When I started, I started on a box of Rico Royal 2.5. It's not really what brand of reed, more the strength. Any Player could get a note out of any brand, as long as they got the appropriate reed strength. A Vandoren 2.5 is harder than a Rico 2.5. Woodwind Brasswind has a chart comparing reed strengths for brands. The Rico orange boxes are ok, but I'd start on a rico royal, they're not just much more. However, if you're a true beginner and crack reeds really easily, stick with Rico Orange. On reed strengths, the harder you go, the less response you get, and the softer, the more. After you play for a while you'll want to move to harder reeds because the softer ones won't hold up well in durability. Harder reeds tend to last longer in my opinion, just require more air. You're embouchoure will tighten up over time, and it will be to your best to move up in strength to make sure your tone start sounding ugly. -tenor562