Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (1)
$50.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$50.99
Amazon
4.6 (607)
$49.95
Musician's Friend
4.0 (10)
$50.99
Thomann
4.8 (5)
$48.00 $47.00 $1.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Rico 2 1/2 Baritone Reed". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Rico 2 1/2 Baritone Reed is your passport to elevating your woodwind performance with precision and ease. Crafted for musicians who demand responsiveness and versatility, this reed is designed to meet the needs of both budding students and seasoned performers. Cut from a highly flexible grade of cane, it offers a smooth response that is especially beneficial for learners honing their skills, while still delivering the robust tone professional players crave.

The Rico reed's traditional blank and thinner profile ensures a consistent, lively sound with every play. Thanks to D'Addario's meticulous manufacturing process, these reeds are cut and sanded to perfection, providing durability and outstanding performance throughout rehearsals and live concerts. The unfiled design adds power to your tone, making it an ideal choice for musicians wanting to project their sound confidently in any setting.

With an affordable price point, the Rico 2 1/2 Baritone Reed is accessible to all levels of players, offering unbeatable value without compromising quality. Convenient packaging in sets of 10 ensures you’re always ready to make music, whether you’re in the practice room or on stage. Choose Rico for a reed that harmonizes with your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Strength: 2.5
  • Unfiled reed for a powerful tone
  • Cut from a flexible grade of cane for ease of play
  • Ideal for students and versatile for all playing styles
  • Traditional blank and thin profile for reliable performance
  • Economically priced and packaged in sets of 10 reeds

Product specs

Available since June 2018
Material Wood
Strength 2.5

FAQs

What is the primary use of Rico 2 1/2 Baritone Reeds?

Rico 2 1/2 Baritone Reeds are designed for baritone saxophone players, providing a balanced response and ease of play, ideal for both beginners and intermediate musicians.

How does the 2.5 strength affect the playability of the Rico Baritone Reeds?

The 2.5 strength offers a medium level of resistance, which is suitable for players who have developed a moderate embouchure strength, allowing for a fuller tone without excessive effort.

Are Rico Baritone Reeds made from natural materials?

Yes, Rico Baritone Reeds are made from high-quality wood, ensuring a natural sound and reliable performance.

How do Rico Baritone Reeds compare to other brands like Vandoren?

While personal preference plays a role, Rico reeds are known for their consistency and affordability, making them a popular choice among students and professionals alike.

Schmitt Music Saxophone Shop

Schmitt Music Saxophone Shop

What strength of reed should YOU play?

Video thumbnail for What strength of reed should YOU play? by Schmitt Music Saxophone Shop

What strength of reed should YOU play?

Schmitt Music Saxophone Shop

Schmitt Music Saxophone Shop

Video thumbnail for Which Sax Reeds For A  Beginner? by Music Education For All

Which Sax Reeds For A Beginner?

Music Education For All

Music Education For All

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable price point makes them accessible for students and beginners

  • Versatile strength options cater to different skill levels and preferences

  • Consistent quality; recommended by band directors

  • Easy to play, especially for transitioning sax players

  • Long-lasting until physical wear like chipping

CONS

  • Sound quality may not meet professional standards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rico 2 1/2 Baritone Reed.

Setup and maintenance

  • Beginners may initially find notes airy; long tones and overtones can help improve tone quality with time.

    Source
  • Check for torn ligatures under the screws, as they can affect performance.

    Source
  • Switching to Vandoren blue box from Rico may require adjusting reed strength due to the difference in thickness and hardness equivalence.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A 4C mouthpiece is noted as having a small chamber, which might affect sound projection on baritone sax.

    Source
  • Java Reds and Greens offer more control, especially in the lowest range and altissimo, while V16s and D'Addario Select Jazz provide a fuller, richer sound with more resistance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some players prefer stronger reeds, like strength 3, for a stronger attack on baritone sax compared to other saxophones.

    Source
  • Rico reeds in the orange box are noted for a brighter tone compared to Vandoren classics, making them a preferred choice for a tonal change.

    Source
  • Java Reds are perceived to be slightly softer than ZZ and Greens, which might surprise some as they are generally seen as stiffer.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest trying a Vandooren V16 or ZZ reed for potentially better sound quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Players frequently encounter inconsistency with Vandoren blue box reeds, often finding only a few good reeds per box.

    Source
  • Rico Jazz Select reeds are highlighted for their consistency, reducing the usual variability found in reed quality.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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See also: Reeds, Rico, Rico Reeds

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