Best
Overall Reed
Classical and Jazz
-
Overall: The Rico cut that is unfiled with a thinner profile
-
Best Feature: Thin Blank Type
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Long Lasting Reed
-
Overall: Long-lasting and durable reed that comes with a six-month guarantee
-
Best Feature: Legacy clarinet reed tip size and thicker heart and vamp
-
TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best
Reed For Beginners
-
Overall: A reed tip that's specially Designed for New Players
-
Best Feature: USP is Long Lasting with No Wearing In Required
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Choosing the best clarinet reeds for beginners can be a bit of a minefield. There are so many to choose from. So many different strengths and materials. So many different options. But this is where we come in.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the difference between soft clarinet reeds, hard clarinet reeds, and everything in between. You’ll discover what are the best clarinet reeds for both beginner and advanced clarinet players.
You can find the perfect reed for your instrument and playing style with just a few tips and tricks.
So let’s dive in.
How to Choose a Clarinet Reed Buying Guide
The best clarinet reed for beginners will be the one that has a softer strength and is easier to blow.
Clarinet reeds for beginners tend to be thinner, so they’re easier on your lips and don’t require as much air pressure to play.
It’s also important to choose reeds made from quality materials like cane or synthetic materials that will last longer and provide a consistent sound.
Another factor to consider when selecting good clarinet reeds is the size of your mouthpiece. But how do you know what size reed for clarinet is perfect for you? Most beginners should start with a medium-strength 2 1/2 or 3 reed size, but it’s always best to consult with your teacher before making a purchase.
Finally, keep in mind that the best way for any clarinet players (beginner or advanced) to get the most out of their instrument is by using high-quality reeds that fit their playing style and mouthpiece size. With some experimentation, you can find the right clarinet reeds for your needs!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clarinet Reed
The first step is to find the right strength. Clarinet reeds come in 1 through 5 strengths, with 1 being the softest and 5 being the hardest. Generally speaking, beginners will want to start with a 2 or 2.5 strength reed, while more advanced players may prefer something softer or harder.
The next step is to select a brand. While there are dozens of reed brands for clarinet available on the market today, some are more popular than others. Some of the best reed brands for clarinet include Vandoren, Rico Royal, and Legere Reeds. Each brand has its own unique rich sound and feel so it’s important to try out several different brands before settling on one that works for you.
Material: There are two main types of materials used for clarinet reeds: Synthetic and cane (natural). Synthetic reeds tend to be cheaper but don’t last as long as cane reeds; whereas cane reeds cost more but are much more durable.
Finally, consider how long each reed will last before needing to be replaced. Generally speaking, higher-quality clarinet reeds last longer than cheaper ones, but they also cost more upfront.
Reed Anatomy
Clarinet reeds are an essential part of the clarinet-playing experience. They come in all shapes and sizes, and understanding their anatomy can help you choose the best reed for clarinet that suits your playing style and needs.
The anatomy of a clarinet reed consists of four main parts: the back, heart, tip and spine.
The back of a clarinet reed is the thicker side that wraps around the heart and is responsible for producing a fuller sound.
The heart is where most of the action happens, vibrating to produce sound when blown into.
The tip is where air passes through and produces vibrations that create sound waves
The spine provides stability to prevent warping or bending while playing.
It’s important to remember that different reeds produce different sounds depending on their shape and size, so experiment with various options before settling on one type of reed.
Knowing more about how each part works can help you make an informed decision when selecting your new clarinet reeds!
Reed Strength
As already mentioned, choosing the right reed strength is essential for producing a good sound from your instrument.
When choosing a reed strength, it’s important to understand what effect it will have on your sound.
The stronger the reed, the more resistance you’ll feel when playing and therefore, the louder your sound will be. However, this can also lead to an overly bright tone if it’s too strong for your skill level.
On the other hand, softer reeds offer less resistance and are easier to control but can produce a softer tone that lacks character.
Ultimately, it’s all about finding what works best for you!
Choose the Right Reed Cut
The reed cut affects your instrument’s sound, intonation, and response. A good reed cut can help you get the most out of your instrument and make a huge difference in your playing.
A proper reed cut should be precise and consistent across all notes. This ensures that it produces a clear tone with minimal effort, no buzzing or honking sounds, and maintains accurate intonation throughout the range of notes.
The ideal reed cut should also be tailored to the individual player’s embouchure and preference.
Every player has their own style and approach to playing, so having a personalized reed cut can make all the difference in comfort and expressiveness.
Getting the right clarinet reed cut is essential for any clarinettist looking to take their playing to the next level. When done right, it can help you unlock your potential as a musician!
Best Clarinet Reed Brands
When it comes to purchasing clarinet reeds, there are many brands on the market. While some may be cheaper, they don’t always provide the best quality and sound. To ensure you have a great playing experience with your clarinet, here are some of the best brands for clarinet reeds:
1. Vandoren – Vandoren reeds is one of the world’s most popular brands for clarinet reeds, providing a wide range of strength and cut options to suit all players.
2. D’Addario – D’Addario Bb Clarinet Reeds are another well-known brand, offering great value for money and good longevity with their reeds.
3. Rigotti – Rigotti offers a selection of premium quality reeds that can last up to four times longer than other brands. They also produce a variety of strengths so you can find what suits your playing style best.
4. Rico Reeds – Rico Bb Clarinet Reeds are an affordable choice if you’re looking for good sound without breaking the bank! Their reed range is designed to offer players increased response and easy playability at an economical price point.
Best Rated Clarinet Reed Reviews
DESIGNED FOR: both classical and jazz applications
FEATURES: The Rico cut that is unfiled with thinner profile
OTHER INFO: Blank Type: Thin / Filing: Unfiled
1. Rico Reeds by D'Addario
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable price and ideal for students
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate Players
FEATURES: Ambipolymer synthetic reed
OTHER INFO: Tip Size: Legacy clarinet reed tip size / Vamp: Thicker heart and vamp
2. Silverstein Primo Bb Clarinet Reeds
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Long-lasting and durable reed that comes with a six-month guarantee
- Can be clipped and sanded just like a cane reed
- Six-month guarantee is amazing
- Not as nice a sound as a cane reed
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: classical and jazz styles
FEATURES: Premium cane quality for long-lasting durability
OTHER INFO: Blank Type: Traditional / Filing: Filed
3. D'Addario Organic Reserve Evolution Bb Clarinet Reeds
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Traditional tip for a versatile playability
- Great sound quality and excellent response
- Should last a decent length of time due to the filed cut
- Not as nice sounding as some other reeds
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED WITH: Thicker Natural Cane
FEATURES: A thicker reed tip with a heel taper very similar to German style reeds
OTHER INFO: Greater Stability
4. Vandoren 56 Rue Lepic Clarinet Reed
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Strength gradations are smaller and more specific, resulting in reeds that are very consistent.
- Gives an extremely pure sound
- Sometimes a little tricky to play on
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: New Players
FEATURES: A softer reed tip. Long Lasting with No Wearing In Required
OTHER INFO: Extra Responsive
5. Juno by Vandoren Clarinet Reeds
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comes in Individual Humidity Balanced Packs
- Aids Development of Tone and Technique
- At some point, your embouchure muscles will grow out of them and need to get used to harder reeds
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
When to Replace Your Clarinet Reed?
All clarinet players should inspect their reed for any signs of wear and tear. If you see any cracks or chips, then it may be time to replace your reed.
In addition, if you notice that your reed has become too soft or too hard, then it’s definitely time for a new one.
Finally, if you’ve been playing on the same reed for more than six months without any major changes in its condition, then it’s probably time to replace it as well.
In addition to checking for physical signs of wear and tear or changes in texture or hardness, another good way to determine when to replace your clarinet reed is by listening closely while playing. If you notice that the sound quality has become less clear or that the intonation is off, it might be a sign that it’s time for a new reed.
So there you have it – some tips on when to replace your clarinet reed.
Caring for Your Reeds
Caring for your clarinet reeds is essential if you want to achieve a sweet sound and extend the life of your reeds. Here are some tips on how to properly care for them, written by some fantastic most clarinet teachers we know:
- Always moisten your reed before playing – this helps activate the cane fibers and improves flexibility
- Keep your reed away from direct sunlight – this will help prevent warping and cracking, which can affect the way it vibrates when played
- Don’t leave your reed out of its case for too long – prolonged exposure to air can cause it to dry out quickly, so make sure you store it in an airtight container when not in use
- Clean your reed regularly – clean off any dirt or dust that could affect its sound quality with a soft cloth or brush after each use; this also helps keep mold at bay!
- Rotate between two or three reeds – having multiple reeds ensures that you always have one that is ready when needed; using multiple helps them last longer
Best clarinet reeds for beginners
Summary
If you’re starting out on the clarinet, you want durable and easy-to-play reeds. The best reeds for clarinet mentioned above are ideal for beginners, as they provide a consistent sound and response.
It’s similar to lighting a fire – without some kindling, the fire is very difficult to light! Reeds are our kindling, making things just that bit easier.
The best clarinet reeds of top brands like Vandoren, D’Addario, and Rico. These reeds are renowned for their exceptional quality and consistency, offering clarinetists a rich and vibrant tone.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, choosing from these trusted brands ensures optimal playability and sound.
With a great selection of reeds in your arsenal, you will be able to enjoy playing the clarinet for many years to come!
And before you go – have you seen our new article ‘How To Clean Clarinet Mouthpiece‘?
FAQ's
The size of a clarinet reed can vary depending on the player’s preference and skill level, but beginners generally start with a size 2 or 2.5 reed, while more experienced players may use sizes ranging from 3 to 5.
When choosing a clarinet reed, the material can also be a factor to consider. Synthetic reeds are known for their consistency and durability, while cane reeds are preferred by many players for their natural sound and responsiveness.
Professional clarinetists typically use reed sizes ranging from 3 to 5, depending on their personal preference and playing style. The specific size of reed used can also vary depending on the type of music being played.
Benny Goodman played a Selmer clarinet throughout his career, specifically a Selmer Model 26.