What kind of Vandoren to buy?
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I don't agree with what your teacher told you or what you've been "seeing," but to answer your question, I would suggest starting with Vandoren traditional (blue box) 2s.
From there, you can eventually progress back to Ricos. :bluewink:
From there, you can eventually progress back to Ricos. :bluewink:
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+1
I think Rico and Vandoren each make quality products, but I developed my tone and feel of response over the years on Vandoren reeds and it feels odd when I play Ricos at this point. Since you are still open to both, I would say play a few boxes of each in the correct strength for you and pick the one you like the feel (response, texture, articulation), consistency (how many in the box play well/right strength), and sound of.
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I like Vandoren. I like the Java (either Red or Green - the Green tend to be a little softer for the same number), but the choice is very personal. Some folks like Ricos better, some like different Vandorens, like the V16 (that I don't). If you can afford it, get a few different types and strengths of Vandorens (since that is what your teacher recommends) and see how you like them. I would probably start with the Traditionals and Javas.
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The real answer to your questions, is to replace the "I've heard" in your questions with "I've tried..."
I use Rico on Saxophone, used to use Vandoren on Clarinet, and now use Gonzalez.
Along the way, I've tried almost all and everything in between.
Forget what all of us tell you about reeds because it's baloney. Reeds and mouthpieces just aren't made consistently enough to generalize.
When player A says "Vandoren are better," it's most often the case that the cut of that particular batch of Vandoren reeds mathes up nicely with the facing length and curve of his current mouthpiece. Nothing more than a chance happening really. When the same player says "Vandorens are crap and not what they used to be," as like or not, that particular batch of reeds is slightly stronger or softer than the last added to which the player's sound concept has moved on. etc, etc, etc.
The only recourse is to try them yourself and decide what you like rather than play what you think other people will approve of.
I use Rico on Saxophone, used to use Vandoren on Clarinet, and now use Gonzalez.
Along the way, I've tried almost all and everything in between.
Forget what all of us tell you about reeds because it's baloney. Reeds and mouthpieces just aren't made consistently enough to generalize.
When player A says "Vandoren are better," it's most often the case that the cut of that particular batch of Vandoren reeds mathes up nicely with the facing length and curve of his current mouthpiece. Nothing more than a chance happening really. When the same player says "Vandorens are crap and not what they used to be," as like or not, that particular batch of reeds is slightly stronger or softer than the last added to which the player's sound concept has moved on. etc, etc, etc.
The only recourse is to try them yourself and decide what you like rather than play what you think other people will approve of.
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Google "saxophone reed strength comparison chart." Check out several different comparison charts (they all seem to vary a bit) to get a general idea.
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A Blue Box Vandoren 2 will play nearly a half a strength harder than a Rico 2.
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Hi, Funnpun. You should absolutely play what is best for you, and I encourage you to try many different lines and brands. I assume you're playing on "orange box" Rico right now? Some people aren't aware that we also make a professional line of reed, the Reserve Classic. It's relatively new, and we're quite proud of it. Feel free to contact me via e-mail for more information or if you'd like to sample anything. Happy practicing!
Josh Redman
[email protected]
Rico Reeds | D'Addario and Co.
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Can I get a sample, too?
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Sure can!
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And me too?
I am kidding Josh. I just play whatever plays. I am otherwise not picky about cut or strength. Usually i find enough playable reeds in a box of La Voz to keep me satisfied. Ive never bought anything else in 20 years!
I am kidding Josh. I just play whatever plays. I am otherwise not picky about cut or strength. Usually i find enough playable reeds in a box of La Voz to keep me satisfied. Ive never bought anything else in 20 years!
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Hgiles, thanks for the longtime support. It is appreciated!
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I disagree about not being able to claim certain brands of reeds aren't what they used to be. If you've been playing for over thirty-five years, you just might take notice of a trend or two in this regard. For me the turning point for Rico was when D'Addario took over some years ago. They just weren't the same brand and I've given them more than a few chances over the last several years. Back in the day, Rico really was the ****... meaning that in a good way. But anyhow, these days I've been getting good results and decent longevity with Vandoren Java greens for at least three years now, being able to use every one in the box without messing with them.
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That's quite a questionable statement.
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Hi, Grumps. I'm really sorry to hear you feel that way. If anything, since the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario, the quality of our product truly has increased. Millions of dollars have been invested into improving our technology and, in turn, creating a better, more consistent product. When was the last time you had the opportunity to try Rico? Although the consistency and quality have improved in all of our lines, we are especially proud of our latest line: the Reserve Classic, which was introudced for alto within the last year. I would be more than happy to send you some samples and work with you, if you would like -- especially if you enjoyed the product at one point and haven't used/tried the product in the last three years. Believe me, so much has changed in those past three years.
Happy Holidays,
Josh Redman
[email protected]
Rico Reeds | D'Addario and Co.
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I bought some Royals for tenor within the last two years. Only three out of ten in the box were usable at all for me, but not usable enough for me to want to use them. I had used Rico Royals throughout the 70's, 80's, 90's and into the early 2000's and thankfully still have some very old ones I hoard for bari. I had tried Hemkes for tenor about three years ago and after having some success with them found that they didn't last for more than one or two playing sessions. I actually have an unopened box of Reserves for alto. Having very little faith at this point, I've offered them for trade on this board before I open them. No one has yet to take me up on it. But even if they did work for me, I could find Javas for less money; and those reeds I know work.
Thank you for your gracious offer, but at this time I have no need to start switching reeds again. It took me some time experimenting with numerous brands before switching to Javas, but they've been my reed of choice for years now.
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Grumps,
I respect your stance. Please know that the offer always stands. The feelings of every single one of our customers, past or present, is of the utmost importance to us.
Best wishes for the New Year.
I respect your stance. Please know that the offer always stands. The feelings of every single one of our customers, past or present, is of the utmost importance to us.
Best wishes for the New Year.
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25,278 Posts
Funnpun, no one, and I mean no one, can tell you what reed to use. It's a very personal choice and dependent on so many factors that anything anybody here says is only going to be what works for them, not necessarily for you. I've tried many brands of reeds over the years and I think all the top, well-know brands (and certainly some lesser-known ones as well) like Rico and Vandoren are excellent. You have to decide which one meets your specs for sound/feel/mpc/horn, etc.
Having said all that, I've been using Vandoren V16 (on tenor) for a long time. I've switched on ocassion to some other reeds that I could just as easily stick with: Rico Jazz Select and Rigotti Gold for sure. But I keep coming back to V16s because they work best for me. You simply cannot avoid the need to experiment and find what works for you. I wouldn't get too carried away with this until you've been playing for a fair amount of time. For now, use whatever allows you to play without too much strain.
Having said all that, I've been using Vandoren V16 (on tenor) for a long time. I've switched on ocassion to some other reeds that I could just as easily stick with: Rico Jazz Select and Rigotti Gold for sure. But I keep coming back to V16s because they work best for me. You simply cannot avoid the need to experiment and find what works for you. I wouldn't get too carried away with this until you've been playing for a fair amount of time. For now, use whatever allows you to play without too much strain.
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