I used a 3 mitchell lurie reed last school year for orchestra, it worked just fine and was amazing. So when that one broke (this school year), I bought new 3.5's. These reeds have been somewhat opposite of what I expected them to be though. I usually would switch off between a normal rico 3 to the Mitchell Lurie. The normal one for band and the other for orchestra. Oddly, these Mitchell Luries have made awful high-pitched squeaks very often and I want to know why. I have a normal Yamaha 4c mouthpiece. I'd be glad to hear what you think. Thanks!

you used one single reed all year? That reed was probably severely worn out and you were adjusting to a worn out reed, when you got a new one, you still play as if you had a used reed...make sure you replace your reeds as necessary...are you putting the reed in the correct place?

The main problem is with the reeds themselves. Mitchell Lurie is not really a dependable brand. I would stick with Vandorens or Rico Reserve Classics.

well onces i got my noblet there was a reed in it and i played on it. it was an amazing reed with a very deep tone. when i tried to go back to vandorens it was tough to do that. so i would say stick with one brand of reed until a college professor or teacher tell you to change brands. also dont use a reed for a year thats not healthy. rotate your reeds

Sorry, forgot to mention that I didn't use it one whole year. But I've heard that there are different types of cuts for reeds. Maybe the other one was a different type of cut?

Vandoren! These are brilliant reeds! I once tried a RICO royal and I despised it! It sucked up all the moisture and was rendered horrible! I've never actually heard of Mitchell Lurie, but that's probably because i'm British! Long live the queen and all that!

I perfer Vandoren rue lepic 56 size 3, but I also play on mitchell lurie 3 1/2. They both work really ggreat for me. Never go with Rico, Ive had so many problems with that brand of reed.

It all depends on the player as well as the reed. Not all reeds are good, some are just, bad. I prefer to use Vandoren V12's size 3 1/2. Just keep trying different types till you find what kind work best for you.