How to Make Eb Soprano Clarinet Reeds

Want to play the E-flat clarinet? This smaller clarinet uses a smaller reed than the regular B-flat clarinet. Fortunately, there's a very easy way to turn your normal clarinet reeds into E-flat reeds! This how-to will guide you through the process. Essentially, you will break off the bottom of regular clarinet reeds to fit the E-flat mouthpiece.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• B-flat clarinet reeds
• pliers
• pencil
• ruler

1. 
   Comparison between B-flat (left) and E-flat reeds

   First, refer to this image to see the comparison between B-flat and E-flat clarinet reeds. The goal will be to resize the B-flat reed to the same length as the E-flat reed. The different in length is a little less than half an inch.

2. 
   Notice the line drawn on the B-flat reed. This is where it will be snapped.

   Take out the ruler and measure a little less than half an inch from the bottom of the reed. Draw a line across the reed at this measurement; this will be where you break the reed.

3. Now clamp the bottom of the reed with the pliers and try to snap it along the line. Be careful not to break too much of the reed off, or it will not play correctly. It is okay to have a messy break, as long as the reed fiber isn't disturbed further up the reed.

4. 

   Try the newly shortened by putting it on the E-flat mouthpiece. Although the B-flat reed is wider than a regular E-flat reed, it should still fit. You shouldn't notice any difference in how your makeshift reed plays. Enjoy playing the E-flat clarinet!

Tips & Warnings

• This method can save you money over buying special E-flat clarinet reeds, especially if you're only trying out the E-flat clarinet.
• Be careful not to break more of the reed than you intend. Reeds are strong, and may crack along unintended places!

Resources

• How to Play the Eb Soprano Clarinet