sax players?

Question

What strength reed do you use?

Answer 1

Depends.
For classical playing (with my classical mouthpiece) I use a Vandoren 3.
For jazz playing (with my jazz mouthpiece) I use Vandoren 2 or 2.5 or Hemke 3.

Reed thickness is not determined by the experience of the player. The strength of the reed matches with the facing of the mouthpiece. With the reed on the mouthpiece and ligature, you need to look at the amount of space between the reed and the mouthpiece at the tip (compared to others). If there is a "large gap" you want a soft reed (1.5-2.5 area). If there is a "small gap" you want a thicker reed. The reason for this is that a small gap doesn't allow a soft reed to vibrate well, and vice versa (large gap doesn't work well with the vibration of a hard reed). The only reason professional players usually use harder reeds is because they are playing on a classical mouthpiece with a small facing and need a harder reed.

Answer 2

I use a 2 or a 3 strength reed, but I'm just a beginner.

Answer 3

Starting out...1-1/2....to beginners. ( I started in the 4th grade, 9 y.o.)
Beginners...2 to Intermediate at least a 2-1/2. (after you build your chops up for a month or so)
to Intermediate...3 (after a couple of years)
When you get really, good, you can play whatever you want.