Clarinet Reeds for Beginners

If you're new to world of clarinets and clarinet playing, chances are you may be confused about what clarinet reeds are, what they're for and how they work. These curious little slivers of bamboo are an essential part of this orchestral instrument.

What Reeds Do

The reed of a clarinet is actually what produces the instrument's sound. This thin piece of bamboo is made to vibrate when the player blows air over it, creating a sound that is amplified by the instrument.

Soaking

Before playing, a reed must be thoroughly soaked for several minutes in order to be supple enough to vibrate, either in a cup of water or in the player's mouth.

Quality

Not all reeds are created equal. Some produce a better sound than others, which can be a major source of frustration for players. The differences in quality are related to the cost of the reed, but can also be a matter of luck of the draw. Sometimes, you may get a reed that just doesn't produce quality sound.

Types of Reeds

Reeds are produced at different levels of hardness. The softer the reed, the easier it is to produce a sound. However, harder reeds are considered to produce a richer tone.

Reed Brands

While there are many manufacturers of reeds, the two major producers are the Rico Company and the Van Doren Company. Both companies produce many different lines of reeds for different types of playing, and for players of various ability levels.

References

• Clarinet Parents' Guide