How Instrumental Reeds Are Made & Graded

The clarinet uses a single reed.

The group of instruments that use reeds are often known collectively as the woodwinds. These reeds are usually made from cane or polypropylene. Most musicians buy pre-shaped reeds, then further shape and trim their own reeds.

Grading

The oboe uses a double reed.

All musical instrument reeds are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, in .5 increments by how thick and strong they are. In general, the softer the reed, the easier they are to play. The thicker the reed, the richer and fuller the sound. Students are generally started on the softer reeds and graduate to the stiffer, thicker ones as their skills and musculature develops.

Natural Reeds

Saxaphones use a single reed like the clarinet.

Natural reeds for most woodwind instruments are made from Arundo donax, a species of cane that grows abundantly in southern France. The reeds are shaped to the specifications according to the instrument and the style of the mouthpiece. Most players will buy commercially produced reeds then finish, trim and conform them to their own specifications.

Synthetic Reeds

Synthetic reeds are made from polypropylene and are digitally computer engineered to exact specifications, which assures constancy and durability. They do not need to be broken in and wear longer than natural reeds. Some experts prefer them, while others believe that they do not produce the same sound quality as natural reeds.

References

• The College of New Jersey: Arundo Donax/The Clarinet Reed
• Arizona State University: Oboe and Reed Information
• Citizen Dia: Reed Instrument
• Legere Reeds Ltd: Why Do They Work