 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: as9934
Date: 2014-07-18 10:28
I know that Rico was recently acquired/changed their name to D'Addario Woodwinds, and brought some changes to there products. I would like to know what specifically changed about the Reserve mouthpieces and the Reserve Classic reeds. According to D'Addarios Youtube channel the Reserve was crafted to replicate 1920's Chedeville mouthpieces. Is this actually the case? I recently got a chance to try the Reserve X10 and liked it, but not more than my 5RVL and decided I wouldn't switch. Is the D'Addario Reserve anything new? If so is it as good as they claim? I also was wondering about the Reserve Classic Reeds as they will probably be the next box I get. How have they changed? Better? Worse? The same?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Wind Ensemble
Buffet E11 clarinet , Vandoren Masters CL6 13 series mouthpiece w/ Pewter M/O Ligature, Vandoren V12 3.5
Yamaha 200ad clarinet, Vandoren B45 mouthpiece, Rovner ligature
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-07-18 13:07
the reeds a slightly new cut. There were posts by David Blumberg (Rico artist) and Ed Palanker who were one of the testers for them and they think is it even better then old one.
With MPC they're just changing logo it's identical. YMMV
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-07-18 15:59
Yes - Mouthpiece is name only change (I liked the R on the previous back design better), but the Classic reeds are quite different.
Woodwind Brasswind is blowing out the previous model reeds at 9.99 a box, so if your local store price matches (Music and Arts, and Sam Ash does for instance), you can stock up on the previous model if you wish.
Now any product labled Rico is aimed at the student level, and D'Addario is for the Pro market.
Like when Sony went with their "ES" models of stereo equipment. ES was the brand, and Sony wasn't mentioned.
Plenty of players/Band Directors have "Rico orange box" prejudice, and discount the product just based on name alone.
I had to get begged to try them (grand concert reed) when I was at the Gent ClarFest in 1993. I certainly had orange box prejudice, and was a hard core Vandoren player with about 100+ boxes at home.
Those boxes sit in a sealed bag.......
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: kdk
Date: 2014-07-18 16:31
So, was Mark Nuccio involved in the new Reserve Classic design, or is that relationship finished?
Karl
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Author: cyclopathic
Date: 2014-07-18 17:11
@David, re: Plenty of players/Band Directors have "Rico orange box" prejudice, and discount the product just based on name alone.
Problem with prejudice it is getting ingrain in next generation as we speak.
Had a friend's daughter teacher giving her prep talk on "how important is to play good reed" /aka Vandoren/ not low quality /aka Rico/. Than when he commented on her having a really good tone today and looked at her reed, oh boy was he surprised to see Evolution!
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Author: Simon Aldrich
Date: 2014-07-18 21:48
David - Thanks for mentioning the sale on Reserve reeds at wwbw. Here in Montreal, the largest distributor of Reserve reeds was instructed to return all the Reserve reeds to D'Addario, so that the new line can replace the old.
It might be a while until we get the new D'Addario reeds up here so I ordered a bushelful of the "old" Reserves. Even with shipping and duty it turned out to be roughly half-price.
Simon
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2014-07-18 23:45
Actually the 'orange box' Ricos weren't that bad if you got them in the highest available strength (#5) -- those were roughly comparable in strength to maybe a Vandoren #3 or 3-1/2 and the cane wasn't too bad overall. The really horrendous reeds (that gave Rico a stigma that they've been trying to erase for 20 years) were the 'orange box' reeds' predecessors, the infamous BROWN BOX Ricos -- made of cane that was more akin to styrofoam, and apparently cut by 8-year-olds using steak knives.
Funny how Rico tried really hard in the past decade-plus to upgrade their image, but D'Addario has apparently decided it was a failed effort and willin the future just use the old name for cheap reeds. What goes around, comes around....
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Author: GBK
Date: 2014-07-19 00:19
David Spiegelthal wrote:
> made of cane that was more akin
> to styrofoam, and apparently cut by 8-year-olds using steak
> knives.
Now, that's funny...
...GBK
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-07-19 19:27
Not going around coming around - D'Addario is a Company that bought another company, and took over various products to change, and make their own.
To me, the issue that has always been a problem is the wording on the orange box was something like "used by professionals worldwide", or something to that effect.
Should have all along just been "easy to play, used by most". That way the consumer (pro for instance) knows that they are on the same wavelength, and not stating that a low end model is also played by professionals. Maybe some jazz players use them, but other than that, nope - not going to happen.
That is true, as they are easy to play, and most school clarinetists use them, that don't use the higher grade versions, or other brands.
Sales wise, you can bet that the orange box is, and always has been the highest sales item.
I don't have any sales figures, but still, I'd bet that!
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: kjeks
Date: 2014-07-19 23:17
@David Blumberg
Do you know when the general public can get their hands on the new Reserve Classic reeds? Or are they already out? I've been itching to try them out ever since I heard about them.
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Author: seabreeze
Date: 2014-07-20 04:34
The new ads for both the Reserve and the Reserve Classic repeat the same recommendation: "ideal for advancing students and professionals."
For me to switch, either the Reserve or the Reserve Classic will have to be as good as the Peter Leuthner "French Cut Professional" reeds I just tried from Clark Fobes. Three good ones from a sample of five, and all actually play without scraping or remodeling. Great combo of darkness and lively focus, quick response and depth of sound. The Leuthners play especially well with a BG Duo ligature.
Post Edited (2014-07-20 04:36)
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Author: donald
Date: 2014-07-20 04:48
Here in NZ, not exactly the mecca of world class clarinetistry though we have a pretty good share of fine players for a country with only 4million people, the major music stores have given up trying to sell "standard" Rico reeds.... most of my students start from day-one on Rico Royal (except for those who buy garbage-like chinese reeds off the internet). Usually the only reason my beginner/intermediate students would have an "orange box" Rico would be if they were given it for free when they bought/rented the clarinet.
On the other hand, I am very cautious getting the intermediate level students changing from Rico Royal on to Vandoren or Rico Reserve. The reason is, parents/students just assume that the higher price will mean they are getting a better product and will immediately sound better. We all know it's not as simple as that (just as we all know this step is probably necessary to really sound great), and i try to make sure that my students understand the pathway they are on before getting their parents to rush out and buy 5 boxes of V12 4.5 (because "you need a hard reed to make the high notes better" arrrgggghh).
dn
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2014-07-20 05:45
If the reed is way too hard, then yes they will struggle, but whenever I switch a new student to the premium reed, they always sound much better right off the bat.
Every single time. That is what sells them, not the promise that it will be better after working for a while. Just substituting the same strength is fine at first, until they are (or will) be ready for a harder strength. I don't believe in using really hard reeds, as way, way too much work to get a decent tone. Of course a reed which is too soft will sound like mush, or very dull.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: donald
Date: 2014-07-20 06:06
Agreed- I only said i was "very cautious" as there can be a jump between RRoyal 2.5 and Vandoren blue box 2.5 (especially if the parent only buys one reed that is on the hard size, but then if the parent buys a whole box I have to explain that pro players might only use 2 or 3 reeds out of the box, if they buy a softer size than they are using on RR often there doesn't appear to be much improvement). The "caution" is because of the time and energy required to negotiate this minefield. Once my students get to about Grade 5 ABRSM they are all using either Rico Reserve or Vandoren.
dn
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Author: donald
Date: 2014-07-20 17:21
Well, I've been using the Rico Reserve Classic as my primary reed since about 2006 or 2007 (to be honest, can't say exactly- maybe the end of 2007?) for the performances of my career that have recieved the most compliments on my tone quality. That said.....
My colleagues and friends who play in Europe (3 on Vandoren B40 and one on Kanter) say that they don't use them because the tip region isn't "springy" enough once they are broken in, and that apparently this is why "no one in Europe" uses them. Of course, I am just passing on general comments from a handful of young players (though, all having won principal auditions in European orchestras).
But, as much as I have had success with these reeds I can say that I agree to some extent- and many times I have found reeds where the extreme corners of the tip (the "ears") have been way too thin (so that it just folds or collapses when pushed against the thumbnail- a test Dave Etheridge taught me). I like them, and hope that the changes to the cut and cane selection will make me like them MORE.
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Author: afmdoclaw
Date: 2014-07-20 19:45
I agree with the comment-- orange box reeds used mainly by jazz musicians but suggest mainly by jazz saxophonist and further define it by jazz tenor saxophonist and finally narrow it to professional jazz tenor sax players that strive for a Coltrane sound. Orange box reeds get it done. For example Walt Weiskopf (now with Steely Dan) and others that slip my memory.
I have never heard of a pro clarinetist using orange box reeds.
Guess it is time to stock up.
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Author: tylerleecutts
Date: 2014-11-11 09:46
I hate to open up a new thread, but: Has anyone confirmed whether the mouthpiece change was name-only? I used an X5 before the logo change, and don't know whether I'll be able to feel that any of the specs have changed.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2014-11-12 04:48
Like many, I received six "beta-test" reeds from D'Addario, three each of the "Reserve" and "Reserve Classic." The Reserve reeds were, to me, lacking anything special. They were reeds. They were discarded after several weeks of honest trial in my reed rotation. The Reserve Classic, however, I found to be very lively, great response, a wonderful discovery.
I wrote D'Addario with my review, and questioned them on when the Reserve Classic would be available. They thanked me, and told me the timetable. So I patiently waited.
Now - a little history. I'm in my late '50's, I started clarinet when I was five years old, gigging with my Maternal Grandfather - a Klezmer fiddler from Krakau. Added saxophone and flute in High School. Did the double-major in clarinet and saxophone performance in College. I've been blessed to have toured the globe in orchestras backing various artists, from Barry White to Bob Hope (yes, in the Les Brown band for Bob Hope). I've even done a five week tour of China with my jazz quartet. Most of the time, I've been playing in Pit Orchestras doing musicals for far too many years. I have several Symphony orchestras that I sub with, and am in several Wind Ensembles and chamber groups. For clarinet, I have my trusty 1969 Buffet R13, a 1972 Selmer Series 10, and an early Fifties Selmer Centered Tone. Also use a 1976 Selmer Series 10-G "A" clarinet, Buffet E-flat, Ridenour C, and a Yamaha Bass. So, I know of which I speak, and am not a sponsored artist to sell product.
Okay, the day arrived, D'Addario Reserve Classic reeds are available. I ordered three boxes. To my utter horror, I absolutely HATE these reeds. Nothing like the three test reeds. Slowly, all thirty reeds have become fertilizer in my garden. No fluid core to the sound, almost lifeless. A very dull and non focused sound. Not what I expected at all.
So, I never tried to "adjust" the reeds. I'm too old to play games with reeds. They play, or they don't. I give them all a break-in period, to prove to myself that I'm not nuts.
So, I'll stick to Rue 56 and Gonzalez FOF reeds.
Ken Jarczyk, Woodwind Guy.
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2014-11-12 11:42
Last weekend I was at a Rico presentation where Julian Hervé spoke about the new Rico mouthpiece models (I mean the ones with bigger tip openings for the European market) and the reeds as well. There were many reed samples so everybody could try 3-4 of them. I tried 2 Reserves and 2 Classics of the 3.5 strength. I must say I wasn't very happy with the sound and the response was strange. Like the strength would be about enough, but still hard to articulate clearly. And there was a certain buzzing sound and I heard that in other clarinettist's sound.
Mr. Hervé played a concert after the presentation (of course with Rico mouthpiece and reeds) and ther buzzing was there, and it was clearly audible even from where I sat (about 35- 40 meters from the stage). Other than that the concert was very enjoyable though.
Mark
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Author: tylerleecutts
Date: 2014-11-12 17:39
I was very upset with the rebranding when D'Addario completely changed the reeds. Before, the regular red box Reserve reeds were the winners for me. They were a nice in-between spot between a Vandoren Traditional and V12. In the new reeds, the Reserve Classics didn't change much but the regular Reserves turned into almost carbon copies of a Vandoren Traditional reed, only slightly different.
At least, that was the reeds that I beta tested this summer.
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Author: KenJarczyk
Date: 2014-11-12 18:57
To David Blumberg -
Thanks for asking, and showing genuine concern. I do enjoy reading your postings!
For the past 16 years, I've been playing on a Greg Smith Kaspar-style (tip opening of 1.0) matched with V12 3-1/2, until Vandoren introduced the Rue 56, which I found to be delightful, also in 3-1/2. A year ago I noticed an extreme change in the mouthpiece, and indeed, it had warped a bit, going asymmetrical on me. I've now changed to Clark W Fobes San Francisco mouthpieces - his CWF (.96) on the Buffet, and the Selmers are enjoying his CF+ (1.0). The Rue 56 3-1/2 reeds are giving me a very centered and ringing sound, great articulation, no buzz or fuzz. I also have Gonzalez FOF reeds in rotation, in 3-1/4 (I find the FOF reeds about 1/4 strength harder than the Rue 56). My only real concern with the Gonzalez would be their relatively short life, they play wonderfully well, but have a tendency to croak in the middle of a gig!
The D'Addario Reserve Classics I beta-tested, and the three boxes I purchased were also 3-1/2. I didn't like the fuzz and buzz inherent in all the purchased reeds, that the test reeds did not have. The strength was correct for comfort and range. The other factors were as mentioned above - lack of a focused core being my biggest complaint.
Ken Jarczyk, Woodwind Guy.
Ken Jarczyk
Woodwinds Specialist
Eb, C, Bb, A & Bass Clarinets
Soprano, Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo
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Author: TM
Date: 2015-01-04 17:10
I have been using purple Rico classic exclusively for 6 years from V12, they are really good.
The new Rico classic is so different, more cane in the middle and brighter sound, I need to go down from #3.5 to #3, and for mouthpiece, from CL4 to M15 to get the new Rico works.
Tunman
DMA, Boston University
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