D'addario - Rico PLASTICOVER TENOR SAXOPHONE REEDS 1.5

Plasticover: a reed that has become a reference for playing anywhere

Plasticover reeds are linked to the legacy of Rico, a long-standing essential brand in the reed world, now part of D'Addario Woodwinds. Their guiding idea is simple: preserve the feel and vibration of natural cane while protecting it with a plastic coating. The result: a reed designed for musicians who face challenging conditions (hot stages, humid climates, rapid temperature changes) and want to minimize unpleasant surprises caused by cane swelling.

Within the range, Plasticover positions itself as a "performance" solution: a quick response, a bright character, and excellent stability, without shifting to a 100% synthetic reed. This precise balance explains its enduring popularity among stage-oriented and amplified music players.

For which musician and styles?

This reed is suitable for beginners seeking an easy-to-manage reed (less sensitive to humidity), as well as intermediate and advanced players who want immediate response and strong projection. The strength 1.5 (very soft) favors ease of play: it can be suitable for starting out, regaining comfort on a demanding mouthpiece, or achieving a very fast attack with little effort.

Plasticover reeds are especially popular in jazz, pop, variety, and live contexts, particularly when the sound needs to remain clear and present. They are also very comfortable in brass bands and outdoor performances, where humidity, light rain, or temperature fluctuations often disrupt traditional reeds.

Sound and design

The Plasticover coating protects the cane and contributes to a more stable playing feel: the reed tends to "move" less during a set. Sonically, you generally find a bright timbre, a clear attack, and very effective projection, useful for standing out in an ensemble or at the microphone. The response is quick, which helps with articulations (staccatos, accents) and rhythmic phrasing.

Useful glossary : strength indicates stiffness (the higher the number, the more resistant the reed); response describes how easily the reed vibrates with breath; projection corresponds to the sound's ability to "carry." At strength 1.5, the response is very accessible, with a soft feel that facilitates note attacks, at the cost of lower resistance under strong air pressure.

Recommended compatible accessories

To maintain the consistency and lifespan of your reeds, a ventilated reed case (rigid storage box) is a safe choice: it helps protect the reed and promotes more even drying between sessions.

Technical specifications

Category	tenor sax	Quantity	5
Material	Hybrid

Strength	1.5	Sound advantage	bright sound, excellent projection
Available strength range	from 1.5 to 4.0 (depending on variations)	Recommended use	jazz, pop, stage, outdoor
Cut	Rico standard	Quality control	video color inspection for rapid cane sorting
Profile	American cut	Manufacturing precision	laser measurements for maximum accuracy
Packaging	box of 5 reeds	Important information	product subject to a specific withdrawal right; for hygiene reasons, if the product has been opened, it cannot be refunded or exchanged
Compatibility	according to the Plasticover variation matching your instrument (this sheet describes a Plasticover reed strength 1.5 in a box of 5)