D'ADDARIO PLASTICOVER ALTO SAXOPHONE REEDS 3.5

Plasticover: A Rico Reference Designed for Stability

Plasticover reeds follow the spirit of the Rico standard cut : a direct playing feel, good ease of sound production, and a balance suitable for many mouthpieces. Their specialty is the plastic coating which adds real value in daily use: the reed remains more stable when the air is humid, when moving between environments, or during long performances where response consistency can become critical.

This "Plasticover" version has become a frequent choice among musicians seeking a bright sound and immediate projection, while benefiting from a lifespan often longer than that of an uncoated reed (depending on playing intensity and maintenance).

For Which Musicians and Playing Contexts?

With its distinct sound personality and resistance to climatic challenges, the Plasticover is particularly suitable for intermediate to advanced musicians who want a "ready-to-play" reed that is consistent from session to session. In jazz, pop, variety, funk, or marching band, it helps achieve a sound that "cuts through" easily, useful when needing to stand out over an amplified band or a dense rhythm section.

It is also very relevant for outdoor performances (parades, summer stages, events), where humidity, wind, or temperature variations can disrupt the behavior of traditional reeds. The strength 3.5 is more suited to players who already have a stable embouchure and good air control, or those seeking more durability and resistance.

Sound and Design

The plastic coating clearly influences the output: the Plasticover is known for a brighter timbre, a clean attack, and easy projection. The American cut favors a quick response feel, useful for articulation, accents, and rhythmic phrasing. In practice, you often get a reed that "speaks" quickly, with a marked presence, while maintaining a pleasing playing consistency across registers.

Another important point: stability. By limiting the impact of humidity on the reed, the coating helps maintain a more consistent response throughout the performance. Finally, the mentioned manufacturing processes (video sorting by reed color and laser measurements) aim for increased precision and consistency from reed to reed, reducing variations within the same box.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To extend lifespan and maintain a stable response, a reed holder (drying rack) and a ventilated storage box are particularly suitable complements: they help the reed dry more evenly between uses and limit warping. A cleaning cloth dedicated to wiping the mouthpiece after playing also contributes to better hygiene and more consistent performance.

Important Information (Hygiene) : this product is subject to a specific withdrawal right. For hygiene reasons, if the packaging has been opened, it cannot be returned under withdrawal rights, nor refunded, nor exchanged.

Technical specifications

Category	alto sax	Quantity	5
Material	Hybrid

Series	Plasticover	Profile	Rico standard
Strengths available in the range	1.0 to 4.0	Packaging	box of 5 reeds
Cut	American cut	Measurement technique	laser