Our Teachers' Review
The Rico Royal 2.0 strength is the natural next step for alto saxophone students who have developed basic tone production and embouchure control on a 1.5 reed. The slightly increased resistance produces a fuller, more centered tone while still being comfortable to play.
Most of our students transition to a 2.0 reed within the first 3–6 months of playing. The change is subtle but noticeable — students often comment that their sound feels 'bigger' or 'more solid.' This is because the firmer reed vibrates with more control, producing better tone quality.
We recommend keeping a few 1.5 reeds on hand during the transition period. Some days, especially during longer practice sessions, students may want to switch back to the softer reed to prevent fatigue. This is perfectly normal and part of the natural development process.
