Best
Overall Clarinet Reed
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Overall: Provides great tone and response in all registers of the instrument
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Best Feature: Allows superb flexibility when playing legato and staccato notes
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
for Beginners Clarinet Reed
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Overall: Aids development of tone and technique
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Best Feature: Long-lasting with no wearing required
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
for Professionals Clarinet Reeds
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Overall: Has a longer palette which results in a deeper, richer sound
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Best Feature: With a thicker tip giving body to the attack
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
What size reed for clarinet does one need? A **clarinet reed** stands as one of the most crucial parts of playing. With a multitude of reeds available in various sizes and shapes, picking the *right one* can get somewhat tricky.
Whether you’re a casual music enthusiast or a serious player, it’s essential to understand how different reed sizes for clarinet work for each player and different types of music.
Now, if this sounds like too much of a hard task, there’s no need to be overwhelmed! This article is all you’ll ever need.
We’ll cover all the basics about clarinet reeds that every player like you should know before buying them. Plus, a list of some of the best clarinet reeds on the market today (and a great reed case!) that’ll perfectly fit your preferences and requirements.
Let’s get into it!
What is a Reed?
A reed is a thin piece of material, usually made of cane or synthetic materials, attached to the mouthpiece of a woodwind instrument and vibrates when air is blown through it, producing sound.
A clarinet reed is a thin piece of wood or plastic that vibrates when air flows over it. Without the reed, you wouldn’t be able to make any sound at all. It vibrates and sends sound waves through the instrument, creating a beautiful sound.
So, what type of reed does a clarinet use?
A clarinet typically uses a single reed made of cane, which is attached to the mouthpiece with a ligature. Synthetic reeds made of materials such as plastic or carbon fiber are also available and are becoming increasingly popular among clarinet players.
Reeds for clarinet also come in different strengths, from 1 to 5, and they use a number system with half numbers to help you choose the right one for your playing level.
Reeds are made of different materials such as bamboo, plastic, or synthetic. The right reed will help you achieve the desired tone and pitch and make playing easier.
By choosing the correct size and material of reed, you can significantly improve your playing, whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician.
Clarinet Reeds vs Other Instrument Reeds
One similarity between clarinet reeds and reeds for other instruments, such as saxophones, is that they both vibrate as the musician blows between the two reeds to create the instrument’s sound. However, there are also significant differences.
Double reeds are used in instruments like oboes and bassoons, while clarinets and saxophones use single reeds.
Additionally, reeds are instrument-specific because the mouthpieces of woodwind instruments are different sizes. For example, you can’t use a clarinet reed on an alto saxophone. So, while there are some similarities between clarinet reeds and other different reeds, it’s important to note the unique characteristics and qualities of each for optimal performance.
Does the Size of a Clarinet Reed Matter?
Yes, the size of a clarinet reed matters because it directly impacts the instrument’s tone, volume, and response. When choosing a reed size, it’s essential to consider your playing style.
The reed sizes for clarinet typically range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the softest and 5 the hardest. Choosing the right reed size depends on the player’s preference, playing style, and desired tone quality.
Smaller reeds produce a softer, mellower sound, while larger reeds produce a fuller and more powerful sound but are harder to control.
Experimenting with different reed sizes can help you find the perfect balance between sound quality and playability. Therefore, with practice, it’s important to choose the right size of the clarinet reed to enhance your instrument’s sound according to your style.
What are the Different Clarinet Reed Sizes?
There are different clarinet sizes, such as the Bb clarinet and the A clarinet, with each size producing different reed size. A clarinet reed size chart is a useful tool for clarinet players to determine the appropriate reed size for their skill level and playing style, as it provides a range of options and corresponding strengths to choose from.
The size of the reed for the clarinet is essential for creating the perfect sound. Clarinet reeds come in sizes 1-5. The larger the number, the higher strength and the harder the reed will be. The size of the reed affects the amount of resistance the player feels during play, directly affecting the quality of sound produced.
When choosing a clarinet reed size for beginners, it is recommended to start with a light to medium soft or smaller-sized reed, such as a 1 or 2. This allows the player to get comfortable with the instrument without feeling overwhelmed by the resistance of a larger reed, and they can gradually progress to larger sizes and medium-hard reeds as they improve.
The clarinet reed thickness can also greatly affect the sound and playability of the instrument, with thinner reeds producing a brighter, more responsive sound and thicker reeds producing a darker, more resonant tone.
Experienced players may prefer to stick with larger synthetic reeds, which offer more resistance for better sound quality. It’s also important to note that different brands may have slightly varying sizes.
So before purchasing new reeds, it’s always best to check and ensure that you’re obtaining a reed of the appropriate size for your needs.
Clarinet Reeds Recommendation
Selecting the right reed will positively impact the overall quality and tone of your playing. Here are some of my tips for the best clarinet reeds that may perfectly fit your needs.
Best Clarinet Reeds for Beginners
DESIGNED FOR: student and beginner clarinettists and players
FEATURES: Aids development of tone and technique
OTHER INFO: Long-lasting with no wearing required
Juno by Vandoren Clarinet Reeds, 1.5
(10 Pack)
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!
- Designed with a special cut for an extra response
- Comes in individual humidity-balanced packs
- Made from select cane grown in the Mediterranean
- Only goes up to strength 2, so advancing players need to switch to another brand
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: all styles and genres of music
FEATURES: Provides great tone and response in all registers of the instrument
OTHER INFO: Allows superb flexibility when playing legato and staccato notes
Vandoren Traditional Bb Clarinet Reed, 1.5
(3 Pack)
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!
- Weaker reed designed for beginners
- Has a varied amount of dynamic range and a number of styles
- Slightly pricier compared to other reed 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™.
Best Clarinet Reeds for Intermediate
DESIGNED FOR: advancing students
FEATURES: Comes in a filed reed design for an instant response
OTHER INFO: Made of premium cane for a consistent durability
Royal by D'Addario Bb Clarinet Reeds, 3.5
(10 Pack)
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!
- With a thin blank for an instant, reliable sound
- Individually sealed for optimum freshness
- Offers an even response across all registers and even more tonal clarity
- Needs careful handling because of the delicate, thinner profile
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: for players in all genres
FEATURES: Creates a wide range of colourful overtones
OTHER INFO: Generates a clear, focused sound
Legere Bb Clarinet Signature Synthetic Reed, 3.25
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!
- Designed to be more durable and stiffer than natural reeds
- Perfectly centred synthetic reed
- Created from composite materials
- Excellent responsive basic reeds
- Higher price range than other reed 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™.
Best Clarinet Reeds for Professionals
DESIGNED FOR: established musicians
FEATURES: With long vamp for a consistent response
OTHER INFO: Produces warm and rich tones suitable for classical and jazz styles
D'Addario Organic Reserve Bb Clarinet Reeds, 3 (10 Pack)
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!
- Made with premium cane quality for long-lasting durability
- Also comes with a traditional tip for versatile playability
- Projects your sound with warmth and balanced frequencies
- Only available in strengths 2 - 4.5
- Can warp if not looked after well
- Sometimes difficult to control intonation
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: dvanced players and professional clarinettists
FEATURES: Has a longer palette which results in a deeper, richer sound
OTHER INFO: With a thicker tip giving body to the attack
Vandoren V12 Bb Clarinet Reeds, 5+ (10 Pack)
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!
- Its thicker tip also increases the longevity of the reed
- Manufactured from cane tubes with the same diameter as alto saxophone reeds
- Built for guaranteed durability
- Faster response time with a regular cut
- More expensive reed than other counterparts
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
DESIGNED FOR: Keeping all your reeds in perfect condition
FEATURES: Humidity control to help prevent reed damage
OTHER INFO: Can be used for all single reeds of a variety of sizes
Clarinet Reed Case - Rico Multi-instrument reed storage case
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!
- Removable moisture and humidity packs help prevent warping or reed damage
- The humidity pack is a separate product and must be replaced every few months.
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™.
What Size Reed For Clarinet
Summary
The reed on your clarinet is a pretty big deal. Without it, you wouldn’t have that signature clarinet sound that you love. That tiny, flexible piece of cane, together with your mouthpiece, creates vibrations that produce the waves responsible for the sounds that come out of your instrument.
Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful and have discovered that choosing the best reed for clarinet is crucial, as it directly affects the quality of your sound. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for a while, understanding the significance of your reed will give you a better appreciation for the beautiful music you can create.
Now that you understand what a reed does and how it works, you can easily choose the right reed for yourself. So choose wisely, and let that good reed work its magic!
Before you go…
You’re clearly looking for info and trustworthy advice on clarinet reeds, so take a look at our Ultimate Clarinet Reed Guide here.
Can someone explain like I’m five why the size of the reed matters and how it changes the sound? I’m not really getting it from the article.
Sure, happy to explain. Think of the reed size like how tight or loose a guitar string is. A tighter (or thicker) reed makes a sound that’s more focused and requires more air pressure, while a looser (or thinner) reed is easier to play but might sound softer or less precise. It’s all about finding what feels right for you to make the music you love.
While I appreciate the effort in the recommendations, I must point out that the choice of reed significantly depends on the musician’s individual playing style and the mouthpiece they’re using. It’s not just about beginner or professional levels. A professional might prefer a softer reed for certain pieces and a beginner might benefit from a harder reed if it suits their embouchure better.
always thought all reeds were the same lol. got some experimenting to do now.
Just started my clarinet journey and honestly, this guide on reed sizes is a lifesaver. I had no idea there was such a variety and that it makes such a big difference in playing. Lucy, hats off for breaking it down so nicely!