Detail 01
Strength 4
Stiff. Needs firm embouchure and steady air, but resists closing up when you push volume.
Product detailSKU #1274034480716
Rico RoyalTenor Saxophone Reeds, Box of 10 Strength 4
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A box of ten strength 4 tenor sax reeds. For established players who already know a hard reed suits their setup and want a bulk supply.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Players who already settled on a 4 and go through reeds
- Loud sections where a stiffer reed holds pitch under pressure
- Stocking a case so a dead reed never ends rehearsal
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — strength 4 takes more air than a new embouchure has
- Anyone unsure of their strength; buy a smaller mixed box first
- Alto, soprano or baritone players — these are tenor cut only
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
Royal cut
Filed, with a thinner area behind the tip. Responds faster and sounds brighter than an unfiled cut.
Detail 03
Box of 10
Enough that you can sort them and set aside the two or three that play best.
Detail 04
Cane reed
Natural material, so each one plays slightly differently. Expect some duds in any box.
Detail 05
Tenor saxophone cut
Sized to a tenor mouthpiece. Will not seat correctly on alto, soprano or bari.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reeds only — no mouthpiece, ligature or reed case included
- 02Wet the reed before playing; dry cane chips at the tip
- 03A 4 on one mouthpiece can feel like a 3.5 on another
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is strength 4 too hard for me?
If you are new to tenor, yes. A 4 needs a developed embouchure and strong air support. Most players work up to it from 2.5 or 3.
02How long does a reed last?
It varies with how much you play and how well you rotate them. Rotating three or four reeds rather than playing one to death stretches a box considerably.
03Will these fit my alto?
No. These are cut for tenor saxophone. Alto uses a smaller reed and a tenor reed will overhang the mouthpiece.
04What is the difference between Rico and Rico Royal?
Royal is the filed cut — there is a strip of bark removed behind the tip. It responds more easily and sounds brighter than the unfiled Rico cut.
