Best
Overall Clarinet
Reed
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Overall: Excellent response and tone across all registers
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Best Feature: All-purpose reed with a rich tone
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Beginner Clarinet Reed
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Overall: Designed with a special cut to deliver an extra responsive reed
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Best Feature: Aids development of tone and technique
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Professional Clarinet Reed
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Overall: Comes with a long vamp for a consistent response
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Best Feature: With a traditional tip for a versatile playability
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Finding the best clarinet reeds can be like a treasure hunt, with some trial and error before finding the perfect fit.
As a clarinet fan, I’m excited to share the secrets of clarinet reeds that can turn a squeak into a beautiful melody. This search is personal; the right reed affects my clarity, responsiveness, and overall enjoyment of playing.
Keep reading, and we’ll explore the reeds that keep musicians excited to play daily, either just starting or seasoned performers. Let’s explore and find the reed that brings out the best in your clarinet!
What Are The Best Clarinet Reeds Today?
Vandoren Traditional Clarinet Reeds
These Vandoren reeds are incredibly popular among professionals worldwide due to the rich and round sound they produce when played. But they’re not just for seasoned players; they’re perfect for everyone from new students to pro players.
They’re made of good quality cane that allows for excellent playing flexibility.
DESIGNED FOR: all players in different genres
FEATURES: Excellent response and tone across all registers
OTHER INFO: All-purpose reed with a rich tone
Vandoren Traditional 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!
- Available in half-size strength increments from 1 - 5
- Individually packed to protect against damage and warping
- A bit more pricey than other quality 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™.
Vandoren V12 Clarinet Reeds
The Vandoren V12 reeds were introduced as one of the first line extensions of the Vandoren product line back in the 90s, and they’ve remained incredibly popular ever since. One of the key reasons for their success is their thicker tip and longer pallet, which allows for a deeper, richer sound.
Additionally, the thicker heart and tip give more colour to the quality sound, making them well-suited to a wide range of playing styles.
DESIGNED FOR: beginners to professional clarinettists
FEATURES: With a thicker tip for a darker sound and longer lasting reed
OTHER INFO: Produce a deeper, richer sound quality
Vandoren V12 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!
- Has a thicker cut than the Vandoren Traditional reeds
- Manufactured from cane tubes with the same diameter used for alto saxophone reeds
- Has a 3.5+ strength for more options
- One of the pricier reed choices
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™.
D'Addario Organic Reserve Clarinet Reeds
These reeds are made from naturally-grown cane sourced from D’Addario’s fields in Argentina and France, and they also go through a special ‘digital vamping’ process to ensure precision and consistency.
The Reserve reeds have a shorter vamp, rounded tip corners, and a thinner tip thickness, resulting in an even tone in all registers and additional tonal warmth.
DESIGNED FOR: All clarinet players
FEATURES: Comes with a long vamp for a consistent response
OTHER INFO: With a traditional tip for a versatile playability
D'Addario Organic Reserve 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!
- Built with premium cane quality for long-lasting durability
- Ideal for classical and jazz musicians
- The first organic reed on the market
- Individually wrapped in fully recyclable materials
- Only available in strengths 2 - 4.5
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™.
Legere Signature Synthetic Reeds
These are one of the best synthetic clarinet reeds. It is made from a single material that’s BPA-free, non-toxic, and food safe, making them safe and environmentally friendly. Unlike traditional reeds, the Signature reeds offer a clearer and more focused sound, thanks to their thinner profile and stiffer cut.
And with a slightly shorter and wider vamp, they’re comfortable to play and offer excellent control over your sound.
DESIGNED FOR: clarinettists in all genres
FEATURES: Produces a wide range of colourful overtones
OTHER INFO: Effortlessly generates a clear and focused sound
Legere Signature Synthetic 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!
- Perfectly centred clarinet reed
- Designed to be consistent throughout all registers of your instrument
- Crafted from composite materials for more durability
- Higher price range compared to other brands
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™.
Juno by Vandoren Clarinet Reeds
Juno reeds are specially made for student performances from select cane grown on the Mediterranean coast, ensuring a consistent and reliable sound every time you play.
They’re designed to be easy to blow and adaptable, allowing new players to get the hang of their instrument without difficulty.
DESIGNED FOR: student clarinettists and players
FEATURES: Designed with a special cut to deliver an extra responsive reed
OTHER INFO: Aids development of tone and technique
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!
- Come in a humidity-balanced pack to keep them fresh
- Easy to play, helping confidence and progress
- You may need to switch to other reeds as you advanced
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™.
Clarinet Reeds and What They Do
Clarinet reeds are crucial for producing the right sounds from the instrument. They’re typically made from high-quality giant cane, but synthetic materials are also used, depending on production and personal preference.
The reed is crucial to the clarinet’s sound, and its condition can greatly impact the musician’s performance. When air flows over the reed, it vibrates, creating the clarinet’s sweet sound.
The strength of your reed, measured on a scale from 1 to 5, determines how much pressure is needed to make the reed vibrate. A thicker reed requires more pressure to produce a sound. The reed’s shape can also affect your tone, making it bright or mellow.
It’s important to remember that choosing a clarinet reed is a personal decision; what works best for one player may not be the best option for another.
How to Choose a Clarinet Reed
When choosing the best clarinet reeds, selecting the right one is essential for achieving the best sound quality. As a beginner, start with soft reeds with lower numbers and gradually work your way up as you progress.
You can choose between a cane reed or synthetic reeds, with synthetic ones lasting longer and more durable outdoors. Although cane reeds are more traditional, synthetic reeds are becoming more popular due to their longevity.
Brand
When it comes to the best clarinet reeds, there are several well-known brands to consider.
Vandoren and D’Addario are highly recommended brands for their quality and craftsmanship. Vandoren is a French brand known for its attention to detail and consistency, while D’Addario specializes in manufacturing strings for various instruments. On the other hand, Rico is often favoured by beginners due to its easy-to-use, quality good reeds.
Sticking with established and reputable brands is important when choosing a clarinet reed. Professional musicians have tested these famous brands and proven to deliver the best results.
Hard vs Soft Reeds
One of the main factors to consider when selecting a reed is its strength, a measure of its flexibility and density. Reeds are typically rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the softest and most flexible.
For beginners, it’s recommended to start with a 1.5 or 2 reed strength and work up gradually as your skills improve. Reed material can also make a difference in sound quality and durability, with options including natural cane or bamboo wood and synthetic materials.
Soft reeds up to a 3 rating are generally easier for beginners to play but produce a shallower sound. For outdoor events or performances where durability is important, synthetic clarinet reeds may be the better option. Ultimately, it’s important to experiment with different strengths and materials to find the best reed for your individual playing style and preferences.
Regular Cut or French Cut
A clarinet reed’s cut won’t matter as much for a beginner, but as you become more advanced, it’s worth trying different cuts to see which works best for you.
The two main types of clarinet reeds are regular cut and French file cut. French cut reeds are designed to fit French-style clarinet mouthpieces, while regular cut reeds can fit a variety of mouthpieces. Additionally, a French file cut reed will often create a darker sound, while a regular cut reed will create a brighter clarinet sound.
Best Reeds For Clarinet
Summary
Choosing the best clarinet reed can make a world of difference to your playing experience. It’s also worth noting that different brands and types of reeds can produce different sounds.
Vandoren reeds, known for their long history and reliable quality, consistently enhance performances with warmth and depth. Many musicians also favor D’Addario reeds for their reliability and finesse.
Whether it’s their traditional or innovative cuts, these reeds accommodate various playing styles and genres. The best clarinet reed for you would still depend on your individual preferences and needs, and we hope that this comprehensive guide helped you narrow down your choices for the one.
Good luck!
so hard reeds or soft reeds, which is better for someone just starting?
Having played jazz for over a decade, I’ve experimented with almost every type and brand of reed mentioned. Here’s the deal – while Vandoren and D’Addario have consistency, don’t sleep on synthetic reeds, especially for gigs. The consistency and lack of need for adjustment with Legere reeds is a game-changer in live performances where temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on wooden reeds. In a studio setting, sure, go for the tone of traditional reeds, but live? Synthetics can save your performance.
An in-depth article, but I must highlight that while the brands mentioned, such as Vandoren and D’Addario, are indeed market leaders, it’s crucial for readers to note there are also other lesser-known brands that could suit specific needs. Moreover, the choice between soft and hard reeds should not be made lightly; it significantly impacts ease of use and sound production for players, especially those at the beginning of their musical journey.
This is a great resource for someone like me trying to help their child with their musical journey. I had no idea there was so much to know about clarinet reeds. Thank you for breaking it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
I see where you’re coming from with recommending Vandoren and D’Addario, but I have to say, in my experience, Legere reeds are unparalleled, especially for those who play in different environments. Synthetic reeds like Legere handle changes in weather and humidity much better, not to mention their longevity. It’s not just about the material but also how it can enhance your performance over time.
Absolutely, ReedSkeptic, they can last months instead of weeks like traditional reeds. Worth a shot!
Do synthetic reeds really last that much longer? Haven’t tried Legere myself.
good info. gonna show it to my friend.
I’ve been playing the clarinet for years as part of a community band, and over time, I’ve tried numerous brands and types of reeds. For beginners and professionals alike, the search for the perfect reed can be a journey. I appreciate this comprehensive guide; it’s informative and to the point, providing a broad spectrum of insights on what might work best for individual players based on their specific needs.
I’ve used both Vandoren and D’Addario reeds, and honestly, it’s wild how much the right reed changes your sound. It’s all about finding what suits your style the best.
Totally agree with SaxMan45, it’s like finding the perfect pair of shoes but for your clarinet. Lol.
Hey Robert Emery, do Vandoren Traditional reeds work well for beginners or should I start with something else? Still kinda new to this.