Hello! I'm 13 (14 in about a month) and have been playing since 5th grade. (I'm going in 8th now.) I play on a Rico 2 and 1/2. I was wondering if I should move up a size for this school year or not? I just switched to 2 and 1/2 last year.So...before I buy new reeds...switch or not? And reed holders..at jazz camp one of the teachers said its better to use a reed holder than the plastic things. Agree or not?

First of all, yes, you really should get a thicker reed. The reason why is that it would make your tone quality better and most of all, it would make the higher notes sound better; but most of all make them come out easier. Try vandoren 3 (I'm also going in to 8th grade & i play on van doren 3.5) ? hope that helped ?

What about Rico Royals? My friend Megan (she's first chair) uses those.Is Vendorn sold at most music stores?

I use van dorens because my teacher recommended them, and I like them the most. I honestly dont have any experience with the rico royals, only because I really dont like the original ricos. Mitchell luries are a good choice too.

I'll ask her about royals. I'll look up nitch lureels and Van Doren. Even if I do get royals..I should sound the same (almost) as her..well reed based. So..here comes 2nd chair!

dont buy rico...buy vandoren .. once you get them..youll never want to go back to ricos.. also..vandorens seem to be easier to play and break in.. so..my advice..go with vandoren..youll at least SOUND the best

There kind of...expensive! I'll have to look at the music store. Can someone anwser my question about reed holders? How many come in a box of Vandorens? I'm kinda clumsy (drop/chip reeds) so I would need to know.Should I use a 3 Vandoren or 2 and a half or what size?

definately go for vandoran.
keep in mind that vandoran reed are about 1/2 a thickness STRONGER than Rico, but the quality is so much better with vandoran, worth the money. if your going for 8th grade, i may be worth getting a V12 edition, as you get better quality still, and more good reeds per pack, but not necessary

First off all... Don't go out and by a stronger reed before you have told us if you find the ones you play on a bit to soft. There is no need for just buying them to live up to somebody else. The only reason to switch is if you find the need to. For example if you have trouble on high notes, you sound is fuzzy or something like that.

Reed cases: I do have Vandoren's 8 reeds reed case and I guess it's better than the white plastic things that go with a package. It's much nicer looking at a concert at least

One type vs another type: People normally use Vandoren or Mitchell Lurie reeds if they want to be something. Don't ever tell a great clarinet player that you play Rico (at least not in Denmark ). Rico's reputation isn't that good. Vandoren's V12 should be great. I haven't tried it because I'm pretty pleased with the original blue one, but that is what people usually recommend, when you want to switch reed. I've read something about their Rue Lepic reeds, but I guess they are quite expensive especially if you are only in school (and living on your parents money). I don't have any experience with Mitchell Lurie, but when people talk about them, you only hear good things, so they are probably worth a try.

This could soon be a novel. I hope you can use some of it

I guess I'll try Vandoren. What size should I get?

I just finished up with 8th grade last year, and at the beginning of that year I switched to 3s, which I feel halped my sound a lot. You should probably switch up to the next reed strength once you have been playing with the previous one comfortably for a while.

What brand do you use,Mr.Clarinet? Ida...I have a pretty good range I can play all of the lower notes (I'm prettty sure) up the one where its all of your top hand & the register key.(forgot the name)

ok, well as somone said earlier. vandorens run about 1/2 strength stronger than ricos..imo...you should buy 2 single reeds..a 2 1/2 and a 3..and use them for a few days and try to determine which one you like beter..then buy a box of that strength...i know this is all very expensive..sometimes you can get pretty good deals online (at least for the box)..try ebay

oh...and is the note youre talking about a G? register key 1,2 and 3?

Um.....I think so.(about the note) I really don't know about the reeds...I'm still confused...