What reed is best for clarinet?

The best reed for beginner clarinet is a size 2 or 2.5 reed. Most beginners start with Rico, Rico Royal, or Vandoren Brand Clarinet Reeds. Your teacher will most likely recommend one of these brands to start with. The size number indicates the thickness of the reed.

What strength reeds do professional clarinet players use?

Professional musicians usually play anywhere between strengths 3 &5. So, don’t feel like the goal is to achieve playing on a strength 5 reed.

How long should you soak a clarinet reed?

➢ Before playing, soak the reed for no more than 30 seconds. The reed should be moist but not water logged!

Do clarinet reeds need to be soaked?

The enzymes in your saliva will eat away and slowly dissolve the protein, and some essential ingredients in your reed. Your reeds will last longer, and play better when you soak them first in plain tap water, rather than holding them in your mouth, before using them.

Are plastic reeds better?

Plastic (synthetic) reeds are not better than wood reeds. Although some people may prefer a synthetic reed because it is consistent and long-lasting, most players prefer natural cane reeds because of the warmer sound and feel. It’s is all about what each player prefers.

How long do unused clarinet reeds last?

For those just starting out, reeds can last up to six months. Once you play and practice more frequently, this “cycle” can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Once you become more comfortable with the clarinet, you’ll have a general idea of when you should be replacing your reeds.

How do I know if my clarinet reed is too soft?

A reed that is too soft will sound excessively bright. The tone center will also be very unfocused. A reed that is too hard will sound airy and muffled. In some cases, certain notes won’t be able to speak.

How often should a clarinet reed be changed?

2-4 weeks
For those just starting out, reeds can last up to six months. Once you play and practice more frequently, this “cycle” can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Once you become more comfortable with the clarinet, you’ll have a general idea of when you should be replacing your reeds.

Can a clarinet reed be too wet?

Well-Known Member. Soaking the reeed is recommended before playing, so too wet isn’t going to be a problem. If the reed is closing off either you’re using too much pressure with your embouchure and maybe blowing too hard or you need to go up a strength.

How do you break in a new reed fast?

Breaking In A New Reed We suggest that you break the reeds in by first soaking them for about 2-4 minutes in lukewarm to warm water, and making sure that the whole vamp, and not just the tip alone, gets wet (a reed that is too dry or only wet at the very tip might tend to squeak).

Do you wet synthetic reeds?

Playing. There is no need to moisten a Légère reed, it will play like a pre-moistened cane reed directly from the box. Place the reed on the mouthpiece in the same position that you would put a cane reed and secure it with a ligature.