thats real cool looking beast ! i’ve only been playing 2 months and i rotate between 3 reeds – rico 2, rico royal 1.5, vandorin 1.5. i find i can play all three but i find it a lot more puffing if i try any of the 3 reeds with a higher strength. the vandorin seems to have clearer notes, while ricos seem to have more smoother tones. i prefer the rico’s – but like everthing else everyone has their own preferences