Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Rico 3 1\2 Alto". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Elevate your alto saxophone performance with the Rico 3 1/2 Alto reeds, crafted to deliver a powerful tone and responsive playability. Ideal for both aspiring musicians and seasoned players, these reeds are designed with precision and innovation to enhance every note. The Rico 3 1/2 Alto reeds feature an "unfiled" design, ensuring a robust sound that resonates with clarity and depth, perfect for a range of musical styles. This makes them not only versatile but also a favorite among educators for their student-friendly response.

Housed in the iconic "Orange Box," these reeds are made from the most flexible part of the reed cane, ensuring durability and consistency with every performance. Whether you’re performing a soulful solo or leading a vibrant ensemble, Rico reeds offer the reliability you need. With a strength rating of 3.5, they provide the right balance of resistance and ease, allowing you to focus on the music rather than the mechanics. Each pack contains 10 reeds, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore and perfect your sound.

Key Features:

  • Strength: 3.5
  • "Unfiled" reed for a powerful tone
  • Easy response, especially recommended for students
  • Made from the most flexible part of the reed cane for varied playing styles
  • Quantity: 10 reeds per box

Product specs

Available since June 2018
Material Wood
Strength 3.5

FAQs

What makes the Rico 3 1/2 Alto Sax reeds suitable for advanced players?

The Rico 3 1/2 Alto Sax reeds offer a higher strength that provides more resistance, which is often preferred by advanced players for better control and richer tone production.

How do Rico 3 1/2 Alto Sax reeds compare to Vandoren reeds?

Rico reeds are generally considered to have less resistance compared to Vandoren, making them easier to play for some musicians, while still providing a robust sound ideal for various playing styles.

Are Rico 3 1/2 Alto Sax reeds made from wood?

Yes, Rico 3 1/2 Alto Sax reeds are made from high-quality wood, ensuring durability and a consistent, warm tone.

How does reed strength affect saxophone playing?

Reed strength, such as 3.5, impacts the resistance and flexibility of the reed. A stronger reed like the Rico 3 1/2 requires more breath control and embouchure strength, often resulting in a fuller sound.

What type of music genres are Rico 3 1/2 Alto Sax reeds best suited for?

Rico 3 1/2 Alto Sax reeds are versatile and can be used across various genres, including jazz, classical, and pop, offering a balanced tone and responsive playability.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rico 3 1\2 Alto.

User experience

  • Rico reeds are praised for their consistency, with users noting that new reeds often don't require a break-in period and generally play reliably straight out of the box.

    Source
  • Users highlight that Rico reeds can be immediately playable upon wetting and maintain uniform performance across different reeds in a box.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from Rico 2.5 to 3 report significant sound improvement, prompting exploration of other premium reed options.

    Source
  • Some players, particularly those in jazz, transition from Rico Royal to Vandoren Java Green for better projection and longevity, a preference dating back decades for certain users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some players report that Vandoren reeds can be more inconsistent compared to Rico reeds, requiring more effort to find good ones from a batch.

    Source
  • Vandoren reeds generally run harder than Rico, with a Vandoren blue box #3 equating to a Rico 3.5, and a Java 3 similar to a Rico 3.

    Source
  • The Pilgerstorfer Dolce 3-1/2 reed is specifically mentioned as a top choice for alto sax players, offering a unique alternative to more common brands.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Rico reeds, particularly the orange box, are considered sufficient for marching band due to their affordability and reliability in outdoor conditions.

    Source
  • For marching band, synthetic options like Legere Classic are suggested for their durability and resistance to weather-related issues.

    Source
  • For jazz band players, a mouthpiece with a tip opening around 0.078 inches is recommended for better performance.

    Source
  • Rico #2.5 reeds are recommended for beginners using a Yamaha 4C mouthpiece, due to easier sound production and less required embouchure strength.

    Source
  • Professionals might opt for Rico #3.5 reeds on the same Yamaha 4C mouthpiece for greater resistance and tonal control, adjusting strength by half increments for specific needs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider mouthpiece upgrades for jazz or classical: Selmer Soloist, Vandoren V5 or V16, Morgan Jazz, or 10MFan Alto Madness for improved tonal quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • D’Addario Jazz Select reeds offer a range of strengths: Soft, Medium, and Hard, providing flexibility for different playing styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Beginners are advised to start with softer reeds, such as Rico 1.5 or Juno, to accommodate developing embouchure muscles and improve initial ease of play.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul Desmond uses Rico 3 1\2 Alto

Paul Desmond

Composer, Saxophonist

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

...
Verified via Saxontheweb

As quoted by Desmond.....

"I play a Selmer alto and a Gregory 4A-18M mouthpiece, both circa 1951, and Ricco 3 1\2 reeds."

-- Paul Desmond, January, 1976 Notice: Rico reeds have changed over the years, and a 3.5 today may not be the same as a 3.5 50-60 years ago

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rico 3 1\2 Alto, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Rico Reeds

Rico Reeds Alto

$65.75 - $65.99

# 6

Rank

 
See also: Reeds, Rico, Rico Reeds

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    retroman
    retroman

    Gear IQ 189