Best
Overall Clarinet
Reed
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Overall: All-purpose reed with a rich tone
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Best Feature: Weaker reed designed for beginners
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Budget Clarinet
Reed
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Overall: With a longer palette for more vibrations
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Best Feature: Built with a thicker tip which increases the reed's longevity
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
for Beginners Clarinet
Reed
-
Overall: With a long vamp for a consistent response
-
Best Feature: Projects sound with warmth and balanced frequencies
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Are you struggling to figure out how to put a reed in a clarinet? I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s the key to making your clarinet sing!
The quality of your clarinet reed has the greatest impact on your sound. Whether the clarinet is playing soft and mellow or loud and bright, it all starts with the reed. The higher the number of the reed, the harder it is, but the better sound it produces. But you still need to know how to put a clarinet reed on properly.
With my help, you’ll be putting on your clarinet’s reed like a pro, and I have some tips to make your playing even better! Keep scrolling for a musical adventure that’s sure to boost your skills.
Steps on How to Put Your Clarinet Reed On
Learning how to put a reed on properly is an essential skill for any clarinet player.
First, remove your reed from the water and remove any excess moisture. Then, place it in the mouthpiece’s top centre of the reed opening. Remember to apply minimal pressure! After, slide the reed down from the top using your left hand for uniformity.
Ensure the smooth, flat side of the reed is on the mouthpiece and that the fine end is less than half the width of the ligature away from the mouthpiece’s tip.
Next, attach the ligature to hold the reed in place. When assembling your clarinet, set the reed straight up and down on the mouthpiece, aligning it symmetrically. Make sure it’s perfectly centered and not slanted right or left.
Lastly, moisten and soak the entire reed and not just absorb water at the tip by taking the mouthpiece cap off and attaching the mouthpiece to the barrel.
Steps on How to Remove a Reed
Removing a clarinet reed from the mouthpiece is essential to cleaning and maintaining the instrument. To do it properly, place the ligature on the right side of the mouthpiece first, leaving enough room for the reed.
Then, wipe off any excess moisture from the tip of the reed with a clean cloth before placing it onto the mouthpiece. Tighten the ligature slightly to hold the rest of the reed’s length in place and influence the sound quality produced.
Finally, to remove the reed, gently twist and lift it from the mouthpiece.
Remember always to store unused reeds in a reed case to protect them from damage.
When to Replace a Clarinet Reed
The reed is an essential component of clarinets that produces sound. Over time, the reed can wear out and lose its effectiveness. If you notice that the reed is chipped or cracked, it’s time to replace or repair it. Similarly, if the reed is squeaking more than usual or not providing the desired sound quality, it may be time for a new one.
It’s always a good idea to have a spare box of reeds handy, so you never have to stop playing due to a worn-out reed. You can try testing out new reeds frequently during practice and finding the right fit for your playing style.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to replace the clarinet reed when you notice a decline in sound quality so you can keep enjoying playing the instrument to its fullest potential.
How to Choose a Clarinet Reed
Choosing the right clarinet reed can be challenging, but it’s important to achieving good sound quality. Your mouthpiece type plays a significant role in this decision, as different mouthpieces require different reed strengths.
To get started, familiarize yourself with the variations of reeds and their manufacturers through a clarinet reed comparison chart.
One way to save time and money is by maximizing the position of your reeds. When it’s time to replace the reed, match its strength to your mouthpiece for better tone quality. Remember, with the right reed your clarinet will sound better, play more easily, and sound great.
Brand Matters
Only a handful of clarinet reed brands are trusted by professionals, including Vandoren, Rico, and D’Addario. These brands have built their reputations on quality and consistency, so they’re often recommended for serious clarinettists and players of all skill levels.
Ultimately, the choice of clarinet reed is a personal one that depends on your own preference and individual playing style.
Once you’ve chosen the right reed, mastering how to put it on is the next step in improving your clarinet playing skills.
Clarinet Reed Strength
For many clarinettists, determining the appropriate range of reed strength is also crucial in choosing the right clarinet reed. Reed strength is identified by a number printed on the surface of the reed or box, with higher numbers indicating harder reeds.
Generally, many clarinettists say they prefer to play on the hardest reed they can handle for improved sound quality.
However, beginners should start with softer reeds, around 1.5-2 strength, and gradually work their way up. It’s also important to choose a reed strength that’s compatible with the mouthpiece being used, with harder reeds being better for instruments with smaller tip openings and softer reeds being better for larger tip openings.
Some clarinet reed manufacturers label reed hardness as “soft,” “medium,” or “hard.” Beginners should start with a rough reed strength of 2 or 2.5, but the best reed strength varies depending on the mouthpiece being used.
Regular Cut vs French File Cut
Regular Cut
Regular-cut reeds are the more common and standard cut. These are great options for both beginners and more experienced players. They’re flat rectangular pieces of wood cut from the cane and typically measure about 7 cm long, 1 cm wide, and 4 mm thick. While the cut won’t make a huge difference to a beginner, more advanced players may prefer a specific cut depending on their playing style and preference.
Overall, regular cut reeds are a reliable choice for any clarinet player.
French File Cut
The French file-cut clarinet reed is a type of reed that’s designed specifically to fit a French-style clarinet mouthpiece.
It’s also known as a filed reed or double-cut reed. It has an extra strip of bark removed in a straight line, creating a thinner tip and thicker heart. This design provides an even response and vibrant tone.
Our Recommended Reeds for Your Clarinet
DESIGNED FOR: all playing styles in all levels
FEATURES: All-purpose reed with a rich tone
OTHER INFO: Weaker reed designed for beginners
Vandoren Traditional 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!
- Great for all genres
- Allows great flexibility when playing legato and staccato notes
- Slightly more expensive than some other reeds on the market.
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: advanced clarinettists
FEATURES: With a longer palette for more vibrations, resulting in a deeper and richer sound
OTHER INFO: Built with a thicker tip which increases the reed's longevity
Vandoren V12 Bb 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!
- Manufactured from cane tubes with the same diameter used for alto saxophone reeds
- One of the more expensive reed options.
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: advancing students
FEATURES: Comes with a premium cane for a consistent durability
OTHER INFO: With a thin blank for an instant, reliable sound
Royal by D'Addario 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!
- Individually sealed for optimum freshness
- Offers an even response across all registers and even more tonal clarity
- The thinner profile is delicate, so it needs careful handling not to chip the 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: Advanced students
FEATURES: Comes with a long vamp for a consistent response
OTHER INFO: Projects sound with warmth and balanced frequencies
D'Addario Organic Reserve 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!
- Has a traditional tip for a versatile playability
- Ideal for established musicians requiring a versatile playability
- With premium quality for long-lasting durability
- 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™.
DESIGNED FOR: advanced and professional clarinettists
FEATURES: Has a slightly shorter and wider vamp, comfortable in the embouchure
OTHER INFO: Designed with a unique profile for a bright and colourful yet warm and clean 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!
- Lets you easily transition between registers
- Synthetic reed designed specifically for French mouthpiece
- Usually only readily available from specialist music shops
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™.
How To Put A Clarinet Reed On
Summary
Follow these steps on how to put the reed on a clarinet:
- Soak the reed in water for a few minutes.
- Align the curved part of the reed with the mouthpiece.
- Hold the reed firmly against the mouthpiece and secure it with the ligature.
- Adjust the reed’s position to achieve the desired sound.
- Test the clarinet to ensure proper installation.
Knowing precisely how to put a reed on the mouthpiece is crucial for any young woodwind player like yourself. Reeds are an essential part of the clarinet because there would be no sound without them!
You need to understand the proper placement of the reed on the mouthpiece to achieve the best sound, intonation, and control. Remember that moisture helps the sound vibrate, so ensuring your reed is moist, properly placed and has enough moisture is essential for achieving and producing the best sound possible.
We hope that this article guided you with everything you need to know about putting a clarinet reed on your finger, so you’ll be able to play your clarinet like a pro in no time!
And if you want to see our List Of The Best Beginner Clarinet Reeds – click here.
Seems like a lot of fuss over a tiny piece of wood. Just play the thing.
It’s essential to emphasize the significance of reed strength. I’ve witnessed too many students opting for reeds that are either too hard or too soft for their current ability, leading to unnecessary frustration. A balanced approach as detailed in the article can significantly enhance one’s playing experience.
Starting with a 2.5 strength is generally a safe bet. Adjust from there based on your comfort.
What’s a good strength to start with for a total beginner?
Finally, an article that breaks down the reed selection process without making it sound like rocket science. Picked up a few nuggets on the French file cut that I hadn’t considered before, especially how it might offer a different level of resistance. Looking forward to experimenting a bit more with my setup. Cheers!
Hey Lucy, got any tips for making reeds last longer? Ours seem to give up the ghost so fast it’s ridiculous.