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
As a clarinet player, you know how crucial it is to find the perfect reed to achieve the beautiful sound you strive for. With so many available options, choosing the right reed for your playing level and musical style can be a pretty monstrous task. And what are the best reeds for clarinet?
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about clarinet reeds and how to choose the perfect one for you based on brand, hardness, and cut –regular or French. Plus, we’ll provide you with expert tips to help you maintain your reed and prolong its lifespan.
Get ready to blow a perfect tune with the right clarinet reed!
Clarinet Reeds and What They Do
Clarinet reeds are an essential component of the clarinet for producing the appropriate sounds from the instrument.
They’re made from a high-quality type of giant cane.
However, synthetic materials have also been used to manufacture reeds, depending on production and personal preference.
The reed is one of the most vital parts of the clarinet, and its condition can significantly impact the sound produced by the musician. Damaged or worn-out reeds may not create the desired sound and will affect the player’s performance.
When you blow air through the mouthpiece, it flows over the top of the reed and causes it to vibrate. The elasticity of the reed allows it to swing back and forth, creating acoustic waves that make the sweet sound of your clarinet.
The strength of your reed, which is measured on a scale from 1 to 5, will determine how much pressure is needed to make the reed vibrate. The thicker the reed, the more pressure is needed to produce a sound. Also, depending on how the reed is shaped, it can make your tone either bright or mellow.
It’s important to note that selecting a clarinet reed is a personal choice, and 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.
Is it Okay to Buy Clarinet Reeds in Bulks?
Yes, it’s absolutely okay to buy clarinet reeds in bulk.
In fact, it’s recommended to save time and money and ensure you always have a backup when you need it.
However, not all medium-strength reeds are the same across brands, so it’s important to experiment and find the ones that work best for you.
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 innovative reeds are 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™.
Tips on How to Maintain Clarinet Reeds
Maintaining your clarinet reeds is essential for producing a great clarinet sound. Make sure to follow these 10 quick and easy tips to ensure that your clarinet reeds remain in good condition and sound great!
- Tip #1. Use a hard, flat surface to store your reeds and maintain a consistent humidity level to prevent warping.
- Tip #2. Soak your reeds in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution from time to time to counteract the effects of your saliva.
- Tip #3. Be careful when putting reeds in their cases to prevent damaging them.
- Tip #4. Moisturize your reeds thoroughly before playing to ensure the best clarinet sound and prevent cracking.
- Tip #5. Break in your reeds before playing extensively to get the best and most consistent results.
- Tip #6. After playing, remove the reed from the mouthpiece, wipe any moisture off, and store it away carefully.
- Tip #7. Soak your reeds in plain tap water before each use and avoid holding them in your mouth to prevent protein buildup.
- Tip #8. Alternate your reeds between play and keep them in a reed card to maintain their quality.
- Tip #9. Understand that reeds don’t last forever, but they can last longer with proper care and maintenance.
- Tip #10. Remember, clean mouths equal clean woodwind instruments, so maintaining oral hygiene is just as important as taking care of your wooden reeds are.
Best Reeds For Clarinet
Summary
Choosing the best clarinet reed can make a world of difference to your playing experience. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, it’s essential to choose a great reed for your skill level and playing style.
It’s also worth noting that different brands and types of reeds can produce different sounds.
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!
