Reeds are very important in clarinet playing because without the reed, there would be no sound. Furthermore, it is important to understand the basics of clarinet reeds, which reeds best suits the clarinetist, how to take care of reeds, and understanding reed problems and solutions.

What is a reed?

When looking at a beginner clarinet, you will see that there is a small, thin piece of wood resting flat against the mouthpiece. That is called a reed. 

A sound on the clarinet is made when the clarinetist blows a constant and supported airstream through the instrument. The airstream and elasticity of the reed causes the reed to vibrate back and forth, creating acoustic waves.

Reed Strength

Reeds come in a variety of different strengths. The strength of the reed is determined by the thickness of the reed tip and the reed vamp. Another way of thinking about reed strength is reed resistance. A thinner reed tip will be a lower strength because the response is quick. A thicker reed tip will be a higher strength because there is more resistance against the air stream. Companies use two different labeling systems for reed strength. The first one is as follows: very soft, soft, soft-medium, medium, medium-hared, and hard. The second one is based on a number system. The number system begins at 1, the very soft strength, and increases by increments of .5. The reed strength will be shown on the front of a reed box, so it is easily visible to customers.

It is important to choose a reed strength that fits the clarinetist's skill level. The reed strength should not interfere with the clarinetist's ability to play to full potential. A reed that is too soft will sound excessively bright. The tone center will also be very unfocused. A reed that is too hard will sound airy and muffled. In some cases, certain notes won't be able to speak.

For beginner clarinetists, I recommend starting on the "soft"/2.5 strength reed. If the reed strength is too hard, there will be a lot of resistance against the clarinetist which can lead to a discouraged player. Once the clarinetist builds strong air support and embouchure muscles, they can begin experimenting with harder reed strengths.

Great Value

It is important to remind clarinetists that reed strength does not determine the quality of musician you are!

New Reeds

Reeds are very delicate and fragile items that require a good care and maintenance system.

Buying or receiving a brand new box of reeds is very exciting, and you cannot wait to play on the reed! However, it is important to gradually break in the reed before playing on the reed for a full practice session. The first day of opening a new box of reeds is testing day. Test at least three new reeds. Only play on the reed for five minutes. While testing the reed, observe its qualities: how easy it vibrates, its responsiveness, level of resistance, and quality of tone. Increase the playing time each day. The ranking of the reeds may change the first couple of days due to the reeds reacting to the wetting/drying process. If the reed is not cooperating, try experimenting with reed placement on the mouthpiece. If the reed is too soft, move the reed slightly higher up on the mouthpiece. If the reed is too hard, move the reed slightly lower on the mouthpiece. Reeds are never perfectly balanced, so experimenting with moving the reed left or right may help as well.

As reeds are being used, the cane gradually breaks down. I recommend choosing to break in slightly harder reeds than what feels comfortable. These reeds will last longer.

Reed Placement

Finding the placement on the mouthpiece that allows the reed to speak to its full potential is very important. The tip of the reed should align with the tip of the mouthpiece. Only a sliver of mouthpiece should be showing above the reed tip. However, not every reed will align on the mouthpiece in the same way. Slight adjustments may need to be made with every reed.

Reed Care

The reed must be dampened before playing on it. Reeds are most commonly moistened through saliva. However, it is common for clarinetists to have a small container filled with water for their reeds. If the water container is your preferred method, remember to change the water before each playing time.