Best Baritone Saxophone Reeds of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Baritone saxophone reeds are essential for any serious saxophonist playing the baritone sax. These reeds are made from high-quality cane and are designed to produce a rich and deep sound that is characteristic of the baritone saxophone. They come in various strengths to suit different playing styles and preferences. Some of the most popular brands of baritone saxophone reeds include Vandoren, Rico, and D'Addario. Whether you are a professional musician or a student, investing in a good set of baritone saxophone reeds can make a significant difference in the quality of your performances.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Rico Baritone Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0 Cover #TOP 1
Rico Baritone Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Legere Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed 3.00 Cover #TOP 2
Legere Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed 3.00
ftb score rating icon 9.8
D’Addario Woodwinds Hemke Baritone Sax Reeds, 5-pack - RHKP5BSX300 Cover #TOP 3
D’Addario Woodwinds Hemke Baritone Sax Reeds, 5-pack - RHKP5BSX300
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Baritone Saxophone Reeds

#TOP 1

Rico Baritone Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0

RLA0330
Black
3-Pack
Rico Baritone Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0 Cover
D’Addario Woodwinds - Rico Baritone Sax Reeds - RLA0330 - Strength 3.0, 3-Pack

Rico Baritone Sax Reeds in strength 3.0 have a thinner vamp cut for ease of play, and come in an affordable package of 3 reeds. Manufactured to an accurate cut and smooth finish, they are precisely graded for strength and quality. Rico offers a great value for students and professionals. They are also available for a full range of clarinets and saxophones.

What We Like
Good value for students
Reliable monthly delivery
Works for alto and bari sax
Recommended by band directors
Easy to play, decent sound
What We Don't Like
Not top professional quality
#TOP 2

Legere Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed 3.00

BSG300
Transparent
Strength 3.00
Legere Signature Baritone Saxophone Reed 3.00 Cover
Légère Reeds - Baritone Saxophone Reed, Signature, Strength 3.00 (BSG3.00) - Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

The Legere Baritone Sax Reed offers a clear and rich sound, giving you a consistent tone that enhances your playing. Made from durable synthetic materials, this reed isn’t affected by humidity, so it stays reliable no matter the weather, saving you money on replacements. You don’t have to soak or prepare it before use; it’s ready to play right out of the package, letting you focus on your music without delay. Plus, it comes with a convenient carry case to keep your reed safe and organized, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.

What We Like
Consistent sound quality
Long-lasting durability
No need for wetting
Immediate playability
Resistant to chipping
What We Don't Like
Slightly firmer mouth feel
Higher initial cost
#TOP 3

D’Addario Woodwinds Hemke Baritone Sax Reeds, 5-pack - RHKP5BSX300

RHKP5BSX300
Strength 3.0
D’Addario Woodwinds Hemke Baritone Sax Reeds, 5-pack - RHKP5BSX300 Cover
D'Addario Woodwinds Rico Hemke Baritone Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0, 5-pack - RHKP5BSX300

The D’Addario Woodwinds Hemke Baritone Sax Reeds, 5-pack - RHKP5BSX300 is specially designed with a shorter vamp and a balanced, slightly thinner tip to provide you with a darker tone and quick response during performances. The filed cut increases depth in harmonics, and the reeds are available in strengths 2.0 to 4.0. It is the perfect choice for any baritone saxophonist who desires a high-quality reed for their instrument.

What We Like
Consistent sound quality
Affordable price
Quick response
Dark, rich tone
Reliable for doublers
What We Don't Like
Occasional playability variation
Rare quality issues
#TOP 4

Légère Baritone Saxophone Reed, American Cut, Strength 2.50

Legere Baritone Sax American Cut 2.5
Transparent
Strength 2.50
Légère Baritone Saxophone Reed, American Cut, Strength 2.50 Cover
Légère Reeds - Baritone Saxophone Reed, American Cut, Strength 2.50 (BSA2.50) - Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

The Légère Baritone Reed offers a bold yet balanced sound that makes playing smooth and enjoyable from the very first note. Thanks to its synthetic material, this reed stays consistent and durable, even in humid conditions, so you can count on it lasting longer and performing well every time. You won’t need to soak or prepare the reed before playing, making it quick and easy to use whenever you’re ready. Plus, it comes with a handy carry case to keep your reed protected and organized, giving you peace of mind on the go.

What We Like
Long-lasting durability
Consistent performance
No wetting required
Cost-effective over time
Reliable sound quality
What We Don't Like
Higher initial price
Break-in period required
#TOP 5

D'Addario Woodwinds Royal Baritone Sax Reeds

RLB1030
Natural
Strength 3.0
D'Addario Woodwinds Royal Baritone Sax Reeds Cover
D'Addario Royal Organic Baritone Saxophone Reeds, Strength 3.0, 10-Pack

D'Addario Woodwinds Royal Baritone Sax Reeds in Strength 3.0 and box of 10 reeds features traditional Rico cut with a stronger spine, making it perfect for both classical and jazz applications. The product is also available for full range of clarinets and saxophones with the option of 3-reed packs.

What We Like
Affordable price
Good sound quality
Beginner-friendly
Easy to play
Larger box quantity
What We Don't Like
Slightly more brittle
Not ideal for performances
#TOP 6

Vandoren SR443 Bari Sax ZZ Reeds

SR443
black
Vandoren SR443 Bari Sax ZZ Reeds Cover
Vandoren SR443 Bari Sax ZZ Reeds Strength 3; Box of 5, black

The Vandoren SR443 Bari Sax ZZ Reeds, also known as Vandoren Bari Sax Reeds, combines the medium-thick heart, spine, and rounded tip of the V16 reed with the flexible platte design of the JAVA reed. This unique combination results in a reed that is immediately responsive without sacrificing the brightness or tone quality required for this style of music. Each reed is sealed in a 'Flow Pack' to ensure freshness. The Vandoren SR443 Bari Sax ZZ Reeds offer extraordinary color, great response, and a durable life. With its versatility and high-quality construction, this reed is perfect for professional saxophonists looking for a reliable and long-lasting reed option.

What We Like
Rich, vibrant sound quality
Fast break-in period
Consistent reed quality
Great for jazz performance
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Slightly buzzy for some players
Sound preference varies by individual
#TOP 7

Vandoren SR343R Bari Sax JAVA Red Reeds

SR343R
Vandoren SR343R Bari Sax JAVA Red Reeds Cover
Vandoren SR343R Bari Sax JAVA Red Reeds Strength 3; Box of 5

Vandoren SR343R Bari Sax JAVA Red Reeds is a perfect choice for jazz and popular music as it's the first file cut reed from Vandoren. It's also available in other strengths and every reed is sealed in 'Flow Pack' which ensures the freshness of the product. This reed is a relative of the JAVA reed family.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Great control and flexibility
Ideal for jazz performance
High quality craftsmanship
What We Don't Like
Higher price than competitors
Occasional packaging issues
#TOP 8

Legere Baritone Saxophone Reed Classic 3.00

BS3.0
Transparent
Strength 3.00
Legere Baritone Saxophone Reed Classic 3.00 Cover
Légère Reeds - Baritone Saxophone Reed, Classic, Strength 3.00 (BS3.00) - Premium Synthetic Woodwind Reed

The Legere Baritone Reed is designed to make playing easier and more enjoyable. Its thicker tip helps you produce a rich, full sound that projects well, perfect for musicians looking for a darker tone. Made from synthetic material, this reed stays reliable no matter the weather, so you won’t have to worry about humidity affecting your performance. Plus, it saves you money and time by lasting longer than traditional reeds. You can start playing right away since it requires no soaking or preconditioning. With the included carry case, you can keep your reed protected and ready for any gig or practice session.

What We Like
Long-lasting durability
Consistent tone quality
Easy response high and low
No soaking required
Better than cane reeds
What We Don't Like
Tip may split after months
Slightly shorter life than Bari Synthetic
#TOP 9

Vandoren SR743 V16 Baritone Sax Reeds Strength 3

SR743
Vandoren SR743 V16 Baritone Sax Reeds Strength 3 Cover
Vandoren SR743 Baritone Sax V16 Reeds Strength 3; Box of 5

The Vandoren V16 Baritone Reeds offer a medium-thick heart, giving you a balance between the softer Java reeds and the traditional ones. This makes it easier to control your tone and play with more expression. Each reed is individually sealed in a special pack to keep it fresh and ready to use whenever you need it, so you don’t have to worry about dryness or damage. The tip is thicker than usual, which helps produce a richer and more focused sound. Plus, the longer palette design enhances your playing comfort and precision. These features make the Vandoren V16 Baritone Reeds a reliable choice for serious saxophonists.

What We Like
Versatile sound for jazz
Great value for price
Quality build
Suitable for modern music
Performs well across scale
#TOP 10

D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed Baritone Saxophone Reeds

ORSF05BSX3M
Filed
3 Medium
D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed Baritone Saxophone Reeds Cover
D'Addario Organic Select Jazz Filed Baritone Saxophone Reeds - Sax Reeds - Individually Sealed - 3 Medium, 5 Pack

D'Addario Organic Sax Reeds are the first and only organic reeds on the market. Made with no chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers, these reeds not only deliver incomparable consistency and unmatched playability but also respect the player and the planet. With outstanding control and projection, these reeds allow you to fully express your musicality. They offer maximum articulation flexibility, giving you the freedom to play with precision and ease. The D'Addario Organic Sax Reeds are available in both filed and unfiled models, catering to the full range of saxophones. They come in various strengths, from soft to hard, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your playing style. Manufactured in the USA from naturally-grown cane, these reeds embody quality and sustainability.

What We Like
Consistent quality
Full, rich tone
Responsive and easy to play
Long-lasting durability
Versatile across mouthpieces
What We Don't Like
Cardboard sleeves lack protection
Requires long break-in
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are bari sax reeds so expensive?

Baritone saxophone reeds are expensive because of the production process and the cost of resources. It takes years to produce reeds, and the process requires a significant amount of land, which is often located in expensive parts of the world. Additionally, the production is labor-intensive, and employees in countries like France can be costly.

2. What is the difference between 2.0 and 2.5 saxophone reeds?

The difference between 2.0 and 2.5 saxophone reeds lies in their thickness. The numbering system ranges from 2 to 5, with lower numbers indicating thinner reeds and higher numbers indicating thicker reeds. A thinner reed, like 2 or 2.5, produces a brighter tone and may be easier to play, while a thicker reed offers a different tone quality and may require more effort to play.

3. What is the difference between red and green Vandoren reeds?

Vandoren offers two types of reeds: Java Green and Java Red. Java Green reeds are available for different saxophone types and have a certain profile. On the other hand, Java Red reeds have a thicker heart and a steeper slope from the heart to the rails. They are more flexible but provide more stability, body, and edge compared to Java Greens.

4. Do stronger reeds sound better?

Stronger reeds may produce a fuller sound and offer increased tone stability for upper-register notes. However, they may not project as well and can result in a thin or buzzy sound, particularly in the upper registers. It's important to find the right balance between strength and playability to achieve the desired sound and projection.

5. Are thicker reeds better?

Thicker reeds can offer better tone production and improve the sound of the instrument. However, they can also be more difficult to play. The thickness of the tip and heel, as well as the profile in between, affect the sound and playability of the reed. It's essential to find the right thickness that balances tone quality and ease of playing for individual preferences.

6. What happens if your reed is too soft?

If a reed is too soft, it may result in a thin or buzzy sound. Soft reeds can also be more challenging to play in tune and may lead to improper playing techniques, such as biting. Soft reeds require the performer to overcompensate to bring the pitch up, which can affect the overall sound and performance.

Editor's Notes

During our baritone saxophone reed research, we found 24 baritone saxophone reed products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,853 customer reviews through our big data system to write the baritone saxophone reeds list. We found that most customers choose baritone saxophone reeds with an average price of $44.47.

The baritone saxophone reeds are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of baritone saxophone reeds, including D'Addario, Legere, Vandoren. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.

Baritone Saxophone Reeds Comparison Table

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Brand D'Addario Legere D'Addario Legere D'Addario Vandoren Vandoren Legere Vandoren D'Addario
Item Weight 0.704 ounces 0.32 ounces 0.976 ounces 0.8 ounces 1.6 ounces 1.44 ounces 1.44 ounces 0.16 ounces 1.41 ounces 1.12 ounces
Body Material cane Food-Grade Polypropylene Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Food-Grade Polypropylene Cane cane Acrylic Food-Grade Polypropylene Wood Cane
Material Type Acrylic Food-Grade Polypropylene Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Food-Grade Polypropylene Acrylic Acrylic Acrylic Food-Grade Polypropylene Acrylic Cane
Instrument Key E Flat Baritone Saxophone A B Flat A B Flat A Baritone Saxophone E Flat F Sharp
Material Acrylic Food-Grade Polypropylene Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Food-Grade Polypropylene Acrylic Acrylic Acrylic - Acrylic Cane
Style Strength 3.0 All Purpose Saxophone Reed Modern Jazz Saxophone Reed Classic Strength 3 Strength 3 - Classic Filed
Color Name Black Transparent - Transparent Natural black Red Transparent - Filed
Size 3-Pack Strength 3.00 Strength 3.0 Strength 2.50 Strength 3.0 - - Strength 3.00 3 3 Medium
Color Black Transparent - Transparent Natural black Red - - Filed
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
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