 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: buckeye75
Date: 2012-04-03 18:23
I have recently been more satisfied with Rico Grand Concert and Reserve reeds than Van Doren. I am currently trying all three of the varieties (Grand Concert, Reserve, And Reserve classic). What experience has anyone had with these reeds? Do you have a strong preference for one over the others?
I realize that different mouthpieces, and other factors influence which reeds respond best.
Thanks
Post Edited (2012-04-03 18:24)
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Author: J. J.
Date: 2012-04-03 20:52
It's impossible to give a much more nuanced review and opinion other than to say that I personally strongly prefer the Reserve Classics to either the Reserves or Grand Concert.
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Author: clarinetguy ★2017
Date: 2012-04-04 05:08
You're right about trying to match up reeds and mouthpieces.
I've only tried one type of Grand Concert Select, the basic one (not Evolution or thick blank). I didn't have a lot of luck with them, but others might.
I've gone back and forth between the Rico Reserves and Reserve Classics. The two are cut differently, and I think it's correct to say that the Classic has a longer scrape (if that's the correct term). They're both good, but after trying the Classics for a while, I'm back to the regular ones. I get a "darker" or more substantial sound with them.
Having said this, I get great results with Reserve Classics on my alto sax.
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Author: 2E
Date: 2012-04-04 09:15
I also like Rico reeds over Vandoren these days mainly for their consistency. I've tried all of the higher end Rico reeds (forget the royals, plasticover etc):
Grand Concert - Traditional
Grand Concert - Thick blank
Grand Concert - Evolution
Reserve
Reserve Classic
I personally like the Grand Concert Evolutions the best, but I haven't given the Reserves and Classic reserves a really serious trial. I know other players that like them but the best thing you can do is just get a few of each (in varying strengths) and play them all for yourself. Once you get the right strength of a cut that you like then bobs your uncle ... so to speak
Hope that helps!
2E
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Author: Ed
Date: 2012-04-04 13:14
It is always tough, as it is a very personal thing and a lot depends on one's set up and tastes. For me, I like both the Reserve Classic and the Grand Concert Thick blank.
The next part of the problem is that it is very hard to put it into words that mean something without resorting to the typical bright dark thing, which means different things to each person.
But- for me the Classic Reserve has a little more depth or fullness to the sound. The GC Thick have a nice ring and core with great response. I find that for me they are a little quicker to get working right out of the the box with little break in.
I like both cuts and have great success with either. I find a lot of excellent playable reeds in each variety. Rico makes a great reed.
Post Edited (2012-04-05 15:11)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2012-04-05 02:29
Recently, I found some Vandorens, the 56's and for whatever reason they play fantastic with my mouthpieces, so I bought 12 boxes! 3 1/2 strengths. Most of us expect about 2, 3 or 4 reeds to play out of the box. I'm getting between 6 to 8. This has never happened to me! It's like a really wonderful birthday present. I am using a fairly close facing and you would think the MP is wide open! I'm thinking about buying another 20 boxes.
Before rushing off and buying 20 boxes try one box first. If the reeds sound good, actually fantastic, buy several boxes. The cane will be pretty special. Also ask the saleman when these set of box orders came in and buy as many as you please, because this shipment to the music stores is most likely the same cane.
Some of the players that use Rico products are unaware of Rico's use of pesticides. I was recently offered a 6 figure settlement regarding my lawsuit against Rico using pesticides. I turned them down and told them they aren't even close to what I was thinking. If any of you fellow players don't feel well after playing Rico reeds, you may wish to find a lawyer or lawyers and submit a class action lawsuit. As I stated in the past, when the lawsuit is over I will make a website about Rico along with all sorts of clarinet related subjects. The site will be a very positive site, with the exception of Rico.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2012-04-05 14:59
I've been using the Thick Blank for many years and I have a few boxes of Reserve and Classics that they sent me for trial. I've found some good reeds in all the boxes so to me it just depends on the box. I've opened a box of thick blanks and found one or two good ones and I've opened another one and found a good many of them played well, same with the others. It's always a toss up for me. I just love the Rico brand, been using them for a long time since I stopped making my own. Haven't used Vandorens for a million years. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: Maria P
Date: 2012-04-06 21:23
I've tried both the Grand Concert Thick Blank and Evolution but didn't get far with the Evolution. I found the Thick Blank good though and play the strength 3's.
Maria
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