Rico Royal RRO10BCL Bb Clarinet Strength 2 1/2

Advantages: Cheap
Disadvantages: Don't produce the Best tone in the World

...gets in the box. In my mind there is no doubt that Vandoren Reeds sound better, but the large difference in price is not justified by the small difference in sound. Going back to my earlier point about the quality of my early attempts at the clarinet, I should point out that playing on the correct strength of Reed, (and one that isn't too old), will ensure an acceptable sound from anyone. So how to find the correct strength? Read on! **********How Strong is your Jaw?***************** Rico Reeds come in strengths 1-5 (not all brands do). If you're a complete beginner, buy a 1, a 1.5 and a 2. (You can buy Reeds singly, both online and in shops. Some shops let you try the Reed out before you buy it just in case it's a duffer (see above), but not all of them.) Try the 2 first. If you produce a sound quite easily and without pain... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Bright tone, looks nice, good case
Disadvantages: Doesn't come cheap...

...will, but it really is a very nice pencil!! Like I said above, it doesn't come cheap, but I've tried more expensive clarinets and have to say this one comes out better every time. Don't simply rush out and buy the Buffet RC Prestige Bb clarinet (or if you can afford it, a Bb and A clarinet pair) - try a few different ones first, THEN buy the Buffet RC Prestige!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great Quality and Sound
Disadvantages: A bit expensive

...After starting the clarinet at school i asked for a buffet B12 clarinet for christmas. I kept this clarinet until the last year of my A levels but my clarinet teacher advised me that i needed a new one to progress further. Because of this i then started to try many different clarinets. I tried nearly every model and every make and narrowed it down to a Buffet RC and a Buffet R13. The reason i chose an RC prestige was because of the dark mellow german tone compared to the R13 prestige which gives a brighter french tone. This clarinet served me well through my degree, i gained a first in major performance with this clarinet and enjoyed every minute of practicing with it. now i am a woodwind teacher i would always tell the pupils to go for Buffet as they make outstanding clarinet. Even the most basic models are well built and sound good... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful