What’s the Best Clarinet or Saxophone Reed for Me?
Clarinet and saxophone reeds come in various different shapes and sizes. As such, it can be hard to find the kind of reed that best suits you and your instrument. Here, we’ll offer answers to the most important questions about clarinet and saxophone reeds to help you find exactly what you need. If you have a question and can’t find the answer here, feel free to contact us!
In a Nutshell
- In principle, you should always use a reed that’s specific to your instrument. So, if you have a Bb clarinet, for example, then you should use a Bb clarinet reed.
- If you're not sure about the ‘strength’ or hardness rating you need, then it’s best to pick a reed with a low rating. Reeds with a ‘lower strength’ are thinner and therefore more flexible and less power is needed to produce clean notes.
- Most beginners tend to choose reeds with a strength rating of 2.
Nr. 2 Clarinet Reeds: Bb Clarinet / Eb Clarinet
Nr. 2 Saxophone Reeds: Soprano / Alto / Tenor / Baritone
1. What Do the Numbers Mean When it Comes to Reeds?
The numbers indicate the hardness (or strength) and therefore how flexible the reed is. The higher the number, the thicker and harder the reed. A reed with a low number is more flexible and therefore easier to play. As the number gets higher, the sound also gets fuller, but the reed is harder to play. All reed manufacturers rate the strength of their reeds between 1 and 5, but unfortunately the scale they use can differ. However, while a Vandoren 2.5 reed won’t feel exactly the same as a D’Addario Woodwinds 2.5 reed, the difference isn’t all that big.
Soprano Saxophone Reeds: 1 - 2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
Alto Saxophone Reeds: 1 -2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
Tenor Saxophone Reeds: 1 -2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
Baritone Saxophone Reeds: 1 -2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
Sopranino Saxophone Reeds: 1 -2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
Bass Saxophone Reeds: 1 -2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
Bb Clarinet Reeds: 1 -2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
Bb Clarinet Reeds: 1 -2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
Bass Clarinet Reeds: 1 -2.5 / 3 - 3.5 / 4 - 5
2. Can I Use Saxophone Reeds for a Clarinet?
Clarinet reeds are specifically designed for the clarinet and therefore deliver the best clarinet sound. In most cases, reeds designed for the soprano saxophone will fit the mouthpiece of a clarinet but are not designed for them. So, while you can play a clarinet fitted with a soprano saxophone reed, it’s not really recommended.
3. Can I Use a Bb Clarinet Reed with a Eb or Bass Clarinet?
In a word, no. The mouthpiece of Bb, Eb and bass clarinets are all different sizes. This is why there are reeds specifically designed for each type of clarinet. Also, there are no standard reeds available for A and C clarinets or other less common models, so if you're looking for reeds for a model like this, then it’s best to pick one depending on the size of your mouthpiece. If you have an A clarinet, you can usually use Bb clarinet reeds, and if you have a C clarinet, you can usually use Eb clarinet reeds.
4. Can I Use Alto-Saxophone Reeds for a Tenor or Soprano Saxophone?
No. Because the mouthpieces of different types of saxophones are not the same size, you can only use reeds that have been specifically designed for your type of saxophone.
Soprano Saxophone Reeds
Alto Saxophone Reeds
Tenor Saxophone Reeds
Baritone Saxophone Reeds
5. How Long Can I Use a Reed for?
- The length of time a reed will last depends on a number of factors including the strength: a thin reed, for example, is more sensitive to damage. The more you play, the quicker a reed will wear out. So, if you’re practising for an hour every day, then your reed is likely to need replacing every two weeks. If you play less often, then your reed can last up to around six weeks.
- Because reeds are made of natural materials, you’ll notice that one reed is never exactly the same as another, and therefore one reed might last longer than the next. Even if they came in the same box.
- You can often tell when a reed is worn out since you’ll be able to see that the surface is split or splintered. Reeds can also get warped out of shape due to moisture build up. However, the most important thing to remember is: if your reed no longer sounds good, then it’s time to replace it.
All Clarinet Reeds
All Saxophone Reeds
6. What’s the Difference Between Various Series Offered by the Same Brand?
Almost all reed manufacturers offer various different ranges or series of reeds. Standard series are recommended for beginners or for general playing styles. If you’ve been playing the saxophone or clarinet for a long time already, then maybe you’re looking for a specific quality of sound. This is why there are various different series of reeds available, where the reeds have a slightly different shape and produce a sharper or rounder sound depending on the series.
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