How to Choose a Clarinet Reed

Playing the clarinet brings with it the constant task of selecting and maintaining reeds for the instrument. There are many characteristics of clarinet reeds, and knowing how to find one that suits your instrument and playing ability will help ensure an enjoyable experience with the clarinet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clarinet
• Reed(s)

Selecting a clarinet reed

1. Know what level of reed you need. Reeds are ranked in levels of hardness, with 1 being the most soft and 5 being the hardest. Beginning players usually start on a 2 or 2.5, and will advance to higher numbers as facial muscles develop. Hardness refers to flexibility and strength, not thickness. Your teacher can help you determine which number to buy.

2. Understand that there will be varying degrees of quality, even within one box of reeds. Clarinet reeds (as well as reeds for other woodwind instruments) are made from a woody cane plant called arundo donax. Because reeds are a natural product, variations will occur in color, strength, and tone. Expect to find a few great reeds along with a few disappointing ones in each box.

3. Hold the reed up to a light. You should see close, evenly spaced vertical lines running from the bottom of the cut portion to the tip. If the lines are spaced unevenly, the reed will not play as well. There should also be a rounded, denser (darker) portion in the center called the heart. Make sure the heart is in the center of the reed. The reed should also be equally thick on both sides, and the tip should precisely fit the clarinet mouthpiece.

4. Try the reed. Does it play well at all dynamic levels? Is the tone clear in high and low registers? Are you able to articulate clearly? Try reeds from several manufacturers, as the methods of cutting and shaping the reeds vary with each one.

5. Break the reed in gradually. Play a few minutes on each reed and rotate them so that you have several reeds in good playing condition.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wet the reed before playing. A dry reed will not respond well.
• Store your reeds in a reed case or on glass to prevent warping.
• There are plastic reeds available that do not need moistening prior to playing and last longer than cane reeds. Opinions vary on the tone quality of these reeds. It might be worth a try to see how a plastic reed would play for you.
• Some clarinet players like to alter their reeds for maximum performance by trimming or sanding. If you would like to learn how to do this, make sure you have the correct tools and learn proper technique from an advanced player.