What is the difference between clarinet reed sizes

In most cases, a clarinetist will discard reeds from each box of In addition to splits or cracks, keep an eye out for uneven grain, knots, or discolored reeds. Throw the duds out, and keep at least 3 reeds to play with at all times. Along with purchasing the right reeds for your ability, caring for and maintaining your clarinet reeds is equally important. Store clarinet reeds in a case that protects them from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Remember to switch your reeds out often, and avoid playing the same clarinet reed more than two days in a row. Keep an eye on the date, and switch out the reeds as necessary.

Some clarinetists prefer to use checkmarks as a monitoring system. As the reeds dry out, they warp. Instead, store them in the plastic or paper sleeves they came in. 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.

Need to rent a clarinet? Check out our Clarinet Rental Guide. Back to login. Already have an account? Login here. Reeds vary in strength in half measures — a bit like shoe sizes! The number refers to how thick the reed is. This is not a standardized scale, however, and reed thicknesses and construction vary by manufacturer - Rico reeds are generally thinner than Vandoren, for example.

The thickness of the tip and heel and the profile in between affect the sound and playability. A thicker reed is more difficult to play but thicker reeds do offer a much better tone production and thus improve the sound of an instrument.

Is there really much difference? Montreux are the cheapest and most popular with schools and young children. Their boxes of 10 reeds are great value for money. If you're allergic to cane, coated reeds are available just for people with your allergy like the Rico Plasticover. 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.

Don't do this without a good idea of what you're doing so beginners, don't try this , though, and keep in mind that some reeds will be impossible to fix, no matter what you try. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. This is a mistake MANY beginners make.

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. 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.

Helpful 12 Not Helpful 6. Don't complain about a "bad" box of reeds. The reeds have been through a lot of shipping to get to you, and the cane varies. You'll get a box of all duds every once in a while If you are experienced enough, in many cases bad reeds can be adjusted to play far better than their original states. Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2. When adjusting reeds, be very careful, as it's easy to remove too much. Helpful 14 Not Helpful Related wikiHows How to. How to. Co-authors: Updated: October 22, Categories: Clarinet.

Italiano: Scegliere un'Ancia per il Clarinetto. Bahasa Indonesia: Memilih Buluh untuk Klarinet. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times.

I remember I used to use a Vandoren medium hard when playing regularly in my youth. I needed to know the equivalent strength number. Having read through the posts, I have a good idea of what strength to start with. More reader stories Hide reader stories. Did this article help you? Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

About This Article Co-authors: Carolyn Cook Jan Ray Mitchole Dec 8, I could say that it was a good reed, pun intended.

There are a few things that I don't agree with, however. Here are some more things to consider as you learn to play the clarinet:. Practice to regulate the variables you can control — embouchure, posture, alignment, breathing, equipment- and use reeds that will fulfill their specific role in your process.

Mass produced, low cost reeds may have their virtues, but they will not give you a beautiful sound. Use high quality reeds, even in the beginning, and handle them with care. The financial difference is an investment in excellent tone and intonation.

Your bandmates, bandleader, and the people who overhear your practicing will reap the benefit immediately. If possible, buy in bulk. A box of ten reeds can last weeks, and will cost less than those same ten reeds bought individually from a local shop.

If you wish to support your neighborhood music store, make sure they can sell you a fresh box, not one that has been on the shelf for months or years. Online suppliers frequently offer discounted prices and fresh product. When you open a new box, play through all of the reeds. Keep a journal if need be. Separate the ones that play beautifully from the ones that do not.

Discard the reeds that will not work for you, but be discerning. Over time, hard reeds can get softer and soft reeds can get harder.