Angkor Music Melbourne stocks complete Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds range at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018 with woodwind repair expertise and professional consultation. Rico (now part of D'Addario Woodwinds family) represents comprehensive clarinet and saxophone reed and accessory manufacturer trusted worldwide for quality and value since 1928. Complete Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds reed range: Rico reeds (orange box) affordable entry-level choice offering consistent quality for beginning students available strengths 1.5 through 4, Rico Royal reeds premium step-up featuring filed cut providing warmer tone and easier response perfect for advancing students, Grand Concert Select reeds professional thick blank delivering rich warm tone for advanced classical players, La Voz reeds designed specifically for jazz and commercial music with unfiled cut for bright projection, Frederick L. Hemke reeds premium classical saxophone reeds featuring filed cut for orchestral tone, Reserve reeds flagship professional line with premium cane selection and precision manufacturing rivaling finest European reeds, Reserve Classic reeds combining Reserve quality with traditional unfiled cut for darker tone, Reserve Evolution reeds innovative design for contemporary classical and versatile playing. D'Addario Woodwinds mouthpiece range: Select Jazz mouthpieces offering hand-finished facings for jazz and contemporary, Reserve mouthpieces precision-milled classical designs, Rico and Rico Royal mouthpieces student-friendly options, Graftonite synthetic mouthpieces affordable durable student choice. Reed accessories: Rico reed cases (humidity control available), reed guards protecting individual reeds, H-Ligatures featuring innovative four-point contact, Rovner ligatures popular dark fabric design, reed trimmers and tools for adjustment. Why choose Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds: exceptional value delivering quality reeds at accessible prices making premium tone available to students and budget-conscious players, comprehensive range covering beginner through professional across classical and jazz, consistent manufacturing through D'Addario's quality control and production expertise, innovation including Reserve series demonstrating commitment to advancing woodwind performance, trusted worldwide by educators students and professionals validating reliability across all skill levels. Why buy from Angkor Music woodwind specialists: extensive reed inventory across all Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds lines ensuring fresh stock in all strengths, complete mouthpiece and accessory selection, professional woodwind repair service including pad replacement cork replacement and key regulation performed by experienced woodwind technician, expert reed selection consultation helping players find optimal strength and cut for their instrument and playing level, mouthpiece selection guidance matching specifications to embouchure and musical style, understanding of clarinet and saxophone setup requirements from decades woodwind experience, fresh inventory ensuring reeds at peak performance not degraded from age or improper storage, competitive pricing on boxes and individual reeds, knowledge of embouchure development assisting students through progression. Reed strength selection guide: beginners start Rico or Rico Royal strength 2 for clarinet and 2 for saxophone building embouchure foundation, intermediate players progress to strength 2.5 or 3 as embouchure develops gaining tone control, advanced classical players typically use Grand Concert Select or Reserve 3 to 3.5 for focused projection, jazz players prefer La Voz or Reserve Classic 2.5 to 3 for flexibility and vibrato, strength requirements vary with mouthpiece facing requiring consultation for optimal match. Rico versus Reserve explained: Rico orange box offers entry-level consistency for students at accessible pricing, Rico Royal provides premium step-up with filed cut and warmer tone, Reserve represents flagship professional series with premium cane selection precision manufacturing and quality rivaling European premium brands, Reserve suits advancing students through professionals demanding consistent high-quality reeds. D'Addario Woodwinds innovation: precision manufacturing using advanced quality control, premium cane selection from multiple growing regions ensuring supply consistency, extensive research and development investing in acoustic performance, professional artist collaboration refining specifications based on real performance needs, environmental responsibility through sustainable practices. Reed care fundamentals: rotate between multiple reeds preventing overuse, store in reed cases allowing proper drying, break in new reeds gradually, clean after playing removing moisture, replace when tone deteriorates typically 2-4 weeks for daily players, maintain moderate temperature and humidity. Location: 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm. Call (03) 8360 7799 for Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds availability or expert woodwind consultation.

Rico reeds, now part of the D'Addario Woodwinds family, represent trusted quality and exceptional value since 1928. From affordable Rico orange box reeds for students through professional Reserve series, D'Addario Woodwinds delivers comprehensive clarinet and saxophone solutions. At Angkor Music Melbourne, we stock the complete Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds range with woodwind repair expertise and professional consultation. Visit our Altona showroom at 4-6 Drake Boulevard or call (03) 8360 7799 for personalized guidance from experienced woodwind specialists.

Rico Reeds (Orange Box) - Student Foundation

Rico orange box reeds represent affordable entry-level choice offering consistent quality for beginning students at accessible pricing. These reeds provide reliable performance allowing students to focus on embouchure development and technique without fighting inconsistent inferior products.

Characteristics: Unfiled cut (full vamp) providing direct response and brighter tone, consistent manufacturing ensuring predictable performance, available strengths 1.5 through 4 covering student through intermediate, affordable pricing making quality accessible to all students, reliable quality supporting proper embouchure development.

Best for: Beginning students building foundational technique, school band programs requiring affordable reliable reeds, budget-conscious players needing consistent quality, students developing embouchure before advancing to premium reeds. Rico orange box proves quality reeds don't require premium pricing - perfect for students and educators managing tight budgets.

Rico Royal Reeds - Premium Step-Up

Rico Royal reeds feature filed cut (French file) providing warmer tone and easier response perfect for advancing students and intermediate players. The premium step-up from standard Rico offers enhanced tonal characteristics without extreme cost increase.

Characteristics: Filed cut removing bark from reed back creating warmer darker tone, easier response than unfiled Rico, improved harmonic complexity over standard Rico, available strengths 1.5 through 5, excellent value for premium features, smooth progression from Rico orange box maintaining brand familiarity.

Best for: Intermediate players advancing beyond entry-level reeds, students preparing for high school honors bands or regional auditions, players wanting warmer tone than standard Rico, budget-conscious musicians seeking premium features at reasonable pricing. Rico Royal represents sweet spot balancing quality enhancement with accessible pricing perfect for advancing students.

Grand Concert Select Reeds - Professional Classical

Grand Concert Select reeds feature professional thick blank delivering rich warm tone perfect for advanced classical players and serious students. These premium classical reeds compete with European brands at more accessible pricing.

Characteristics: Thick blank similar to premium European reeds providing rich harmonic complexity, filed cut for orchestral tone quality, enhanced projection for large concert halls, requires developed embouchure strength, available strengths 2.5 through 4, professional quality at competitive pricing.

Best for: Advanced classical players, serious students preparing conservatory auditions, orchestral and wind ensemble musicians, players wanting professional tone without premium European pricing. Grand Concert Select demonstrates D'Addario Woodwinds' commitment to professional-quality products accessible to more players.

La Voz Reeds - Jazz Standard

La Voz reeds are designed specifically for jazz and commercial music with unfiled cut providing bright projection and vibrant tone. Long-trusted by jazz professionals, La Voz delivers authentic jazz sound at reasonable pricing.

Characteristics: Unfiled cut (full vamp) creating bright edgy tone perfect for jazz, enhanced projection cutting through rhythm section, flexible tip enabling easy vibrato and pitch bending, immediate response for bebop articulation, available strengths Soft through Hard, trusted by jazz educators and professionals.

Best for: Jazz saxophonists and clarinetists, big band lead players requiring projection, contemporary and commercial music, players wanting authentic jazz tone with D'Addario reliability. La Voz represents D'Addario Woodwinds' jazz heritage offering traditional jazz sound with modern consistency.

Frederick L. Hemke Reeds - Classical Saxophone

Frederick L. Hemke reeds feature premium filed cut specifically designed for classical saxophone offering orchestral tone quality and refined response. Named for renowned classical saxophonist, these reeds serve serious classical players.

Characteristics: Filed cut optimized for classical saxophone, warm focused tone appropriate for orchestra and wind ensemble, precise response across dynamic range, enhanced low register resonance, available strengths 2 through 4, professional specifications at competitive pricing.

Best for: Classical saxophone specialists, university and conservatory students, orchestral and chamber musicians, players wanting refined classical tone without premium European pricing. Hemke reeds demonstrate D'Addario Woodwinds' commitment to classical saxophone advancing the instrument's orchestral legitimacy.

Reserve Reeds - Flagship Professional

Reserve reeds represent D'Addario Woodwinds' flagship professional line with premium cane selection, precision manufacturing, and quality rivaling finest European reeds. Reserve demonstrates D'Addario's commitment to producing world-class professional reeds.

Characteristics: Premium cane individually selected for optimal density and response, precision manufacturing ensuring dimensional accuracy, filed cut providing warm refined tone, exceptional consistency box to box, available strengths 2 through 4.5, professional quality competing with premium European brands.

Best for: Professional classical players, advanced students and conservatory musicians, players demanding consistent high-quality reeds, musicians wanting European-quality reeds from trusted D'Addario brand. Reserve proves D'Addario Woodwinds produces professional reeds meeting most demanding performance requirements.

Reserve Classic Reeds - Traditional Jazz

Reserve Classic reeds combine Reserve premium quality with traditional unfiled cut for darker tone perfect for jazz and commercial music. These reeds serve jazz professionals wanting Reserve consistency with jazz-appropriate tonal characteristics.

Characteristics: Unfiled cut (full vamp) providing bright projection for jazz, Reserve premium cane selection ensuring consistency, flexible response enabling vibrato and expressive playing, available strengths 2 through 4, professional quality at competitive pricing.

Best for: Professional jazz players, advanced students playing jazz repertoire, commercial and contemporary musicians, players wanting Reserve quality with jazz tonal characteristics. Reserve Classic proves premium reeds serve jazz applications not just classical music.

Reserve Evolution Reeds - Innovative Design

Reserve Evolution reeds feature innovative design combining traditional craftsmanship with modern acoustic research. These reeds serve contemporary classical and versatile players requiring enhanced response and tonal flexibility.

Best for: Contemporary classical music, versatile players covering classical and modern repertoire, musicians wanting latest acoustic innovations, players appreciating modern design serving musical goals. Reserve Evolution represents D'Addario Woodwinds' innovation commitment advancing woodwind performance.

Select Jazz Mouthpieces

Select Jazz mouthpieces feature hand-finished facings and professional design for jazz and contemporary music. These mouthpieces deliver bright projection and articulate response at competitive pricing.

Best for: Jazz saxophonists, contemporary players, musicians wanting professional jazz mouthpieces without premium pricing. Our woodwind repair specialists provide professional consultation guidance.

Reserve Mouthpieces - Classical Excellence

Reserve mouthpieces feature precision-milled classical designs with refined facings for orchestral and chamber music. These professional mouthpieces deliver warm focused tone with exceptional response.

Best for: Classical players, orchestra and wind ensemble musicians, advanced students, professionals demanding refined tone and response. Reserve mouthpieces demonstrate D'Addario's commitment to classical music excellence.

Rico and Rico Royal Mouthpieces

Rico and Rico Royal mouthpieces offer student-friendly designs at accessible pricing. These mouthpieces provide consistent quality helping students develop proper embouchure and tone without expensive investment.

Best for: Beginning students, school band programs, budget-conscious players, students establishing embouchure foundation before advancing to premium mouthpieces.

Graftonite Mouthpieces - Durable Synthetic

Graftonite mouthpieces feature durable synthetic construction offering affordability and reliability for students. These mouthpieces resist damage and temperature changes perfect for school programs.

Best for: Beginning students, rental programs, budget-limited schools, players in extreme climates, durable reliable option for developing players. Graftonite proves quality doesn't require expensive materials.

Essential Reed Care Practices

• Rotate between multiple reeds: Use 3-4 reeds in rotation preventing overuse and premature wear. Never play same reed consecutive days without rest period.
• Store properly: Use reed cases (not plastic sleeves) allowing proper drying and air circulation. Humidity-controlled storage prevents warping and mold growth.
• Break in gradually: New reeds require break-in period. Start with short 10-15 minute sessions increasing playing time over several days allowing cane to stabilize.
• Clean after playing: Wipe reeds removing moisture and saliva residue. Clean reeds last longer and maintain better tone quality preventing bacterial growth.
• Monitor condition: Replace reeds when tone quality deteriorates losing brightness and response. Typical lifespan 2-4 weeks for daily players with proper care.
• Temperature control: Keep reeds away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Store at moderate room temperature avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources.

What is the difference between Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds?

Rico was acquired by D'Addario becoming part of D'Addario Woodwinds family. Products still sold under Rico brand name (Rico orange box, Rico Royal) alongside newer D'Addario Woodwinds products (Reserve, Select Jazz). D'Addario's acquisition brings advanced manufacturing capabilities, quality control systems, and resources elevating traditional Rico quality. Both Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds names appear on products depending on product line and heritage. Players benefit from D'Addario's innovation and consistency while maintaining access to trusted Rico products. Visit our Altona showroom at 4-6 Drake Boulevard for complete selection or call (03) 8360 7799 for product availability.

What Rico or D'Addario reed strength should I use?

Reed strength depends on experience level and embouchure development. Beginners should start Rico orange box strength 2 or 2.5 for clarinet and saxophone requiring minimal embouchure strength. Intermediate players progress to Rico Royal strength 2.5 or 3 as embouchure develops. Advanced classical players typically use Grand Concert Select or Reserve strength 3 to 3.5 for focused projection. Jazz players prefer La Voz or Reserve Classic strength Medium Soft to Medium for flexibility and vibrato. Strength requirements vary with mouthpiece facing requiring consultation for optimal match. Visit our showroom for personalized strength consultation from woodwind specialists or call (03) 8360 7799 for expert advice.

Should I buy Rico or Rico Royal reeds?

Rico orange box suits beginning students building foundational technique offering reliable consistent quality at accessible pricing. Rico Royal serves advancing students and intermediate players with filed cut providing warmer tone and easier response. Choose Rico for entry-level students managing tight budgets or establishing basic embouchure. Choose Rico Royal for students progressing beyond basics wanting enhanced tonal characteristics without extreme cost increase. Rico Royal represents excellent value step-up from standard Rico perfect for high school students and advancing players. Our woodwind specialists help determine appropriate reed for your current playing level and development goals.

Are Reserve reeds as good as European premium brands?

Yes, Reserve reeds deliver quality rivaling finest European premium brands through D'Addario's advanced manufacturing capabilities and quality control. Reserve features premium cane selection, precision cutting, and rigorous inspection ensuring consistent high-quality performance. Many professional players switching to Reserve find comparable or superior consistency versus traditional European brands at competitive pricing. Reserve demonstrates D'Addario Woodwinds produces world-class professional reeds meeting most demanding performance requirements. Professional orchestral musicians, conservatory students, and serious classical players trust Reserve for auditions, concerts, and recording. Try Reserve reeds experiencing D'Addario's flagship professional quality.

Which Rico or D'Addario reeds are best for jazz?

La Voz reeds are designed specifically for jazz and commercial music with unfiled cut providing bright projection and vibrant tone trusted by jazz professionals. Reserve Classic combines Reserve premium quality with traditional unfiled cut for darker tone serving jazz professionals wanting Reserve consistency with jazz-appropriate characteristics. La Voz suits traditional jazz, swing, and bebop applications offering authentic jazz sound at reasonable pricing. Reserve Classic serves professional jazz players demanding premium consistency. Both deliver excellent jazz tone - choice depends on budget and whether premium Reserve quality justifies additional investment. Call (03) 8360 7799 for expert jazz reed consultation from our woodwind specialists.

How do I choose a D'Addario Woodwinds mouthpiece?

Mouthpiece selection depends on musical style, experience level, and physical characteristics. Classical players typically choose Reserve mouthpieces featuring precision-milled designs for orchestral tone. Jazz saxophonists select Select Jazz mouthpieces with hand-finished facings for bright projection. Beginning students start with Rico or Graftonite mouthpieces offering affordability and reliability. Tip opening affects resistance and dynamic range - more open tips provide less resistance requiring stronger embouchure. Chamber design impacts warmth and projection. Our woodwind repair specialists provide professional consultation guidance matching mouthpiece specifications to your embouchure, playing style, and musical goals. Call (03) 8360 7799 for expert mouthpiece selection advice.

Does Angkor Music offer woodwind repair services?

Yes, our professional woodwind repair service includes comprehensive clarinet and saxophone maintenance and repair. Services include pad replacement ensuring proper seal and response, cork replacement on tenons and necks preventing air leaks, key regulation adjusting mechanisms for optimal action, tone hole leveling correcting intonation issues, spring replacement and adjustment, cleaning and polishing, and complete overhauls for neglected instruments. Our experienced woodwind technician has decades of clarinet and saxophone repair experience understanding how proper instrument setup affects reed and mouthpiece performance. Regular maintenance keeps your instrument performing optimally with Rico and D'Addario products. Schedule repair consultation at our Altona workshop or call (03) 8360 7799 for woodwind repair information.

Can you help me choose the right reed strength?

Absolutely. Our woodwind specialists provide personalized reed strength consultation based on your instrument, current playing level, embouchure development, musical genre, and tonal goals. Proper strength selection dramatically affects playing success and musical development. Too-hard reeds create embouchure strain and difficult response while too-soft reeds compromise tone quality and intonation. We consider your current reed experience, any specific playing difficulties, musical applications (classical versus jazz), physical characteristics affecting embouchure, and teacher recommendations. Visit our Altona showroom at 4-6 Drake Boulevard for consultation from experienced woodwind players or call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss reed selection. We provide honest guidance about when to advance to harder strengths versus when current strength remains appropriate.

What accessories do I need with my Rico reeds?

Essential accessories include reed case for proper storage preventing warping and damage (humidity control options available), reed guards protecting individual reeds during transport, quality ligature (H-Ligature or Rovner recommended) ensuring proper reed vibration and response, mouthpiece cap preventing damage. Optional but beneficial accessories include reed trimming tools for advanced players wanting customization, multiple reed cases allowing rotation between practice and performance reeds, backup ligatures preventing emergency situations. We stock complete D'Addario Woodwinds accessory range. Quality accessories protect your reed investment and enhance playing experience. Visit our showroom for accessory consultation or call (03) 8360 7799 for recommendations matching your needs and budget.

Where is Angkor Music located and when are you open?

Angkor Music Melbourne is located at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. We are open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 4pm. Visit our showroom for complete Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds reed, mouthpiece, and accessory selection with expert consultation from woodwind specialists and our experienced woodwind repair technician. Receive personalized reed strength recommendations and mouthpiece selection guidance. No appointment necessary during retail hours though calling ahead at (03) 8360 7799 proves beneficial for specific product inquiries or scheduling dedicated consultation time. Free parking available. Convenient Altona location accessible from across Melbourne. Our knowledgeable staff includes experienced woodwind players and repair technicians providing real-world advice based on decades of woodwind experience. Call (03) 8360 7799 for directions, product availability, woodwind repair information, or any clarinet and saxophone questions.

Experience Rico and D'Addario Woodwinds Excellence

Complete Reed Range • Professional Mouthpiece Selection • Expert Consultation
Woodwind Repair Service • Fresh Inventory • Strength Guidance • Accessories

Angkor Music Melbourne | 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm | Saturday 10am-5pm | Sunday 11am-4pm

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