7.77 a reed. Enough to break in two or three and keep the rest in rotation.
Detail 05
Cane core under the coating
Still natural cane, so strength varies slightly reed to reed even inside one box.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reeds only — no case, ligature or mouthpiece included
- 02The coating still needs breaking in over several short sessions
- 03Strength numbers are not standard across brands; a Rico 3.5 differs from other makers
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How long do Plasticover reeds last?
Longer than plain cane in humid or outdoor conditions, since the coating limits water absorption. Life still depends on playing hours and how well you rotate reeds.
02Is 3.5 too hard for me?
If you play a 2.5 or 3 comfortably on tenor and feel the reed closing up at volume, 3.5 is the next step. If you tire quickly, stay at 3.
03Can I use these on alto sax?
No. These are cut for tenor. An alto mouthpiece needs alto reeds.
04Do I still need to wet them?
Yes. Wet the reed before playing so it seats flat on the mouthpiece table, even though it absorbs less than uncoated cane.
