Detail 01
Strength 3
Middle of the range. More resistance than a 2.5, so it takes steadier air but holds up under pressure.
Product detailSKU #1274228081538
VandorenAlto Sax V16 Reeds Strength 3 Box of 10
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A ten-pack of strength 3 alto sax reeds. Mid-strength, so it suits a player with a settled embouchure on a medium-lay mouthpiece.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Alto players who already know 3 is their strength
- Stocking up before a season of rehearsals or gigs
- Students moving up from softer 2 or 2.5 reeds
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Tenor, soprano or bari players — alto cut only
- Very new players still building embouchure strength
- Anyone wanting to sample strengths before committing to ten
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
Box of 10
Roughly a semester of playing. Reeds vary within a box, so expect a few standouts and a few duds.
Detail 03
Alto saxophone cut
Shaped for the alto mouthpiece table. It will not seal correctly on tenor, soprano or bari.
Detail 04
Cane reed
Natural material, so humidity and storage change how it plays. Each reed wears out with hours of use.
Detail 05
$39 for ten
Under four dollars a reed, which is the reason to buy the box instead of singles.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reeds only — no mouthpiece, ligature or cap included
- 02Rotate several reeds rather than playing one until it dies
- 03Strength is not standard across brands; a 3 here may feel different elsewhere
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these work on my tenor sax?
No. These are cut for alto. A tenor reed is longer and wider, and an alto reed will not seat properly on a tenor mouthpiece.
02Is strength 3 too hard for a beginner?
For a true beginner, usually yes. Most start around 2 or 2.5 and move to 3 once the embouchure holds a steady tone without fatigue.
03How many reeds are in the box?
Ten.
04How long will a box last?
Depends on hours played. Practicing daily and rotating four reeds at a time, a box commonly covers several months.
