Rico Jazz Selects

[jazzer]

Hey guys,
Ever sense I got my RPC 90R, I've always used Vandoren Java reeds on them. They've worked fine but Ron told me I should experiment with different reeds. I'm intrested in Rico Jazz Selects and was wondering what's the difference between the "Filed" and "unfiled?"
Also maybe if you play an RPC you can tell me what ya'll found works best? Thanks a lot =)

 

[Bobby G]

I like 'em, especially for alto, as the edge of their tone balances nicely with my Selmer mpc, or is nicely bright without being harsh when I use the Meyer mpc.

I don't really know what differences there are, tonally, between filed and unfiled as I just found I liked and preferred the sound of the filed before I was able to be more analytical about what I was after - I'd only been playing a short while, they were my first move away from standard Rico's, and although I've tried others, and like some of them, I seem to always go vack to the Jazz Selects. I find 2H or 2M work best for me.

Cheers, Bob

 

[lee_]

I use fairly soft (2 1/2) Fibrecell synthetics on an RPC tenor .115. I probably could go up to a 3. The Fibrecells last a long, long time (good thing, as they're about 10 bucks each). They play well for quieter ensemble work, and hold up nicely when I push hard on loud passages.

I think the synthetics may be giving up just a little tone quality, compared to a cane reed in good working order. But how often do you have a cane reed that stays in good working order for an entire 4-hr gig? The synthetics are also an advantage when switching back and forth from alto to tenor frequently, as I don't have to worry about keeping reeds wet.

 

[jazzer]

Only thing that scares me is that fibracell is a lot of people on wwbw.com say that the old ones were good and the ones now days are horrible >.< but I have been intrested in legere, fibracell, and plasticovers but something tells me to stick to cane >.<

But then again now that I'm first alto this year I think I'm going to have to switch to soprano here and there....great :cry:

 

[Bobby G]

I bought a selection of reeds for my soprano, and I really like the Plasticover, quite a bit brighter than the Rico Royals I was using. The Hemke reed I wasn't so sure about, kind of smooth but not much character.

Also I quite liked the Van Doren Jazz reed on the sop - on alto they are not far different from Rico Jazz Select , brightness is quite similar but the underlying tone is a bit smoother and, well, Van Doren-y, so I prefer the Rico. I also find they (Rico) last longer, especially if you find 3 or 4 you like and rotate them from session to session.