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Home » Review » The Ultimate Clarinet Reed Guide (2025)

The Ultimate Clarinet Reed Guide Cover

Last updated July 28, 2024

The Ultimate Clarinet Reed Guide (2025)

  • Proudly written by Pro-Clarinetist,
  • Bethan Greenaway
  • 5 Comments
  • Clarinet | Wind | Wind Accessories

Best

Best Overall Clarinet Reed

Vandoren Traditional Clarinet Reeds OVERALL BEST REED ON THE MARKET
  • Overall: Responsive and clear over all register, staccato and legato playing.
  • Best Feature: Great Tone And Response In All Registers.
  • TedScore™: 9/10
Click for Best Price

Best

Beginner Clarinet Reed

Juno by Vandoren SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR NEW PLAYERS
  • Overall: One Of The Few Reeds Made Just For Beginners
  • Best Feature: Easy Blowing And Very Responsive
  • TedScore™: 8/10
Click for Best Price
Winner

Best

Accessory for Clarinet

Champion Clarinet Care Kit SUITABLE FOR BB, A AND EB CLARINETS
  • Overall: Cleaning Both Your Instrument And Mouthpiece
  • Best Feature: This Set Includes Key Oil, A Clarinet Pull-Through, And A Woodwind Brush Set
  • TedScore™: 10/10
Click for Best Price

Whether you’re just starting out or have years under your belt, if you play the clarinet, you’ll *definitely* need a reed. Picking the right reed? Tricky business! So many choices! But don’t fret, this **ultimate clarinet reeds guide** is here to guide you in picking and looking after your reeds!

Table of Contents

What Are Reeds And What Is Their Function?

The clarinet and saxophone, unlike the bassoon and oboe (these use double reeds), are single reed instruments. But first, what is a clarinet reed?

A clarinet reed is a single piece of cane and needs a mouthpiece to make a sound. Clarinet reeds look like a small piece of wood but they are a vital part of the clarinet, the instrument literally doesn’t work without a reed! Once the reed is attached to the mouthpiece and held in place with a ligature, you can blow down the instrument, the reed vibrates and beautiful sounds will be made!

Natural reeds are made from a type of cane, similar to bamboo. Synthetic reeds made from resin are also available to buy and will be mentioned later in this article.

Parts of Reed

Clarinet reeds may be small but they have a pretty complex structure. Did you know that there are nine different parts within a reed? Take a look at this handy diagram of a clarinet reed with all nine parts labelled.

What Are Reeds And What Is Their Function?

The tip of the reed is the most delicate of the reed can can chip or split quite easily so be careful not to bump it on your music stand or catch it on your clothes!

Clarinet Reed Sizes

Reeds, like shoes, come in half sizes. The numbers are generally referred to as ‘strengths’. They start at strength 1 (a soft reed) and go all the way up to strength 5 (a hard reed). Some brands don’t use the number system and describe their clarinet reed size as “soft”, “medium”, “hard” etc.

The strengths differ from brand to brand so it’s important to try a few reeds to see which brand and strength suit your style of playing, but a simple rule of thumb to follow is “the higher the number the harder the reed”. Beginners usually start playing on a softer reed and then gradually move up through the numbers.

Clarinet Reeds Strength Chart

There are quite a few clarinet reed strength charts available online. This chart is the clearest, comparing different brands and different strengths at a glance.

What Are Reeds And What Is Their Function?

How to Buy Clarinet Reeds

Brand Matters

It is very important to buy reeds from a respected brand. Unfortunately there are some websites offering non-branded reeds at very cheap prices. These are not to be trusted, the reeds are not made properly, won’t sound good and won’t last. The two brands (for natural cane reeds) which can be trusted and come highly recommended are Rico (now supplied under the D’Addario name) and Vandoren.

Softer Reeds vs Harder Reeds

As mentioned above, reeds come in a variety of strengths: soft, medium and hard. This is the case for regular cane reeds and synthetic reeds alike. Most reed manufacturers use a numbering system – the higher the number, the harder the reed.

Soft Reeds

Most beginning students start on a fairly soft reed – usually a 1.5 or 2 strength. These reeds will be very responsive and help a new player get those first sounds easily. They will help a young player make the leap into the high notes of the clarinet too.

Hard Reeds

Once a student has been playing for a while it is usually time to progress onto a harder reed, usually a strength 2.5 or above. A harder reed provides more resistance and can help develop a darker tone. Using harder reeds often help with the tuning of higher notes. Most advanced players and professional musicians use hard reeds.

How Do I Know It's the Right Strength?

Your reed should feel comfortable to play – not too hard and not too easy. When testing your reeds be sure to play high notes, low notes, legato phrases and staccato rhythms. Ask yourself if everything sounds and feels good. Think about your embouchure as well – does it feel comfortable or are your tending to bite or squeeze – this is an indication that your reed might be too hard.

Decide on the Cut: Regular Cut or French File Cut

Regular Cut

Regular cut reeds, sometimes also called American cut reeds, usually have a thinner tip and are a responsive, easy to play design. An example of a regular cut reed is the Rico by D’Addario reed. These are a good option for beginner players but can be a bit more delicate at the tip of the reed so be careful not to bump it!

French File Cut

French file cut reeds have a thicker heart and usually produce a darker, more rounded sound. The Vandoren Traditional reeds recommended throughout this article are French Cut reeds. French File cut reeds are a great choice for an advancing student who wants to work on their sound and tone quality.

This video has an excellent, simple explanation of both cuts of Bb clarinet reeds:

The Ultimate Clarinet Reed Guide (2025)

Buy in Bulk

Reeds are made from cane, a natural material. Although the vast majority of reeds come individually wrapped, they are easily damaged and can be affected by the weather and also sometimes the reeds will just not suit you as a player. Out of every ten reeds you might find that 3 or 4 will be duds. When purchasing reeds, getting a box of ten rather than individual reeds will give you have a better chance of finding a good selection of reeds.

Top 8 Clarinet Reeds To Buy

5 Best Reeds For Clarinet

ONE
Vandoren Traditional Bb Clarinet Reed Review
OVERALL BEST REED ON THE MARKET

DESIGNED FOR: all styles of playing and all styles of player!

FEATURES: Great tone and response in all registers.

OTHER INFO: Available in packs of 10

Check Price >
9/10

Vandoren Traditional Clarinet reeds

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Responsive and clear over all register, staccato and legato playing.
  • Available in half size increments from 1 - 5.
  • Individually packaged to protect damage and warping.
CONS
  • Slightly more expensive than some other reeds on the market.
The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
TWO
Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reed Review
a good reed that's SOLID AND RELIABLE

DESIGNED FOR: Producing a darker, resonant tone

FEATURES: Durable and (hopefully) long-lasting

OTHER INFO: The V12 is a thicker cut than the Vandoren Traditional reed, using the same template as an alto saxophone reed. This helps to produce a darker, richer tone.

Check Price >
8/10

Vandoren V12

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Thicker tip for a darker sound and longer lasting reed.
  • Has a 3.5+ strength for more strength choices.
CONS
  • One of the more expensive reed options.
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
THREE
Royal By D'Addario Bb Clarinet Reeds Review
FORMERLY RICO ROYAL

DESIGNED FOR: The advancing student

FEATURES: Cut specifically for a reliable tone over all registers

OTHER INFO: These reeds are available in a variety of reed strengths, from 1.5 (soft) to 5 (hard).

Check Price >
7/10

Royal by D'Addario

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • A responsive reed choice with a strong spine for durability and a brighter sound
  • Available in strengths all the way up to 5, so there is a reed for everyone!
CONS
  • The thinner profile is delicate, so be careful not to chip this reed!
The TedScore™: 7/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
FOUR
D'Addario Organic Reserve Review
MADE FROM CERTIFIED ORGANIC CANE

DESIGNED FOR: All clarinettists!

FEATURES: Cut to help produce a warm, resonant tone.

OTHER INFO: D'Addario reserve are the first organic reed on the market

Check Price >
8/10

D'Addario Organic Reserve

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Suitable for Classical and Jazz players
  • Individually wrapped in fully recyclable materials
CONS
  • Only available in strengths 2 - 4.5
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
FIVE
Legere Bb Clarinet Signature Synthetic Reed Review
THE BEST SYNTHETIC REED

DESIGNED FOR: All clarinettists!

FEATURES: Every reed made is identical

OTHER INFO: Designed to produce a warm, rich tone

Check Price >
8/10

Legere Signature Synthetic Reed

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Made from synthetic material so unaffected by any atmospheric conditions
  • Very strong and durable - they are virtually unbreakable!
CONS
  • Usually only readily available from specialist music shops
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

3 Best Beginner Clarinet Reeds

ONE
Juno By Vandoren Clarinet Reeds Review
SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR NEW PLAYERS

DESIGNED FOR: A student clarinet player

FEATURES: Easy blowing and very responsive

OTHER INFO: One of the few reeds made just for beginners

Check Price >
8/10

Juno by Vandoren

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Out of the box ready - no blowing in required
  • Easy to play, helping confidence and progress
CONS
  • Only go up to strength 2 so students will need to swap to another style of reed when a harder reed is required.
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
TWO
Royal By D'Addario Bb Clarinet Reeds Review
FORMERLY RICO ROYAL

DESIGNED FOR: The advancing student

FEATURES: Cut specifically for a reliable tone over all registers

OTHER INFO: These reeds are available in a variety of reed strengths, from 1.5 (soft) to 5 (hard).

Check Price >
7/10

Royal by D'Addario

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • A responsive reed with a strong spine for durability.
  • Available in strengths all the way up to 5, so there is a reed for everyone!
CONS
  • The thinner profile is delicate, so be careful not to chip this reed!
The TedScore™: 7/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
THREE
Vandoren Traditional Bb Clarinet Reed Review
BEST OVERALL CLARIET REED ON THE MARKET

DESIGNED FOR: all styles of playing and all styles of player!

FEATURES: Great tone and response in all registers.

OTHER INFO: Available in packs of 10

Check Price >
9/10

Vandoren Traditional Clarinet reeds

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Responsive and clear over all register, staccato and legato playing.
  • Available in half size increments from 1 - 5.
  • Individually packaged to protect damage and warping.
CONS
  • Slightly more expensive than some other reeds on the market.
The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.

Must-Have Clarinet Accessories

D'Addario Multi-Instrument Reed Storage Case Review
BEST ALL ROUND REED CASE

DESIGNED FOR: Keeping all your reeds in perfect condition

FEATURES: Humidity control to help prevent reed damage

OTHER INFO: Airtight Gasket Seal Keeps The Reeds Safe And Stable Whilst Travelling

Check Price >
9/10

Clarinet Reed Case - Rico Multi-instrument reed storage case

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Can be used for all single reeds of a variety of sizes
  • Removeable humidity packs help prevent warping or reed damage
CONS
  • The humidity pack is a separate product and needs to be replaced every couple of months.
The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
K&Amp;M 15228 Clarinet Stand, Black Review
COMPACT AND PORTABLE

DESIGNED FOR: Ideal for students

FEATURES: Folds up and stores in the clarinet bell

OTHER INFO: The 15228's shape holds your clarinet by the sound hole, keeping it secure without putting pressure on the keys.

Check Price >
8/10

Clarinet Stand - K&M 15228 Clarinet Stand

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Light but sturdy, holding your precious instrument safely
CONS
  • It can be a bit fiddly to assemble in a hurry
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
Bam New Trekking Bb Clarinet And Music Stand Case Review
Best For INSTRUMENT AND MUSIC STAND

DESIGNED FOR: Ideal for students and professional musicians

FEATURES: Compartments for your clarinet and music stand

OTHER INFO: The hard outer shell makes this a very sturdy case

Check Price >
8/10

Clarinet Cases - BAM Trekking Bb Clarinet and Music Stand Case

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Back-pack straps and a large accessories pocket makes this an ideal choice
  • Sturdy and durable design to keep your instrument safe.
CONS
  • There are cheaper case options available
The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
Bg Bb Clarinet Strap, Nylon, Non-Elastic Review
FOR USE WITH Bb CLARINETS

DESIGNED FOR: Younger players

FEATURES: Padded neck strap for added comfort

OTHER INFO: The Bb Clarinet Strap provides extra stability and takes some of the weight of the instrument.

Check Price >
7/10

Clarinet Neck Strap - BG Clarinet Strap (non-elastic)

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Adjustable strap to help take some of the weight of the instrument
  • Durable and washable
CONS
  • Can affect posture, some musicians prefer to use a padded thumb rest instead
The TedScore™: 7/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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™.
Champion Clarinet Care Kit Review 1
Suitable for Bb, A and Eb clarinet

DESIGNED FOR: Cleaning both your instrument and mouthpiece

FEATURES: Comes with key oil, a clarinet pull-through, and a woodwind brush set

OTHER INFO: Includes a Free Bag

Check Price >
10/10

Clarinet Cleaning Kit - Champion Clarinet Care Kit

What Retailer to Buy From?

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!

PROS
  • Comprehensive kit for maintenance needs
CONS
  • None!
The TedScore™: 10/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
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 Reed Tips

Now that you’ve chosen your reed you need to know how to use it and how to take care of it too!

How To Put A Clarinet Reeds On

A general rule of thumb is that the tip of the reed should line up with the top of your mouthpiece. You might find that you need it a touch lower or higher to suit your own style of playing. You should then fix it in place with your ligature. Make sure that you don’t do the ligature up too tight as this will restrict the vibration of the reed.

How To Care For Your Reeds

In order to keep your reeds in good condition there are a few rules you should follow.

  1. Always, always, always take your reed off at the end of each lesson, rehearsal or concert.

  2. Dry it gently and let it dry properly. This will stop the reed going mouldy – yes they really can go mouldy!

  3. Keep your reed in a reed case if at all possible. This will help stop warping.

  4. Be careful not to bump the tip of the reed on anything to avoid chips and cracks.

  5. Try to avoid using lip gloss or lipstick when playing – wipe it off before you play!

  6. Synthetic reeds can be gently cleaned with warm, slightly soapy water.

How Do I Know When To Replace My Reed?

If your reed gets damaged then you must replace it. Any chips or cracks make a reed very difficult to play and will affect the sound quality.

Another top tip is that as your reed gets old, it will also get quite stuffy sounding or unresponsive. The intonation and tuning might also be affected. Then its a good idea to change your reed.

Its a good idea to have 2 or 3 reeds on the go at a time. Then you will not be caught short if your “favourite” reed gets damaged or looses its shine!

The Ultimate Clarinet Reed Guide
Summary

We hope that you found this ultimate guide to choosing a clarinet reed helpful and can now go and try some reeds with confidence! T

Try a few different brands and strengths and have some fun, what is right for one player might not work for you.

The perfect reed for you is out there somewhere!

FAQ's

What's the difference between a 2.0 and a 2.5 clarinet reed?

A 2.5 reed is slightly harder than a 2.

What reeds do professional clarinet players use?

Professional clarinet players use the reeds that suit them best! For all woodwind instruments, choosing a reed is a very personal thing. Vandoren are one of the highly recommended brands, are a very popular choice though.

What reed strength should I use?

You should use the reed that suits you best. Talk to your teacher, try a few different strength and brands and see which one produces the tone and response that you love.

How do I know if my clarinet reed is good?

If your reed is good it will produce the tone that you’ve been striving for, and it won’t be too hard to play.

What reeds are best for beginner clarinet?

Juno by Vandoren are an excellent option for beginner players.

What do clarinet reed numbers mean?

Clarinet reed numbers denote their strength. Reed strengths go up in half sizes, ranging from soft (1, 1.5) to hard (4.5, 5)

Which brand is best?

Vandoren is an excellent reed brand. They create some of the best clarinet reeds on the market. They have a great reputation and a range of styles of reeds for all clarinettists.

What reed should I buy?

You should buy the reed that suits your style of playing. Consider things like articulation, faster response time and what thickness your reed needs to be. Try a few and see what suits you and the sound you’re aiming to produce. And don’t forget to try a few mouthpieces as well!

What is the best size reed for a beginner clarinet?

The best size reed for a beginner clarinet player is typically a size 2 or 2.5, as they are easier to play and require less air support. It’s important for beginners to focus on proper technique and tone production, and using a softer reed can help them achieve these goals.

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  • Bethan Greenaway
    Bethan Greenaway

    Bethan is a clarinettist based in Oxfordshire. Like many musicians she started on the recorder and then took up the clarinet aged eight. She studied at Birmingham University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and has worked in the arts ever since.

    Recent career highlights have included performing at Gloucester Cathedral (where Harry Potter was filmed) and being dubbed “The Queen of Music Production” by John Rutter whilst working at Oxford University Press.

    When not clarinet-ing Bethan loves running and baking, because life is all about balance!

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↓ Click here to leave a comment ↓
  1. ReedCritic says:
    March 21, 2025 at 2:23 pm

    While the article provides a comprehensive overview on the topic of clarinet reeds, I believe it overlooks the nuanced differences that various brands offer beyond simply the cut and strength of their reeds. In my experience, certain brands tend to favor a darker, more mellow tone suitable for classical genres, whereas others might lean towards a brighter, clearer sound that many contemporary players seek. So, while the cut and strength are undeniably significant factors, the brand’s overall design philosophy should not be underestimated in its contribution to a reed’s performance and sound.

    Reply
  2. SaxManX says:
    February 21, 2025 at 2:40 pm

    Great breakdown on the clarinet reeds and their various aspects. It’s always intriguing to see the differences between woodwind instruments, especially coming from a sax background. The part about the reed sizes and their strengths was particularly insightful. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • JazzHands says:
      March 21, 2025 at 2:23 pm

      Totally agree! Coming from a jazz background, it’s so cool to see how other woodwinds approach reed selection.

      Reply
  3. ClarinetBoi99 says:
    December 17, 2024 at 3:10 pm

    cool article, always wondered about reed sizes n stuff

    Reply
  4. EllieM says:
    October 22, 2024 at 9:49 pm

    Hey Bethan Greenaway, I’ve been playing the clarinet for a couple years now and always struggle with choosing the right reed strength. I noticed you mentioned about deciding on the cut between regular and French file. Could you maybe dive a bit deeper into how each cut affects the sound or playability? Also, does the brand really make a big difference or is it more about the cut and strength? Thanks for all the helpful info!

    Reply

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