clarinets! (reed question) | Page 2 | Woodwinds/Brass | Guild Forums

Shigham

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Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 4:39 pm

Seems lots of people use Rico too!! Hahah Yupp Rico, size 2.5, I have to use .5 because 2's were making my clarinet go all crazy.
so Yeah
Rico, 2.5

Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:13 pm

I use rico 3.5s and 4s biggrin The higher the number, the better the pitch and sound is. I am first chair in my band and always get the higher pitched parts. Using a higher number does mean that its harder but it does make you sound much better. You should try using whichever is most comfortable and soon you will be able to use higher ones wink ~

Confetti Cupcakez

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Thy Heavenly Yard

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Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:38 pm

Eh, I guess I'm play on size 2.75? I use Vandoren size 3, but sand it down a bit. Size 2.5 is too soft for me though. neutral

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:39 pm

You will always, always, always want to play on Van Horen size 3 - 3 1/2's. Do NOT , EVER use Rico unless you absolutely CANNOT afford a better brand. You may start out on a 2 1/2, But you need to be on a 3 at least by the end of a year if playing again. No matter how hard it is to play on a 3, and how much air it takes, your sound quality will be better on a 3 when you get your mouth and air accustomed to it. Most of the time, On Clarinet, Sophomores in high school are on a 3. I play a 3 on Bass Clarinet.

Caleybird

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ClarinetGoddess

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Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 9:52 am

Caleybird

You will always, always, always want to play on Van Horen size 3 - 3 1/2's. Do NOT , EVER use Rico unless you absolutely CANNOT afford a better brand. You may start out on a 2 1/2, But you need to be on a 3 at least by the end of a year if playing again. No matter how hard it is to play on a 3, and how much air it takes, your sound quality will be better on a 3 when you get your mouth and air accustomed to it. Most of the time, On Clarinet, Sophomores in high school are on a 3. I play a 3 on Bass Clarinet.

I do agree with you about the Ricos. Never, EVER use a rico.

However, i beg to differ about using only Van Dorens. Yes, they are decent quality, but they are very inconsistent. Everytime I get a box, I end up throwing quite a handful out because they won't play, even with adjustments. I've also known a lot of people to have difficulties playing on them period. A lot of people I know have better soudn quality on Rico Royals or Mitchell Luries then those who play on VDs. I play on Royals most of the time, or Luries when the store is out, and I've made 5th chair at regionals. I also know the 1st chair clarinet in both regionals and allstate here uses Luries, and he is one of the best high school clari players I've seen. (my goal is to beat him....)

Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2011 10:14 pm

ClarinetGoddess

Caleybird

You will always, always, always want to play on Van Horen size 3 - 3 1/2's. Do NOT , EVER use Rico unless you absolutely CANNOT afford a better brand. You may start out on a 2 1/2, But you need to be on a 3 at least by the end of a year if playing again. No matter how hard it is to play on a 3, and how much air it takes, your sound quality will be better on a 3 when you get your mouth and air accustomed to it. Most of the time, On Clarinet, Sophomores in high school are on a 3. I play a 3 on Bass Clarinet.

I do agree with you about the Ricos. Never, EVER use a rico.

However, i beg to differ about using only Van Dorens. Yes, they are decent quality, but they are very inconsistent. Everytime I get a box, I end up throwing quite a handful out because they won't play, even with adjustments. I've also known a lot of people to have difficulties playing on them period. A lot of people I know have better soudn quality on Rico Royals or Mitchell Luries then those who play on VDs. I play on Royals most of the time, or Luries when the store is out, and I've made 5th chair at regionals. I also know the 1st chair clarinet in both regionals and allstate here uses Luries, and he is one of the best high school clari players I've seen. (my goal is to beat him....)

Well of course I didn't mean ONLY that brand, It's just, a lot of music stores (especially in my area) only carry Ricos and Van Horen- and those are the most common among high school players. I didn't mean to stick simply to Van Horen always- There are definitely better brands- I just meant always go to Van Horen if it's between Rico's and them.