[lutemann]

The Rico select jazz comes in 2 soft, 2 medium or 2 hard. Which strength is like the generic Rico 2 1/2? Are the "Select" Reeds any better than the generic reeds? Looks like $5 difference in price for box of 10.

 

[dubrosa22]

I normally play a 2.5 or 3 strength reed in Rico Royal and Vandoren Javas and Blue Box and started playing RSJ cos they are very good reeds.
Probably my favourites right now, I think they're worth the extra $$$.

Their strengths are hard to figure though, especially as to where I sit in them, so I bought a pack of 2H and 2M and I'd say most of those both play like varying 2.5s of Rico or Vandorens. So just I switch between the two. Maybe try a 2H?

 

[Pete Thomas]

I vary between 2s and 2M, as opposed to 2.5 , but I always found 2.5 to be slightly too hard sometimes so it might be fair to say a 2M is equivalent to a 2.5

 

[lutemann]

Thank you.

Kent

 

[lutemann]

Should I get filed or unfiled? What's the difference?

 

[jlima]

For me unfiled play very slightly harder but they have more body to the sound. They are my favorite. But a lot of people say they don't notice the difference.

 

[Dog Pants]

I vary between 2s and 2M, as opposed to 2.5 , but I always found 2.5 to be slightly too hard sometimes so it might be fair to say a 2M is equivalent to a 2.5

That's weird Pete. Like you, I've been trying to go a bit softer on the reeds in order to get more flexibility and a better bottom end. I used to play a Rico Royal 3, Plasticover 3, or a La Voz Medium. I play a RSJ 3S now and I find the 3S feels more like a Royal or Plasticover 2.5

BTW, haven't forgotten about the new CD and books, just been busy trying to organise 400+ instruments for repair and servicing. I'll get a break over Christmas, so i'll shoot you an email then.