About Clarinet Reeds

Clarinets are beautiful musical instruments. A clarinetist may spend a good deal of time looking for the perfect instrument. Although selection of the clarinet itself is important, clarinetists should not overlook the importance of good clarinet reeds. A well-chosen clarinet reed can make all the difference in ease of play, richness of tone, and pleasure in practice. Clarinet reeds have an international history, and learning about them can enrich your music.

History

The clarinet itself has evolved over the years beginning with single-reed instruments in the Middle Ages. These instruments were used in the Middle East and Europe and included the double clarinet, the alboka and the albogue. The chalumeau came next in the clarinet's development. The chalumeau's reed was similar to the reeds used in modern clarinets. Mozart loved the clarinet because he thought it sounded so much like the human voice, and he wrote music for it. In Germany and Austria, the reed was attached to the clarinet with string, but this practice is seldom used today.

Significance

Clarinet reeds affect nearly all aspects of a clarinetist's experience with her instrument. A reed that is too hard makes it difficult to produce a pleasing sound, and this can be very frustrating for an inexperienced musician. Warped or cracked reeds can be used, but they will make inferior tones. A good, appropriate reed can make all the difference in a musician's performance and experience.

Types

German reeds are cut thicker in the center and are smaller and narrower than French and American reeds. These reeds function best when used with German clarinets, which have mouthpieces made to match the dimensions of the reeds. Many players find that they have difficulty avoiding squeaking sounds when using German reeds; however, the tone of a German reed can be very dark and rich.
French reeds produce a bright, versatile sound, but many musicians find that they're difficult to use. They are cut thinner than German reeds but thicker than American reeds. French reeds are often used by more experienced clarinetists.
American reeds are very user friendly and almost universally preferred by students. American reeds try to combine the best attributes of the French and German reeds. They produce a rich sound with lots of flexibility.

Identification

Clarinet reed manufacturers produce many kinds of reeds to fit different budgets and different types of players. You can find synthetic reeds made of plastic and natural reeds made of canes. Synthetic reeds tend to be much more expensive than natural reeds, but they last longer and are perfect for musicians who play outdoors.
You can identify a reed by its number. Manufacturers grade their reeds by their hardness. A #2 to a #2 1/2 reed will be the softest reed, and beginners will want to try these first. The higher the number, the harder the reed will be.

Misconceptions

One misconception that is common among new clarinetists is that new reeds are preferable to old reeds. Professional clarinetists know that reeds need to be broken in and that green reeds, or reeds that have not been allowed to cure, will not perform well. When you get a new box of reeds, use each reed for about 10 minutes per day. This will break the reeds in and keep you from getting frustrated.