I had been playing my clarinet with Rico Royal reeds for about 5 years when my clarinet teacher suggested I buy some Vandoren reeds. It was well worth the investment. While not all of the reeds that come in the box are good, most of them are not only usable but have a great tone and amazing durability. I am not an expert on clarinet reeds, but they are the best I have used in my experience so far.

Within a week, the ensemble festival was approaching. I needed a new mouthpiece, ligature, and a couple of new reeds. I was very ecstatic when these vandoren reeds came in the mail. But, when I "tried" to break them in nothing seemed to work. Within several days the reeds were broken in. The sound I got was so good that it was hard to imagine a sound like that coming out of my HORN.

These #2 Vandoren reeds came recommended to us from clarinet players and teachers as better than other brands. (Less cracking, good sound, etc.) We were also recommended to go ahead and purchase 10 reeds, even for the beginner student because eventually you will need all 10. But also because, we were told, some reeds work for you now, while other reeds will work for you later. There's no real science to this, apparently, it's just the way the shape of the wood changes. Having 10 to start with gives you plenty of options in case cold, moisture, a temporarily thick lip, or whatever else changes the shape of the reed or the shape of the reed you need at any particular time. Used one reed so far, and it's nice.

These reeds are recommended by my daughter's band teacher. Because of the strong push on this brand, we have never tried other reeds for my daughter's clarinet. The only thing I have a problem with is that they get soft too quickly. Otherwise, they sound ok.

I was very pleased with the quick service. I was also very happy with the price. I was able to get the reeds I wanted at a good price and they were delivered quickly. Thank you.