D'addario - Rico ORANGE CONTRABASS CLARINET REEDS 3.5
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Manufacturer Information
D'addario - Rico
https://www.daddario.com
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D'Addario Europe Ltd
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Rico "Orange Box": A Historic Reference Accessible in the World of Reeds
The Rico "Orange Box" reeds are among the iconic models found for years in the cases of both students and stage musicians. Their philosophy is clear: to offer an easy response, an immediate sensation under the breath, and a quality consistent enough to practice with confidence, all at an accessible price point. This approach has made them a recurring choice in education, especially when looking for reeds that are simple to handle and easy to replace.
For Which Musician and Styles?
With their quick vibration and direct feel, these reeds are particularly suited for students and musicians seeking a reed that "speaks" quickly without requiring excessive effort to produce sound. They are also highly appreciated in jazz and contemporary music styles, where responsiveness helps to chain attacks, dynamics, and articulations naturally. The strength 3.5 is more aimed at musicians who already have good setup (breath, embouchure, support), or those looking for more hold and stability.
Sound and Design
The Rico "American-style" cut is characterized by a thinner heart and a refined profile : the reed vibrates more easily, which promotes a quick response and a flexible playing sensation. In return, the strength 3.5 provides a firmer frame : it often gains in hold on loud dynamics, stability in intonation, and projection, provided the air column is well supported. This combination (reactive cut + strength 3.5) can offer a good balance between ease of response and control, especially for clear attacks and precise articulation.
Recommended Compatible Accessories
To preserve the response and longevity of your reeds, a reed case (ventilated protective case), as well as a humidifier or humidity control solution for the case, are safe and universal choices. A swab suited to your instrument also helps limit residual moisture, contributing to a more stable environment for the reeds.
Technical specifications
| Category | contrabass clarinet |
| Material | reed |
| Quantity | 10 |
| Strength | 3.5 |
| Cut | Rico |
| Profile and heart | thinner than normal for easier vibration |
| Cut style | American-style |
| Packaging | box of 10 reeds |
| Also available | packs of 3 or Novapak dispensers of 25 (depending on references) |
| Also available for | all types of clarinets and saxophones (depending on references) |
| Manufacturing | state-of-the-art machines and processes aimed at better consistency |
| Important note | product subject to a specific withdrawal right. For hygiene reasons, if the product has been opened, it cannot be refunded or exchanged. |
| Positioning | affordable pricing, especially appreciated in educational settings |
Questions frequently asked
Are Rico Orange 3.5 reeds compatible with a contrabass clarinet?
This box contains 10 cane reeds designed for the contrabass clarinet, strength 3.5.
What proficiency level corresponds to a 3.5 strength for contrabass clarinet?
Strength 3.5 is intended for players who already have good control of breath, embouchure, and support. It provides more stability in loud dynamics and intonation.
What response does the Rico American cut offer?
The profile and heart, finer than usual, make vibration easier to initiate. The American cut thus promotes a quick response and clear attacks.
Are D'Addario Rico Orange 3.5 reeds suitable for jazz?
Their fast vibration and direct sound projection suit jazz and contemporary music styles. Strength 3.5 helps maintain a firm framework with steady airflow.
Is it possible to exchange an opened box of Rico reeds?
For hygiene reasons, an opened box cannot be refunded or exchanged. A ventilated reed case and a proper swab help preserve cane reeds.



