How do I know which size reeds to buy?

Well, some professionals would say that the answer to that question would be a matter of personal opinion as well as personal preference and it is best left unanswered. However, there is a general rule of thumb that most players can follow and most pro players can agree with.

First, you need to understand what the strength, number or description actually means. The number stands for the thickness of the reed. Now, this thickness varies depending on the manufacturer. For instance; Rico and Rico Royal sizes are 1-5. However, Lavoz sizes are Soft, Medium Soft, Medium, and so forth. Therefore, Lavoz "Soft" would be comparable to a #1 Rico and Lavoz "Hard" would be comparable to a #5 Rico.
 
Now, this isn't always this simple. We own a full service music store and deal with beginners and pro players alike. We have found several exceptions to this rule of sizing. One of the most common is with the Vandoren Blue brand of reeds. Vandoren Blue reed sizes run from 1-5 as well.  However, a Vandoren Blue #2 is actually more comparable to a #3 Rico. Why? Well, only Vandoren would be able to tell you precisely. However, we beleive it is because Vandoren reeds are better either: a higher quality cane, stronger cane, a cane that is cultivated differently, a cane from a different region or a combination of either of these factors. We just know for certain that they last longer, players love them and they sell well.
 
Now, there is one other factor you should consider.
Are the reeds fresh?
What? --- Fresh?
 Yes, fresh... just like at the market. Reeds are just like any other material. They will dry out if kept in too hot an area, they will begin to weather and crack as well. It is also not a good idea to keep them in too moist an area. Even if they are still sealed. I have known music stores that have suffered fire or flood damage and they end up on an auction somewhere or sold to a player for personal use and they end up selling them as new in the box. We guarantee all of our reeds to have been purchased direct from the manufacturer within 60 days from the day you buy them!
 
Alright, now with all of that in mind, lets move on with sizes and size increments. For beginners, most instructors and band directors will require a student to begin on a size #2, or #2-1/2 (#2.5) Why? Because these sizes are in the middle of the spectrum. If you started everyone off at a size #1, almost all of them would get nowhere without breaking up an entire box of reeds in a very short time. That can be costly! However, in the middle of the spectrum, you are able to adjust easily, depending on the player. If you are unable to get much sound out after a bit of practice, you may consider moving down 1/2 strength. If you are playing really well, and/or finding that the reeds are cracking or wearing faster; you may consider bumping up 1/2 strength.

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