If you’re still relatively new to playing the clarinet, both Rico and Vandoren are highly recommended brands. Mainly the fact that a ten pack of reeds should last a few weeks. In order to avoid accidentally playing the same reed over and over, write the date on the back of a reed you’ve just started playing. Don't complain about a "bad" box of reeds. Although clarinet reeds come in different strengths and cuts, choosing a good reed is crucial for producing quality sounds and tones. As you get better, you may find that a stronger 3 strength reed gives you a heavier, fuller sound. I used to play clarinet in symphonic band in both high school and college and even took lessons for a few years. The higher the number, the harder the reed. Thanks for the tips! RICO B FLAT CLARINET REED. Vandoren, which also specializes in mouthpieces, is a French brand that’s known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, while D’Addario specializes in manufacturing strings for a variety of instruments. Does your embouchure tire faster when advancing onto a harder reed? I’m trying to get my son to start learning how to play the clarinet, so it seems like he should also know how to keep it in good condition. The Classic is available in Standard and German Cuts. German Cut reeds are designed to play on German/Oehler system clarinets. After evaluating each reed, mark the case with a maximum of two pluses if it's really good, or a maximum or two minuses if it's really bad. An experienced clarinetist may want to try adjusting bad reeds by cutting a tiny bit off the front with a reed-cutter (for reeds that are too soft), or scraping/sanding it down with a knife or piece of Dutch rush (for reeds that are too hard). A green reed is too young, and will not play well, if it plays at all. Never use any reed that has anything wrong with it, and never use a reed that was not made for your instrument. Jazz Saxophone Reeds Cuts. I saw an episode of a TV show the other night where a character was murdered when someone poisoned his reed. Although cut won’t matter to a beginning student, French file cuts typically have a faster response time. Ann Arbor Clarinet Connection is owned by professional clarinetists with a singular purpose: to provide our clients with the most interesting, resonant, complex, colorful clarinets that Buffet Crampon produces. Throw away any broken reeds - they're beyond hope already. If you still aren’t sure about the cut, you can’t go wrong with choosing a, 5 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Clarinet Players 2020. Taking as little as 1/100 mm from the tip of a reed makes it 10% thinner, and you can't "repair" a reed once you've messed it up. What is the difference between a bass clarinet reed and a Bb clarinet reed? A "crooked" V will be hard to play, and there is a risk of, However, if the "V" is only slightly off-centered, you can remedy the problem by shifting the reed slightly so that the "V" is centered on the mouthpiece (not centered on the reed). You should see an inverted "V" shape. The best saxophone and clarinet reed store system that delivers immediately playable, longer lasting, more consistent reeds. Rico is a U.S. brand that’s favored by beginners, as the reeds are easy to use for someone who is still learning mouth and strength positioning. Most beginners start with Rico, Rico Royal, or Vandoren Brand Clarinet Reeds. The instrument most commonly used today is known as the B-flat clarinet; the next most common is the clarinet in A. 4.4 out of 5 stars 696. The size number indicates the thickness of the reed. However, some players feel that they sound shrill or harsh. The batyphone (also spelled bathyphone, Ger. But much of this information is new to me! The best reed for beginner clarinet is a size 2 or 2.5 reed. $9.11$9.11. Some clarinetists prefer to use checkmarks as a monitoring system. Appreciate all guidance, pictures and explanations. Typically, reeds come in two different cuts: a regular cut or a French file cut. In order to allow your reeds to dry properly, don’t leave your reed on the mouthpiece after you’re done playing. A band mate mentioned that the murder victim “chose a softer reed for the lower notes” and I knew that didn’t even begin to make sense! Different reed makers may have slightly different ideas of measurements of reed thickness. Along with purchasing the right reeds for your ability, caring for and maintaining your clarinet reeds is equally important. I can now buy reeds with confidence and get him, "This article was very useful, if reeds to you mean wet it and play it. Throughout his life he maintained a stron They cost between 5 to 20 dollars each. Beginners should start at a 1.5 or 2 and gradually work their way up to a harder reed. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 1 decade ago. An uneven grain (where the little vertical lines in the reed are pointing towards the V instead of running straight through it) will not play well, either. Need advice on the best mouthpiece reed comboo for this instrument for nice mellow tone and ease of response. Alternatively, regular-cut reeds are ideal for brighter sounding mouthpieces. Légère clarinet reeds respond instantly providing long-lasting, orchestral-grade sound, every time. It’s interesting that new reeds need to be broken in over time. You can purchase the most expensive, handcrafted clarinet from the best music store in the country, but if the reed is subpar the clarinet will sound like a cheap, defective instrument purchased from a pawn shop. It’s easy to find a Juno reed that feels good to you – and makes you sound good too. If not, then try to stick with water soaking it. While every part of the clarinet has its own purpose in producing a good sound, perhaps the most important piece is the two-and-a-half inch long, wafer-thin piece of cane called the reed. If you are already used to heavier, harder reeds go for a 3 or 4, but beginners can start with a 1.5 size or higher (2 or 2.5). All points on the same level curve have the same thickness. The thicker tip material makes for effortless projection while providing a darker sound. Price: US $10.00. It really opens up your eyes. They vary in strength in half measures (most often). The comprehensive strength charts below compare popular cane strengths to the matching Légère reed strength and cut. Beginning clarinets are made of plastic and professional clarinets are made of wood. If your’re just starting out, you may want to choose a 1 1/2 strength reed that’s more flexible and easier to play. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The base of the reed is at least 3 mm thick and the reeds for the clarinets used in the U.S. are 69 mm long. So, if you are a beginner, it would be recommended to look for clarinet reeds in this range. vandoren reeds are the best quality you can get in my opinion.. start off on a 2 1/2 and work up to a 3. Generally, single reeds are labeled on a scale of 1 to 5 in increments of half sizes (1 being softer than 5), while double reeds (used by oboe, English horn, and bassoon) are labeled soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-hard, or hard. If you don't like the taste of cane, even though it might be tempting (a student of mine did this) get flavored reeds or ex. Get it as soon as Wed, Oct 14. If you're allergic to cane, coated reeds are available just for people with your allergy like the Rico Plasticover. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Approved. Other sizes of clarinets include an Eb (E flat) clarinet which is smaller than the standard Bb clarinet. The average professional size is 3 1/4. CLARINET & FLUTE LONDON. Reeds come in different strengths and cuts, and can be good or bad. ", "This was very helpful. If on soprano your reed strength is 2 1/2. So, like shoes, they generally go up a half of a size in strength, starting at 1, 1 ½, 2, 2 ½ and going up to strength 5. The more pointed the arch, the thicker the spine and heart, and conversely, the thinner the side bevels. Sometimes you can get a clarinet to make a sound with a sax reed, but it won't be good. The reed quality and consistency is HORRIBLE! Vandoren has 4.5 reeds for bb clarinets and eb clarinets. Want more info about the clarinet? In most cases, a clarinetist will discard 3-4 reeds from each box of 10. The different cuts of clarinet reeds. For example, a reed with a softness of 2 or 2 ½ can be the ideal choice. It is unlikely any reed will damage your instrument; however; any reeds made for such a purpose are never really as good as standard reeds. INCORRECT. The universal rule is the thicker the vamp and tip, the higher the number. Vandoren does create 4.5 reeds. A 4 reed will change your embouchure more than a 2 1/2 will. Mohler, John D. 10/30/1929 - 2/6/2019 Chelsea, Michigan John D. Mohler was born in Lancaster, PA in 1929, the son of John P. and M. Beatrice (Peiffer) Mohler. Vandoren, which also specializes in mouthpieces, is a French brand that’s known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, while D’Addario specializes in manufacturing strings for a variety of instruments. Check for splits and cracks. If your clarinet has a darker-sounding mouthpiece, French file cuts are typically preferred. Need to rent a clarinet? "I like most of what you said. While every part of a clarinet serves its own purpose in providing that distinct ‘clarinet’ sound, some say the most important piece is two-and-a-half inch long, paper-thin piece of cane otherwise known as the reed. Are there certain reeds that won't produce a good sound if it's not compatible with my mouthpiece? Item Information. This is a mistake MANY beginners make. Because they are so durable, easy to use, and long-lasting, synthetic reeds are a good idea for. When filling the bottle, ensure there is enough water to soak the reed up to the bark. The reeds have been through a lot of shipping to get to you, and the cane varies. A bad reed can be the bane of the players existence! When the reed is inserted tip down into the bottle, it floats so the tip does not bang against the bottom. Once you open the box, inspect each reed individually and throw out any that have visible splits or cracks. bubble gum flavor reed water. D’Addario Woodwinds Mitchell Lurie Premium Bb Clarinet Reeds, Strength 1.5, 5-pack…. Check out this video: MUSIC & ARTS IS A NATIONAL MUSIC RETAILER WITH RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND MUSICIANS. First is the ability to tailor them to a specific mouthpiece by adjusting the vamp contour, widening or narrowing the heart as it tapers toward the tip, and positioning the response curve closer or further away from the tip. It has to do with, the style of music (a jazz player NEVER uses reeds really harder than about a 3), the tip opening of the mouthpiece (ex. I recommend starting with size 2 of the Rico orange box to start with.The misconception is, the harder reed you use, the better you are. The size of the bottle should be 3” tall for clarinet reeds. Clarinet Reed Strength Comparison Chart. My child plays the clarinet and her friend plays the saxophone. Rico Reserve vs Rico Royal), and the brand of reed your using (Some are WAY softer than what the range is). This article has been viewed 231,613 times. The basic clarinet is small and easiest to play for young students. If you are experienced enough, in many cases bad reeds can be adjusted to play far better than their original states. It's more difficult to, A softer reed makes playing easier - the reed speaks more easily, and gives a lighter, brighter sound. I have very nice Noblet artist clarinet recently refurbished, B45 vabdoran moutpiece. While this should be the ultimate goal, a clarinet player should never jump into using a reed that’s too hard for them, as this will make it harder for the player to produce sound. so it is advised not to go above 31/2.I personally prefer 3 and 3.5 Zonda or Vandoren Traditional with a Vandoren B45 lyre mouthpiece so you can try it. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Condition: New. Last Updated: October 22, 2019 Keep an eye on the date, and switch out the reeds as necessary. However, the, "As a clarinet beginner, any information was welcome. You can buy them online or at a music store. Musical Instrument Hire send out all clarinets with Vandoren Traditional or Rico 1.5 reeds. There are a few things that I, "Really answered the questions I had and went above and beyond to provide me with further information! I am so glad I found this site! Yes, you can. While every part of a clarinet serves its own purpose in providing that distinct ‘clarinet’ sound, some say the most important piece is two-and-a-half inch long, paper-thin piece of cane otherwise known as the reed. A good reed is yellow to golden-brown. Can I use professional reeds to play my clarinet if I'm a beginner? Throw the duds out, and keep at least 3 reeds to play with at all times. This means that higher numbered reeds will be harder and lower numbered reeds will be softer. While every part of the clarinet has its own purpose in producing a good sound, perhaps the most important piece is the two-and-a-half inch long, wafer-thin piece of cane called the reed. Reeds comparison chart. Too bad they didn’t check your website first for accuracy! I am an intermediate player looking for therightt mouhpiece reed ombiniation for the intrument without spending tons of money trying different reeds. 0 0. msmith00. Store clarinet reeds in a case that protects them from moisture and extreme temperatures. Rico Alto Sax Reeds - 10 Box size 2. The base width specification is 11.55 mm and the tip 13.05 mm. Alternatively, regular-cut reeds are ideal for brighter sounding mouthpieces. WITH OVER 250+ STORES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THE LARGEST PRIVATE LESSON PROGRAM IN THE UNITED STATES, MUSIC & ARTS IS AN AUTHORITY ON MUSIC EDUCATION AND A RESOURCE FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED MUSICIANS ALIKE. Your teacher will most likely recommend one of these brands to start with. Buying a mouthpiece guard protects your clarinet from bite marks, try getting a mouthpiece with a guard and see what’s right for you. Clarinet reeds come in strengths one through five. Glory Reeds Clarinet Reed size# 3, Box of 10~ size 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3~ Click for yours'choice In addition to splits or cracks, keep an eye out for uneven grain, knots, or discolored reeds. This information will be useful for him to know, so I’ll pass this along. Lv 4. Take a look at the color. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 231,613 times. 1 decade ago. As the reeds dry out, they warp. Synthetic (plastic) reeds, a relatively new invention, are available from brands such as BARI, Fiberreed, Fibracell, Hahn, Hartmann, Legere, Olivieri, and RKM. A topographical diagram of each cut. Instead, store them in the plastic or paper sleeves they came in. Yes, and there are now synthetic reeds that even come in quarter sizes. The more I reed the more I have no idea which way to go . The reeds are available in a variety of cuts, like the Signature and Classic and multiple strengths to accommodate both jazz and orchestral players. The Classics for clarinet are extremely durable. Additionally, intermediate and advanced players should learn how to flatten and polish their reeds, store their reeds properly, and experiment with using sandpaper or reed knives to adjust their reeds accordingly. There are three active parts to a reed: the tip, the vamp and the heart. Clarinet reeds come in various strengths, and use a number system. I am very grateful for that, thanks. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Don't CONSTANTLY upgrade your reed size OR start with anything greater than a 2 1/2 (i recommend starting on 2's however). I will be doubling clarinet and bassoon for the summer. Source(s): playing clarinet for 6 years. Saxophone Reed Cuts. While there are plenty of clarinet reed brands on the market, only a handful are trusted by beginners and advanced players alike, including Vandoren, Rico, and D’Addario. Take green reeds and leave them somewhere for a few months - sometimes they improve themselves over time. It would be harder for you to blow through though, so you should use a 2 1/2 or a 3. Clarinet Reeds Cuts. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. D’Addario Reserve Classic B♭ Clarinet Reeds, Strength 2.0 (10-Pack) – Thick Blank Reed Offers…. No, Bb clarinet reeds are smaller, and the bass clarinet reed will not fit the mouthpiece of the Bb. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Hold them up to the light, one at a time. To create this article, 22 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. I could say that it was a good reed, pun intended. This chart should be interpreted as a guide and is our best approximation. A good reed has a perfectly centered and symmetrical "V". Yes.That can be considered another way to soak a reed. This chart is based on the experience of our playing staff and customer feedback. Rico is a U.S. brand that’s favored by beginners, as the reeds are easy to use for someone who is still learning mouth and strength positioning. Facing Length Tip opening (mm) Compare facing to Eb 15mm .96 Soprano Clarinet: CF 17mm .96 P34 CF+ 17mm 1.00 5RV CWF 17.5mm .96 CF+/S 16mm 1.00 1L 18mm 1.00 M15 2S 16mm 1.04 2M 17mm 1.04 2M* 17mm asymmetrical 1.04 2L 18mm 1.04 5RV Lyre 3L 18mm 1.08 4L 18mm 1.12 B45 Jazz 19mm 1.20 EUROPA 1 19mm 1.00 BD5 EUROP The system ranges from 1 to 5, and uses half numbers to help evaluate the hardness. Reeds of the same brand and grade can still vary in strength. Remember to switch your reeds out often, and avoid playing the same clarinet reed more than two days in a row. If you’re in the market for a clarinet reed, here are some tips for choosing a high-quality reed that will perfectly complement your clarinet. With a thinner tip, the reed will make sound more rapidly. D’Addario Woodwinds RCA1015 B Clarinet Reeds, Strength 1.5 (10-Pack) – Ease of Play, Affordably…. My daughter is trying an Eb clarinet. If that is the only thing to soak your reed available, use it. – so they start at 1 ½, 2, 2 ½ , 3, 3 ½, etc. VENN Advanced Synthetic Reed – A New Species of Reed, When to Upgrade Your Reeds, Strings, and Mouthpieces, Six Clarinet Tips for All Levels from Beginner to Advanced, How To Hold a Clarinet: Tips for Beginners of All Ages. If your clarinet has a darker-sounding mouthpiece, French file cuts are typically preferred. These Blue box Vandoren Clarinet Reeds have a thin tip and thicker palette which suits the gentle curve. A reed with knots (little spots or dark areas in the grain) will vibrate unevenly, and is also a dud. References Although clarinet reeds come in different strengths and cuts, choosing a good reed is crucial for producing quality sounds and tones. Source(s): reed size beginner clarinet player: https://shortly.im/FIh4r. Classics for Clarinet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reeds vary in strength in half measures – a bit like shoe sizes! Glory Reeds Clarinet Reed size# 3, Box of 10~ size 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3~ Click for yours'choice. When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Woodwind Instrument? My embouchure is in the strengthening stage right now. Before delving into the finer details of reeds, it's a good idea to get a sense for the general particulars so you'll understand how different characteristics can alter a reed's performance. Although cut won’t matter to a beginning student, French file cuts typically have a faster response time. ", "Great article, did answer my questions.". ALL brands normally have AT LEAST one or two bad reeds a box (for a consistent brand) while some brands have about 7/10 or 8/10 of the reeds are bad. ", "It helped me to be more cautious about my reed", "Answered a lot of questions and made sense. To create this article, 22 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-1.jpg\/aid516027-v4-728px-Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"