I am a beginning clarinet player. I have a nice wooden clarinet that I like very much. I am using a number 2 reed right now. I had thought some about maybe trying a 1.5 reed; however, someone in a music store told me that I should not do this because it would be too easy to blow into. I would like to know how some clarinet players feel about this - what your advice would be. I haven't learned too many notes just yet. The ones I can do are E, D, C, F and G. I am getting a pretty clear sound out of most of the notes except the C sounds a bit airy or stuffy or something, but that might be something I'm doing rather than what strength reed I am using.

Carol K

Test out a 1.5, 2 and 2.5 - Just use what you're comfortable with. I used to play on a 4, now I play on a 2.5 because of changing my mouthpiece. It can change a lot

Why don't you try 1.1/2, you'll never know if you don't ! It really is trial and error with reeds, one 2 reed will be different to another 2 reed in the same box. Try another 2 reed, just keep trying them until you find one that suits you ! At such an early stage, you shouldn't be worried if your reed is too easy, on the contrary, if it's easy, that means you can concentrate on getting your notes out !! Once you've been playing a while, the muscles in your mouth (embouchure) will become stronger and you can increase the strength of your reed !!
Hope you enjoy playing the clarinet - I do !!

reply to Davidmusic and trudihiggins re reeds

Thank you for your reply to my post about reeds. I think you are both right that I should just try different reeds to see what I am the most comfortable with. I really am enjoying the clarinet.

I do have another question pertaining to reeds. Should I rotate reeds - like use a different one each day or every few days?

Carol K

About rotating reeds, it's always handy to have at least 3 reeds you are happy with going at any one time. This is because if by accident you break the one and only reed you've played in, you're a bit stuck until you've found another !! (When you eventually play with an ensemble, you MUST have other reeds ready in case!). So get busy finding those gold plated reeds that work the way you want them to !!!!
Good luck !!

Yes - I have 4 reeds over 3 brands for the clarinet, and 5 reeds over 4 brands going at any time on the sax

Hi, I'm nearly as much a beginner as you I started with 1.5 reeds because that's what the guy in the shop advised. I found the sound a little too raspy but it got me started.
Then I got some 2.5 reeds just to try, and I found the tone to be much better and I also thought it was easier to play above the break, but my embouchure tends to tire faster with the harder reed. I'm currently playing only with 2.5 reeds for short periods until my muscles can cope a little better. It's going well so far. I think the answer is just use what works for you.

reply to Komakino re reeds

Thank you for your reply to my post about reeds. Right now I am feeling pretty good with number 2 reeds. I may try a 2.5 one later. You said that you thought with 2.5 reeds it was easier to play above the break. I guess I am a real dummy, but what is the break? I think you are probably quite a bit further along with the clarinet than I am. I've only been playing about a week and haven't learned too many notes just yet.

Carol K