Detail 01
Plasticover coating
Sealed cane resists moisture swings, so pitch and response stay steady outdoors and across a long night.
Product detailSKU #1274034480748
RicoPlasticover Tenor Saxophone Reeds Strength 4 Box of 5
1/2
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Plastic-coated tenor sax reeds in a hard strength 4. For experienced players with a resistant setup who want reeds that survive humidity and long sets.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Outdoor gigs and humid rooms where cane reeds go soft
- Players already comfortable on strength 3.5 moving up
- Doubling situations needing a reed that plays instantly
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — strength 4 takes serious embouchure strength
- Players chasing a warm, complex classical tone
- Anyone on a close-tip mouthpiece; the combination gets very 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 4
Hard. More resistance, more volume ceiling, more air required. Not a strength to start on.
Detail 03
Box of 5
Fewer reeds per box than a 10-pack, so cost per reed runs higher.
Detail 04
Tenor cut
Sized for tenor only. Won't fit alto, soprano or baritone mouthpieces.
Detail 05
Cane under the coating
Still natural cane, so reed-to-reed variation exists. Not every one in the box will play the same.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reeds only — no mouthpiece, ligature or reed case included
- 02Coating means shorter break-in, but rotate reeds to extend life
- 03If you play 3 or below, order down; 4 is a big jump
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01How long do Plasticover reeds last?
The coating slows waterlogging, so they typically outlast plain cane. Rotating between several reeds in the box stretches that further.
02Do these sound different from regular Rico reeds?
The coating gives a brighter, more cutting edge with quicker response. Players wanting a darker, softer sound usually stay with uncoated cane.
03Is strength 4 too hard for me?
If you currently play 2.5 or 3 comfortably, yes. Strength 4 needs a developed embouchure and steady air support.
04Will these fit my tenor mouthpiece?
They're cut for standard tenor saxophone mouthpieces. Very wide or unusual tip openings may pair better with a softer strength.
