--- product_id: 10336346 title: "Woodwinds Rico Hemke Tenor Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0, 5-pack - RHKP5TSX300" brand: "d'addario" price: "VT9398" currency: VUV in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 category: "D'addario" url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/10336346-woodwinds-rico-hemke-tenor-sax-reeds-strength-3-0-5 store_origin: VU region: Vanuatu --- # Premium natural cane Optimized for tenor sax Balanced medium spine thickness Woodwinds Rico Hemke Tenor Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0, 5-pack - RHKP5TSX300 **Brand:** d'addario **Price:** VT9398 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎶 Elevate your tenor sax game with reeds that professionals swear by! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Woodwinds Rico Hemke Tenor Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0, 5-pack - RHKP5TSX300 by d'addario - **How much does it cost?** VT9398 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/10336346-woodwinds-rico-hemke-tenor-sax-reeds-strength-3-0-5) ## Best For - d'addario enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted d'addario brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Rich, Dark Tone:** Classic warm sound favored by jazz & classical pros - • **Trusted by Legends:** Used by top saxophonists worldwide—join the elite - • **Ready Out of the Box:** Minimal break-in needed—start performing immediately - • **Pro-Grade Consistency:** Premium cane with precise French filing ensures uniform quality - • **Effortless Playability:** Thinner tip & shorter vamp for instant, responsive articulation ## Overview The D'Addario Woodwinds Rico Hemke Tenor Sax Reeds (Strength 3.0) are crafted from premium cane with a thinner tip and shorter vamp for quick response and a warm, dark tone. Designed especially for traditional round-chambered mouthpieces, these reeds offer consistent quality and minimal break-in time, making them a top choice for classical and jazz saxophonists worldwide. ## Description Product Description Frederick L. Hemke reeds provide the dark tone favored by many classical and traditional jazz saxophonists. The design is especially well-suited to traditional, round-chambered mouthpieces. French filed for freedom of response, especially in the low register, adding clarity to the tone and making soft attacks easier. Available in boxes of five. Professional-quality reed for classical and jazz applications Shorter vamp for dark tone Balanced, slightly thinner tip for quick response and articulation Premium grade cane for consistent response and playability French filed for flexibility and fast response At its San Fernando Valley facility, Rico has a state-of-the-art reed research center, and employs the collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds that include Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest clarinetists and saxophonists use Rico brand reeds, such as Anthony McGill, Mark Nuccio, Jessica Phillips, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Walter Boeykens, Seiji Yokokawa, Philippe Geiss, Diastema Saxophone Quartet, and many more. For more information, visit RicoReeds The Frederick L. Hemke reeds in strength 3.0 feature a thinner tip and shorter vamp for easy response combined with a medium spine thickness for a warm sound with good resistance. Frederick L. Hemke reeds, part of the Rico family of reeds, provide the dark tone favored by many classical and traditional jazz saxophonists. The design is especially well-suited to traditional, round-chambered mouthpieces. Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more. From the Manufacturer The Frederick L. Hemke reeds in strength 3.0 feature a thinner tip and shorter vamp for easy response combined with a medium spine thickness for a warm sound with good resistance.Frederick L. Hemke reeds, part of the Rico family of reeds, provide the dark tone favored by many classical and traditional jazz saxophonists. The design is especially well-suited to traditional, round-chambered mouthpieces.Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more. Review: Worth the money. - I've used Hemke sax reeds for 40 years. They're always perfect, they rarely need any soaking, and they last many gigs if you're careful with them. What's not to like? Addition in Feb. 2022: I see these are sold under the D'Addario name now, instead of Rico. D'Addario took over Rico in 2004, but I've purchased Hemke reeds since then (last purchase was 2016)! After reading post-D'Addario reviews of Hemke reeds in desertcart, it sounds as if the quality control may have slipped with the new branding. I have NOT experienced that (yet). I've loved Hemke reeds since I discovered them--I can break a great reed, pull out a brand new Hemke, wet it a few seconds and begin playing immediately without worrying whether the new reed will respond the same as the old one. They don't need breaking in, they don't need sanding or other maintenance. And when, after years of playing the same reed for gigs, the reed gets tired or acts sluggish or begins playing softer, a quick nip with a reed tip trimmer (take off just the tiniest amount your reed trimmer can remove & test--take off a bit more until you get it back to your preferred firmness) and you're back in business. I play Alto & Tenor Sax professionally, and Hemke reeds have taken the guess work out of selecting a great reed. Every reed in the box is always a great one! Pre-Hemke I was a Vandoren reed user, since I'd tested all the reeds I could get my hands on, and found Vandorens were occasionally awesome (more often than other brands), but often a box of ten would always have one or two poor ones, maybe six acceptable ones, and two great reeds. Examining Vandoren reeds by holding them up to the light, it's easy to see through the tips and observe just how thick or thin they are, and how fine or bold the reed filaments are. I used to buy there where I could inspect two boxes & pick & choose the ones I wanted, but vendors don't allow that anymore. So Hemke's are still my go-to reed 100% of the time for my alto or tenor saxes. Review: Quality Reeds - Good box of reeds. They play well out of the box with minimal breaking in. Quality was consistent across the 5 reeds. ## Features - The Frederick L. Hemke reeds in strength 3.0 feature a thinner tip and shorter vamp for easy response combined with a medium spine thickness for a warm sound with good resistance. Frederick L. Hemke reeds, part of the Rico family of reeds, provide the dark tone favored by many classical and traditional jazz saxophonists. The design is especially well-suited to traditional, round-chambered mouthpieces.Since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario & Co., Rico has strengthened its position as the global leader in woodwind reeds and accessories. Rico's state-of-the-art reed research center in Southern California employs a collaboration of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds, including Rico Reserve premium reeds for clarinet and saxophone. Rico reeds are designed to benefit all levels of musicians, from the beginner to the seasoned professional. Many of the world's finest woodwind players perform with Rico reeds, such as Mark Nuccio, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Ernie Watts, Bob Sheppard, Henri Bok, Richie Hawley, Eric Alexander, and many more. - Shorter vamp for a darker tone - Strength 3.0, Filed cut, box of 5 reeds - Balanced, slightly thinner tip for quick response and articulation - Filed to increase depth in harmonics - Offered in strengths 2.0 to 4.0 ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B000UJE33Q | | Best Sellers Rank | #3,681 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #16 in Tenor Saxophone Reeds | | Body Material | Cane | | Color Name | Strength 3 | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (460) | | Date First Available | May 1, 2000 | | Instrument Key | B Flat | | Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No | | Item Weight | 0.96 ounces | | Item model number | RHKP5TSX300 | | Material Type | Acrylic | | Product Dimensions | 3.94 x 0.93 x 1.43 inches | | Size | Strength 3.0 | ## Product Details - **Brand:** D'Addario - **Color:** Strength 3 - **Instrument Key:** B Flat - **Material:** Acrylic - **Style:** Classic ## Images ![Woodwinds Rico Hemke Tenor Sax Reeds, Strength 3.0, 5-pack - RHKP5TSX300 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71YvDU7hyDL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Size** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: hi, I buy 4 boxes of reeds, if you send to Portugal. Can you accept? regards** A: of course we accept and can ship any thing you order to Portugal! thank you ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worth the money. *by R***E on March 5, 2016* I've used Hemke sax reeds for 40 years. They're always perfect, they rarely need any soaking, and they last many gigs if you're careful with them. What's not to like? Addition in Feb. 2022: I see these are sold under the D'Addario name now, instead of Rico. D'Addario took over Rico in 2004, but I've purchased Hemke reeds since then (last purchase was 2016)! After reading post-D'Addario reviews of Hemke reeds in Amazon, it sounds as if the quality control may have slipped with the new branding. I have NOT experienced that (yet). I've loved Hemke reeds since I discovered them--I can break a great reed, pull out a brand new Hemke, wet it a few seconds and begin playing immediately without worrying whether the new reed will respond the same as the old one. They don't need breaking in, they don't need sanding or other maintenance. And when, after years of playing the same reed for gigs, the reed gets tired or acts sluggish or begins playing softer, a quick nip with a reed tip trimmer (take off just the tiniest amount your reed trimmer can remove & test--take off a bit more until you get it back to your preferred firmness) and you're back in business. I play Alto & Tenor Sax professionally, and Hemke reeds have taken the guess work out of selecting a great reed. Every reed in the box is always a great one! Pre-Hemke I was a Vandoren reed user, since I'd tested all the reeds I could get my hands on, and found Vandorens were occasionally awesome (more often than other brands), but often a box of ten would always have one or two poor ones, maybe six acceptable ones, and two great reeds. Examining Vandoren reeds by holding them up to the light, it's easy to see through the tips and observe just how thick or thin they are, and how fine or bold the reed filaments are. I used to buy there where I could inspect two boxes & pick & choose the ones I wanted, but vendors don't allow that anymore. So Hemke's are still my go-to reed 100% of the time for my alto or tenor saxes. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Quality Reeds *by M***A on October 3, 2025* Good box of reeds. They play well out of the box with minimal breaking in. Quality was consistent across the 5 reeds. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well-made reeds *by M***N on April 25, 2024* To answer the Amazon question concerning use of product and purpose: I use this reed to play my 1918 Buescher C-melody saxophone. I am curious about other uses for an tenor sax reed. The Hemke reeds meet my needs for this horn and for my alto, on which I use the number three reeds. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.vu/products/10336346-woodwinds-rico-hemke-tenor-sax-reeds-strength-3-0-5](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/10336346-woodwinds-rico-hemke-tenor-sax-reeds-strength-3-0-5) --- *Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu* *Store origin: VU* *Last updated: 2026-05-13*