Boston Sax Shop BLACK vs. SILVER Label Reeds!

Learn to easily improvise through any chord changes with this FREE masterclass:

Boston Sax Shop just came out with NEW Silver Label reeds! In this video I compare them back-to-back to the original Black Label reeds.

How do they feel to play? How do they sound? Is it worth having both of these reeds in the BSS lineup? Find out in this video!

Get these new reeds or ANYTHING on the Boston Sax Shop website using this link!

00:00 Intro
02:13 Medium Swing (Softly, As In a Morning Sunrise)
04:25 Ballad (I've Never Been in Love Before)
08:47 Pop (Giant Steps)
12:12 Final Thoughts
16:40 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!! (Saxophone Success Workshop)

Check out some more videos:

Thank you to my sponsors!

►Instagram: @davepollackmusic

[MegaSpark]

I heard the same basic characteristics within the sound but the black labels felt a bit more "weighty" and "full" whereas the silvers were more "open". I personally like the fullness of the black ones, so if it was up to me that's what I'd pick. But either way you get a really nice sound on both of them

[haillordgonk]

You sound great on both, as always. The black label reeds sound like they have a lot of core. The silver reeds sound like they have an added sparkle to the sound, but still with the same darkness and core the black label has, and the volume and projection also came across very well in the recordings. I’m actually surprised how noticeable the differences are despite the fact that you say they feel so similar. Dig it!

[racehoglund]

Yeah Dave!! I really dig the clearness and the extra “oomph” that the silver reeds give you. I’ll definitely have to try them for myself

[bigmcb]

Thanks for making me aware of these reeds. I tried the silver box and found them to be a joy to play - everything felt just a little bit easier. Amazed by the intonation on these reeds too.

[simonsimon]

They are both feelin' each other's playing...

[angelskyd]

I am an absolute beginner. I bought one of Jay's Better Alto Sax early this year and i've slowly been learning. I have really been wanting to try BSS reads as many content creators have spoken so highly about the consistency of them. Being a 47 year old beginner, without a tutor to visually check me and see me has been a concern of mine since I began. So, anything i can get my hands on that boasts consistency gives me 1 less thing to worry about. This video definitely was the straw that broke the camels back in my decision to try them out. Since I'm still so new, i'm not so worried about dark or bright as i'm still just trying to play in tune, but i'll give the Silvers a try! Thank you Dave!

[richardm]

I’ve been playing the black label since they came out. I really love them. Watching this video, I think I’ll give the silver label a spin. Thank you for this! Great playing! 🎷🎷🎷

[KellyJr]

Hey dave pollack i just wanted u to know im a big fan and i love everything you do on this channel and for the sax community. I started sax about 6 months ago and your informative videos helped me so much man

[DynamixWarePro]

I liked the silver reeds more. They both had a similar sound but the silver have a bigger sound with more oomph as you said and clearer tone which I preferred.

[ronaldopetoral]

They both sounding good to me. Imo, I prefer the black label for recording and silver label for live performances. Also silver for the smooth jazz and black for the standard jazz. In general, I like the silver label. :) Thanks for the post Dave...

[TheJazz]

I agree with your comments at the end. Silver had more projection, but I really liked the sweet, innocent sound you get with the black. So, as you said, it really depends on what situation you're playing in. In truth, though, I did prefer the black 😉

[andrewglanville]

This is exactly the video I was wanting to watch today

[iikpsyt]

I personally play 3.5 black box reeds on my tenor with a 105 tip opening and I prefer them over the silver box. One of my friends said they liked the silver box ones on their alto so I’ll take their word for that since I haven’t.

[kwootamuckbear]

Can’t go wrong with BSS reeds; Rigotti and Select Jazz are right there also👀🎵🎶🎷

[robstevens]

I could hear more projection (& a bit more brightness) in the Silver.

[groovysax]

Thank you for the post Dave. You answered all my questions in this video presentation. Will definitely try out the Silver label reeds! Thanks man and beautiful playing!

[AuthenticSax]

Been waiting for a review on these thanks a lot for the video ❗️❗️

[etowahjazz]

On tenor, I am ambivalent about the silver vs black. Silver maybe a bit more "open" but like you said. Hard to discern. Like them both. Played them both. Will do so in the future, too!!

[tkannen]

Both sounded great to me, hard to pick a favorite. I’m playing the black box and am happy, but a little less resistance would be a good thing for me. Hard to tell from the video but it appeared you took in a bit more mouthpiece with the silver. Curious... 🤔

[mistrsax]

Great playing! .. I like the lengthy video comparisons. I've tried the black box on tenor but find them too resistant for me. I think the silver have more edge and projection I prefer when playing. Btw I really like how much fun you're having digging "each other" on the video! 😄🎷🎵