Reeds Tenor Rico reeds

[Tyrone Hopes]

What is the nearest reed to the old Rico Royals? I've recently returned to playing Tenor sax and I'm running out of my old supplies. I can't find any Rico's anywhere except 'by D'Addario' - I've tried their 2.5 Ricos and they feel so different - tougher. Maybe I need to try a 2 instead. Or is there a 'real' Rico reed somewhere? Please let me know your thoughts. BTW my interest is jazz / improv.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I've tried their 2.5 Ricos and they feel so different - tougher.

Try 2s then could be they are grading them differently

 

[Colin the Bear]

D'Addario took over Rico quite some time ago.

D'Addario "Rico" are what used to be orange box Rico. American cut.

D'Addario "Royal" are what used to be Rico Royal. French filed.

D'Addario do quite a range of Regular/American cut and French filed reeds.

 

[Pete Thomas]

D'Addario "Rico" are what used to be orange box Rico. American cut.

What, you don’t remember the brown box?

 

[skeller047]

I certainly remember the brown box - I still have some LOL! The closest modern reed to an OLD Rico (brown box, and early orange box pre-D’Addario) is Rigotti and Boston Sax Shop black box. The D’Addario Select Jazz are in the same ballpark, but not quite as good. This is for tenor; alto is the reverse for me with BSS black being closest to the old Ricos.

The current Ricos have a weak heart, and that goes for the Royals too. (I think they are the same, just filed vs. unfiled.) Just my opinion, of course, your mileage may vary.

 

[Tyrone Hopes]

Thanks a lot guys. I will give these a try.