Does anyone know what the recommended reed strength is for the 4C mouthpiece. I am currently using 2-1/2 rico royals and been playing a little more than 2 months.

Sounds like your a beginner. Use a Vandoren 2.5. If they are too soft you'll know it, and the 3 should be your goal. Don't worry about going higher than that. I recommend a 5RV lyre mouthpiece for beginners, but yours is not awful.

Thanks for responding. Yes I'm a beginner of about 2 months. I did try the 5RV Lyre but kept having trouble with the middle B using a 2-1/2 reed VD so I went back to the 4C. The 5RV lyre requires a #3-4 reed but I can't make a sound with a #3 reed because it's too hard.

How's a VD 2.5 feel on the 4C? Also, you may already know, but I'll tell you anyway...

If a reed feels a little weak, you can move it up from the optimal postion on the mouthpiece slightly to "stiffen" it. Move it down to "weaken" it. Very small movements make a big difference, and it won't always work. Just something to add to your bag of tricks! Good Luck

BH