What Reed Should I Use?
Strength
Reed strength is measured in numbers in half measurements from 1 up to 5. The thickness or strength of the reed in relation to the air strength of the player will affect the tone quality produced. Beginners will start on a soft reed usually a 1½. This will result in easy production of sound. As the upper range is included students may need to move up in strength to produce a strong supported sound in the upper register of the clarinet or saxophone.
Brands
All brands will vary slightly in their strength and quality. Beginners will often break reeds as they learn how to take care and it is recommended at this stage that there will be no difference in the reeds. To start off it does not matter if the student uses the cheaper brands. As the student progresses they should be encouraged to try different brands of reed and decide which brand they prefer. Each musician will prefer different reeds, it will depend on the individual.
Maintenance
When a new reed has been bought there are steps which can be taken to ensure the quality of the reed and its life span last longer. First soak the reed in room temperature water for about 5 minutes. Once it has been soaked remove it and wipe away excess liquid. Place the reed on a flat surface with the flat on the reed facing down on the surface. Place the pad of the thumb on the thick of the reed and run toward the tip. Repeat this step a 3 or 4 times. This seals the grain of the reed preventing it from becoming water logged as you play.
After playing take the reed off the instrument wiping excess moisture off before storing in a reed case. Always have 3 or 4 reeds that you are happy with and alternate the use.
written by Gemma Lee from www.shinemusic.com.au teachers of piano, saxophone, violin, singing, drums, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, flute and clarinet
Shine Music
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/what-reed-should-i-use-221494.html
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What size reed should I be using for the Bb Clarinet?
I have been playing the clarinet for almost 3 years in the school’s band program. I have not had any private lessons so I am unsure of the type of reed and size I should use. I feel it important to know because I’m in the Marching Band and are playing in different temperatures with high notes that don’t sound as well as I know they can. I’m now using a size 4 in the Mitchell Lurine brand, I believe. Can you help?
the size of reed depends on the type of music = usually it is a 1 or 2 when you are experienced
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At this point you should be using thicker reeds.
You should also have a reed knife as well, that’s if you are at least in high school and you can begin to learn how to shape your reeds to better fit your playing style. This of course comes with advice of your private instructor.
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Try the Vandoren brand reeds and start with a 3, as there reeds are a bit stronger. The thicker reeds will give you a great tone but it does require the proper amount of air.
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ok all these people are wrong. DON"T get the vandoren they not very good. ok and if you have been playing for 3 years you should know which size reed you are playing on too. Not to be rude, i am sure you are very good. anyway you should have started on a 1 reed when you first started and IF you have been playing for 3 years you should be on a 2 1/2 or a 3. and that I am POSITIVELY SURE of. I hope this helps! good luck to ya
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Dont listen to her, Vandoren reeds are amazing and they give you an amazing tone, but they’re a little tricky at first, just practice on them and you’ll sound great! try a size 3or 3 1/2 and be ready to sound amazing!
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some good points here – some not so good.
The reed you play on is more a function of the tip opening of your mouthpiece than any other consideration. It’s not even a little related to how long you’ve been playing or how good you are.
What brand you use doesn’t matter as much as being able to pick the good reeds from the box and not use the not-so-good reeds. An excellent Vandoren beats an off center Laurie every day and vice-versa.
What you need right now is a clarinet teacher. Band teachers are great and many are also clarinet teachers, but your band teacher can’t give you the 1:1 attention you need right now to make sure you have the right set-up for you.
In a single lesson, a clarinet teacher can tell if you have the right mouthpiece, ligature, and reed combination for you and what you need to start with to improve your playing.
If cost of lessons is an issue, talk to the teacher and see if you can work out 30 minute lessons every other week (instead of 1 hour weekly) or even just a few lessons to help get you set-up and improving.
Anyone that tells you "after x years you need to play on a #4 reed" is confused. It’s more about you and what you need. There is no always right answer. That’s why there are lots of reed sizes and lots of brands.
On my rosewood with a really wide tip I play on a 1.5 or 2 Vandoren reed. I also use soft reeds on the big clarinets. I have a very close tip French mouthpiece that demands a 4 or 5 reed. Most people I know playing on a medium close tip mouthpiece are using a 2.5 or 3. It’s all about finding out what works for you and your setup. You need a professional (teacher) to help with that part.
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professional musician (woodwinds)