Detail 01
Strength 1.5
Very soft. A note comes out with minimal air, which helps early on, but the reed closes up under pressure.
Product detailSKU #1274034480420
Rico RoyalAlto Clarinet Reeds, Box of 10 Strength 1.5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Ten E-flat alto clarinet reeds in strength 1.5 — a very soft cut aimed at beginners and school players getting a first sound out.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Students in their first months on alto clarinet
- School programs stocking a section's spares
- Players who tire quickly and need an easy-blowing reed
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Anyone past the first year of steady playing
- Players wanting projection or a full, centered tone
- B-flat soprano or bass clarinet — wrong size entirely
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Alto clarinet cut
Sized for E-flat alto clarinet, between soprano and bass. Neither of those mouthpieces takes this reed correctly.
Detail 03
Box of 10
About $3.30 a reed. Sensible for a beginner, who will chip a few on teeth and mouthpiece corners.
Detail 04
Cane reed
Some in the box will play better than others. Sorting early and rotating them saves money over the term.
Detail 05
Strength 1.5 vs 2
Half a step softer. Easier response and less fatigue, but thinner tone and a lower volume ceiling.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reeds only — mouthpiece, ligature and reed guard not included
- 02Soak the reed briefly before playing so it seals against the mouthpiece
- 03Most players outgrow 1.5 within months; plan on moving to 2 or 2.5
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit a normal clarinet?
No. These are cut for E-flat alto clarinet. A standard B-flat soprano clarinet takes a smaller reed and this one will overhang.
02Is 1.5 the right starting strength?
It's a common first step for young players. If a sound comes out easily but is thin and buzzy, move up to 2.
03How do I stop reeds chipping?
Store them flat in a reed guard rather than the sleeve, and take the mouthpiece off the reed carefully after playing.
04How many reeds will a student go through?
A box of ten typically covers a school term if they're rotated and stored properly. Fewer if reeds are left on the mouthpiece to dry out.
