Ok, this is something that has been confusing me for a while (I don't play clarinet), but what is the difference between reeds of different strengths. I know that they say beginners should start on a 1 1/2 or something, does that mean the lower the number the easier to play or something, and what is the point in moving up? Does it give a nicer sound? I'm interested really because it was puzzling me the other day why my friend was using a 1 1/2 but then upgraded to a 2, and my teacher uses a 2 some days and a 1 1/2 on other days.

Have a look at this thread Sax Reeds

Beginners usually start on a soft reed, eg 1.5, because it's easier to get a sound out with a soft reed. As you get more experienced (eg you can blow more easily, your breath control gets better etc), you start moving to 2, 2.5, 3 etc because the sound improves with a harder reed. Particularly when playing the upper register, it's much easier to get a good sound with a harder reed.

But reeds from different manufacturers don't play the same, even though they may have the same number. Vandoren Traditional reeds, for example, are harder than Rico Royal reeds. The same *actual* strength would be classed as a 3 Vandoren Traditional but a 3.5 Rico Royal. Vandoren do a handy little credit-card sized chart to compare the different manufacturers - you could probably get one at a music shop.

You can get one of those reed charts any time you are at an event when Vandoren have a stand, Kerry will give you lots of advice and a chart!

and, MM, the strength of reed you use will depend also on the lay of the mouthpiece, tip opening too. The wider the opening the softer the reed you need (as a general rule) and the closer the harder the reed.