How to Determine a Clarinet's Reed Strength

Clarinet reeds attach to the mouthpiece using the ligature.

Clarinet players produce sound by blowing air through the mouthpiece and reed assembly. The vibrating reed makes that characteristic clarinet sound, and these reeds come in different strengths. The strength of the reed is qualified as a number decided by the manufacturer that tells the player how hard the reed is. Determining the strength of your clarinet reed is relatively easy. Once you know the strength of the reed you have, you must then decide whether it is the right strength for you.

Things You'll Need

• Clarinet reed
• Clarinet

Instructions

Determine the Strength of a Reed

1. Take the reed carefully out of the case. Always hold the reed at the thickest part and avoid touching the reed's thin tip.

2. Turn the reed so you can see its flat side. Move your fingers aside so you can see the bottom of the thick part, or heel, of the reed.

3. Read the numbers stamped on the reed. Common numbers are 2, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2 and 4. Higher numbers indicate a stronger (harder) reed.

Choose the Right Strength of Reed

1. Play your clarinet using the reed you have, now that you know its strength. If it sounds breathy or airy, or is extremely difficult to move air through, it is probably too strong or too hard for you. Some reed manufacturers have harder reeds than others, so the strength number pertains only to the hardness on that manufacturer's scale. Beginners usually start on a 2 or 2 1/2 strength reed, because it requires less air support and muscle control. Using a harder reed does not necessarily indicate a better player, but professionals usually use a reed in the range from 3 to 4 to maintain a better tone over all the ranges of the clarinet.

2. Experiment with different brands and strengths until you find one that works for you. A private teacher is an excellent resource when researching brands. A good teacher can listen to your sound and advise a strength range. Your particular mouthpiece, clarinet and experience level will influence on which reed and strength you play best. A mouthpiece with a close facing, or a very shallow curve at the tip, will need a harder reed. A mouthpiece with an open facing, or a very deep curve at the tip, will need a softer reed. Most beginning model clarinet mouthpieces have a medium facing and can either use a soft reed for the beginner or a harder reed for the intermediate student.

3. Gauge the sound of your reed in all the registers with which you're familiar. If your sound is overly bright and goes flat as you enter the higher register, the reed you are using is too soft. If you are having trouble playing in the lower registers and cannot achieve quiet dynamics, the reed you are using is too hard.

References

• The College of New Jersey: The Clarinet Reed
• Woodwind Brasswind: Single Reed Buyer's Guide

Resources

• Woodwind Brasswind: Clarinet Reeds
• Music and Arts: Clarinet Reeds