i don't see what's wrong with rico... I use Ricos in some shape or form on all my saxes, except for sopranino (Vandorens, but occasionally I use a soprano reed to less painfully hit high notes. I use Rico Jazz select on soprano and bari, and orange-box on alto and tenor, and on all, the whole range comes out, bottom to top, with about an octave of altissimo, if not more, on each. I will agree that Vandorens are very good reeds, but I don't see why all the acclaim goes to them and everyone but Rico. P.S. I also play tuba :)

Thanks for the suggestions. About the mouthpieces...I don't have nearly enough extra money to buy two mouthpieces, I'm gonna have to pick one. As for my sax, I just got it checked today and they said it was fine...but FYI, I play a PRESTINI..not the best saxophone in the world, but it's not too bad (at least for me-high school level)