D'addario - Rico RESERVE MCR-X0 - CLOSE FACING

A "Reserve" Series Between Heritage and Modern Demands

Inspired by iconic vintage mouthpieces from the 1920s, the Rico Reserve line brings this heritage into a contemporary manufacturing process led by D'Addario. The goal is not to replicate a "retro" aesthetic merely for visual appeal: here, the focus is clear, everything serves the sound. By relying on machining rather than molding, the Reserve aims for production consistency that reassures discerning clarinetists, rehearsal after rehearsal.

Designed by a team combining top-level musicians, craftsmen, and engineers, this mouthpiece embodies a "precision + musicality" approach: preserving a playing spirit and tonal color inspired by period references while meeting today's demands for accuracy, control, and reliability.

For Which Clarinetist and Repertoires?

The Rico Reserve mouthpiece for Bb clarinet is primarily aimed at advanced intermediate, advanced, and professional players seeking a stable, coherent, and expressive mouthpiece, especially during long sessions (orchestra, chamber music, studio, rehearsals). Beginners can find a solid foundation here, but the Reserve's potential is best realized with an already developed embouchure (in terms of "placement").

Regarding styles, its "sound first" vocation suits both classical (homogeneity, clear articulation, control) and jazz or pop contexts where controlled projection and dynamic range are expected. The choice of table length (closed / medium / medium-open) allows fine-tuning of resistance and reed feel according to your approach and usual reeds.

Sound and Design

A clarinet mouthpiece primarily plays on key parameters: the table (contact and vibration area of the reed), how the reed moves, and the sensation of resistance. With the Reserve, precision machining and the choice of an exclusive solid rubber aim for consistent response, reliable projection across registers, and a control feel that helps stabilize attack and dynamics.

The three available table lengths provide simple benchmarks: a closed table tends to offer more resistance and stability, a medium table seeks balance, and a medium-open table often favors a freer, more expressive feel. The expected result: a mouthpiece that prioritizes timbre consistency, articulation, and control, without relying on variable artisanal finishing, as the machining precision is declared sufficient to eliminate the need for manual adjustments.

Technical specifications

Category	Bb clarinet	Color	Black
Material	Hard rubber

Available in 3 table lengths	closed, medium, medium-open	Line	Rico Reserve
Declared precision	no manual finishing needed