I know this may sound like a stupid question, but unless I ask I will never know.

Could somebody explain why all the different sizes and qualities of reeds there are out there.
The sites on the web I have looked up don’t really explain why you should use one rather than another. If that makes sense .

Without being the world's expert or anything the way I see it is this:

a) As with many things there are many manufacturers in the market and they will compete with each other, some produce better products than others. Also some individuals prefer one brand to another.

b) Different reed strengths are necessary - usually beginners need softer reeds and those who play up in the altissimo register frequently may require harder reeds to obtain the right sound quality.

c) Different reeds are cut in different ways and thus producing a different sound. For me I've now found my preferred reed - this being a Vandoren Rue lepic 56 reed. It produces a clear, defined sound that I like and is also projected enough for band.

d) Different mouthpieces require different reeds to give the best sound quality (to do with the the lay - gap between reed and mouthpiece and thus vibration produced) I think I'm right in saying that the larger the lay the softer the reed required.

In the end when choosing a reed it comes down to a little experimentation and personal preference. For me - I don't really like RICO and stick to Vandoren. Others disagree. There are other brands like Lurie Mitchell, Le Voz etc and I don't really know how they compare. The majority of music stores however seem to stock RICO and Vandoren traditional (Blue box) reeds. So in the past it's sometimes come down to what I can get. Now, after experimenting with a variety of brands, types and strengths I've found what works for me, what I can manage with and what I absolutely cannot work with.

I guess it's like anything else - buying clothes etc - there are so many types, styles and colours, the fits vary depending on make so you try them on and see what suits you. It's the same with reeds.

d) Different mouthpieces require different reeds to give the best sound quality (to do with the the lay - gap between reed and mouthpiece and thus vibration produced) I think I'm right in saying that the larger the lay the softer the reed required.

Thanks Dawn
I appreciate you taking out the time to explain. It was puzzling me.
I have a RV5 Vandoren mouthpeice. Do you know what lay it would be? at the moment I am using a Vandoren 1 1/2 reed.

Thanks again for the advice.

David,

The 5RV has a relatively short lay/facing which means that a shorter length of the reed is free to vibrate.

This means that it's suitable for beginners because it requires less control of the embouchure and is probably easier for smaller mouths (not sure about this though!). The tip is quite narrow and since most beginners don't have good breath control, it also allows you to use low strength reeds at the beginning, then higher strength later.

As an adult, you might find it worthwhile to try harder reeds. 1.5 sounds a bit low.

Later, you can experiment with other mouthpieces. The vandoren website has a diagram with all the mouthpiece lays and tip openings.

More experienced players prefer MPs with slightly longer lays because it gives them more flexibilty and I believe makes the lower notes more resonant. Classical players will go for a narrow tip for a more controlled sound, and jazz players prefer a wider tip which allows them to bend the notes.

At least that's the theory. A generalisation which I've heard has many exceptions!

Steve

Thanks for that Steve

That has helped a lot.I will switch to a 2 1/2 reed on tomorrows practice session and see how I get on.

You might find that rather a big jump. I'd try 2 first.

Agreed.

Apparently the suggested reed on a 5RV is a no 3 (vandoren) Traditional. If you look at the comparrison chart a RICO is a bit softer than the |vandoren trad so needs a higher number for equivalent strength.

I also play on the 5RV and like it although maybe in the summer (when my birthday is) I might try out some other mps and see how I get on. Not taken with the B45 which is a popular one but like the chart description of the B40. (Large chambered - full round sound (I think)) I played for many years on a 2.5 reed and recently changed to a 3. It is a better sound but took some getting used to. In the rue lepics I tried strength 3 and 3.5 as are slightly softer than the equivalent numbered traditional reed and decided that the 3s work best for me.

HOWEVER, 1.5 to 2.5 is a HUGE jump!!!! many beginners start on a 1.5 and that's fine but you won't get the sound quality you crave. If you move up do it in steps. Then it'll be easier. Stick to one type of reed for now as you've only just started playing. You can always experiment more later.

How's the playing going anyway david or is that on another thread? (Not been on for a while)

I was fine with a 2/2.5 and a 5RV mouthpiece (wasn't I Barry?).

Yes, you were

Dawn has given you some excellent advice : only a couple of things to add.

1) You'll probably ultimately settle on a reed that gives you both the response you need, and the strength to cope with altissimo notes. But do, as has been said, go up the strengths gradually, and when you're ready.

2) Being pedantic (sorry Dawn), the reed make is Mitchell Lurie, not Lurie Mitchell. They're named after the American clari player of the same name.

No it's great to have the facts straight.
I stand corrected

No problem BC it's not a reed I'm familiar with hence the mix-up of the name.

David,
On the subject of quality I have found that buying reeds by the box has advantages, that way I will have at least half a dozen which I am working on. I soak them in tap water for one minute then I lay them on a sheet of perspex, with the back of my nail I smooth the fibres from the heart to the tip, I find if I don't do this they irritate my lower lip. (I have read that it seals the fibres and makes the read last longer but I haven't a clue if that is true as some reeds just last longer than others anyway). I number the reeds and test play them. I eventually find that one becomes my favourite and that way I have a backup reed that is part broken in if the favourite fails. The quality does vary quite a lot even in a single box.
I have impressions of the following:- I find that Rico Royals require the least breaking in and play straight from the box, after the fibre laying trick.
1. Rico Royal - I use these on Baritone, strength 3 or 3.5 absolutely ok, clear bright timbre, plays straight from the box with some quality variations.
2. Hemke 2.5 - Alto a bit too dark for me I prefer Rico Royal (Bright) or Vandoren V16 (Between Hemke and Rico Royal.)
3. Rico Jazz select - strength 3 for Soprano absolutely perfect! (I tried Vandoren Java 3 and Hemke 2 but for my setup they just did not satisfy my requirements for tone and intonation)
4. Rico Royal 2.5 , Tenor (I have a Bari and a Bari* (clear plastic reeds) I bought them for doubling purposes as they don't dry out between use but they are too characterless to use on stage - even though they are reliable.
I am sure you are aware that it is easier to say what works for me rather than what will work for you, you will eventually settle on a brand; how long for though is another matter altogether, my friend Bill has been playing for nearly 50 years and he still cannot resist trying different reeds and mouth pieces.

I am astounded by the depth of knowledge on this forum. I was a little reticent about asking the question about reeds, thinking eyes would be rotated upwards. In fact the opposite was true.
I really appreciate your help on this subject; things are a lot clearer now.

Dawn.
Practice is coming along fine; I do half an hour on Wednesday with my music teacher and try to do at least half an hour or so each day on my own. I must admit I love the experience; I have always wanted to play a musical instrument.

David, reeds are one of the topics of conversation which we never seem to tire of , and there are always new members putting forward new views. For some comments from previous members, if you do a Topic search for Reeds, you'll find lots of other advice


Welcome to the forum SaxUtopia, hope you enjoy it and find it useful here

thanks Skylark

Love your coments

"The clocks go forward next month, it's nearly Spring! "

We woke up this morning to the nnews that 70 schools here in Essex are closed due to the severity of the weather conditions (6" of snow) god know what we be like if we lived in Norway

According to the Vandoren website the range of strengths recomended for the 5RV is 3, 3.5, 4 but remember this is the range of strengths they recomend for experienced players, there is never a single 'correct' strength for a mouthpiece. Probably one of the greatest strengths of the 5RV is that with a soft reed it is controlable by a begginer, then as your embochure develops it comes more to life with a stronger reed. Sadly this can result in the 'I must be a better player than you 'cos I use a 4 and you only use a 2.5' arguement.

Each of us also has a totally different shape and volume to the inside of our mouths, our teeth and jaws are another variable. Each of these factors mean that the range of mouthpieces/reeds available mean most of us can find something suitable..........and once you do learn to play it and don't get into the ultimate mouthpiece quest unless you have already completed the bottomless bank account quest!

Gosh, what a can of worms this reed business is. I am glad I asked the question. I have learned so much

Agree! It's so very silly, especially since not only do the MPs vary enormously, but the clarinets vary in resistance as well.
Ironically I've heard the opposite argument, that players need more skill to control soft reeds, especially on the more open tip MPs. Plus, it would be daft to use a hard reed on such a MP. All your effort would be in controlling the embouchure leaving no energy for all the other things you should be trying.
I have a whole collection of reeds and tend to use whatever sounds good.... and hasn't got things growing on it!

Steve

Skylark,
Thankyou I do enjoy participating and sharing what I have experienced. I also enjoy asking questions bolstered by a lovely quote from a member of another forum. "There is no such thing as a stupid question"
I think it would be a very sad day indeed if we forget how we all started. So David, keep asking!!
SaxUtopia

Thank you for that, you have all been a great help...I will keep asking

David, did you know you can buy variety packs of reeds on the internet?

I did ages ago - you pick your strength and they send you about 10 reeds of 5 different brands to try out. Only problem is I can't for the life of me remember where I ordered them from!! If I remember I will message you, but worth googling in the meantime.

No I didn,t know that. what a good idea. I will google about a bit.If you o manage to find it, I will appreciate a message. Off to my lesson in about 20 minutes

Thanks for that.

I've pm'd you David, but here's a link for eveyone else who might want it:

http://www.justflutes.com/pages/product-detail62237.htm

hope that's not against the rules.

Thanks for the message and link. I will be ordering them up.

Just finished my 3Rd lesson and have been told that I am leaping along...Just love praise, I think she must be being kind lol

Well done David. It's amazing what a bit of skill, a lot of practice and a bucket load of enthusiasm can do isn't it?

Keep going.

You can also buy individual reeds via the internet/mail order from John Myatt Woodwind and Brass, which is good for trying out different brands and strengths. I have bought reeds from them in the past when I've been wanting to experiment. They have a minimum order value (I think it's £5) but postage is free if you're only buying reeds - or it was last time I got some. They have a shop in Hitchin, which I think is somewhere near London.

Reeds direct (Cambidge) are good value too. Not sure if you can get individual reeds but the boxes are good value and free postage too. Very quick in arriving too.

http://www.reeds-direct.co.uk/

Thanks for that Flossie
Hitchin is about 90 miles from where I live, but I will visit the website. Isn’t the web a marvellous place.

Good morning Dawn.
Enthusiasm I have in shed loads, but getting my fingers to join in is another matter, they seem to have a mind of their own.

They are amazingly efficient : I can highly recommend them

Thanks Barrie
I have just ordered their Brochure. What an amazing selection they have. I thought taking up the clarinet was going to be a challenge (and it is) but choosing reeds is in another dimention. Perhaps I should have stuck to my mouth organ.

There does look to be an awful lot of choice, but there's a more than good chance, as you improve, that you'll settle on a favourite brand.

There does look to be an awful lot of choice, but there's a more than good chance, as you improve, that you'll settle on a favourite brand.
[/quote]

I hope so Barrie
(a) Improve and (b) settle on a favourite brand. Silly me thought when I started, I just thought the Clarinet came with a reed and that was that.
As I type this I am gazing at the pigs flying over the horizon.

Its nice to see that not everybody is at work.

To be honest David, as you are so new to clarinet I wouldn't yet be worrying about reeds too much. Choose a well known brand such as Vandoren or RICO (The RICO Royals are slightly better) And if you are finding the 1.5 too soft I'd use a 2 . Stick to the same reed type and strength and just concentrate on getting the best sound you can.

You are new to the playing technique.
Your Clarinet is new to you.
At this level I don't think that the reed you use is anywhere near being the defining factor in your sound quality.

When I upgraded my clarinet I posted some questions on improving the sound quality on this forum. I'm going to find the link for you now.

Here it is: http://forums.abrsm.org/index.php?showtopi...ing+my+clarinet Note post 2 which says the order that things make a difference. Some other good answes in there too.

This is all true and interesting - the only thing I have to add is that when I buy a packet of reeds, I usually find that out of the 10 reeds in a box - only 5 or 6 are perfect - so if you only buy one or two of each make - you may have a false impression - as in they might be duds and you write off that particular brand for nothing !!
I use a Select Grand Concert 'Evolution' - size 3
I love them but am finding that more and more I am 'blowing them out' very very quickly - maybe I should change mouthpiece ( I have a 11.5 Vandoren) or go up a half size ????
Anyone any ideas ?????

You are both right of course I have just gone up to a number 2. I am finding the whole subject facinating.

Right I will pop of and read that thread later in the afternoon. Thanks

Thanks
Dawn

Yep, there's no hope for you - welcome to the club

Sailing has a similar effect on me skylark. The only difference is I know how to sail

im thinking about getting one fo those variety packs. If I'm playing on a vandoren strength 2 reed, which pack should I get? Soft, medium soft, medium?
thanks
x

This is a really useful discussion to read

I'm just beginning too David (4th lesson this week) currently using Rico Royal size 2 (and just the standard mouthpiece that came with my B12 Buffet clarinet), I only really have one reed 'in play' at the moment but I think I'm going to start playing in a few more so I have some back up, as my first reed I wrecked and then had a few days where I couldn't really practice properly as it was all about the new reed rather than everything else. Like others have said I'm trying not to worry too much about reeds now, plenty of time to experiment as I progress.

As I'm getting towards the top of the clarion register I am finding it difficult getting notes clear. Is this likely to be a reed/mouthpiece issue, or just poor beginner embouchure? My tone in chamleau and lower clarion isn't too bad most of the time now.

One leger line B and two leger line C can be problematic at first eirlys. Give the notes plenty of breath support. It may be worth taking in just a little more mouthpiece into your mouth as well - a common problem I find is too little mouthpiece in the mouth, and that will result in problems for some of the higher notes.

Good morning Eirlys
Nice to know I am not the only beginner on the site. I am now using a No 2 Vandoren having switched over from a 1 ½.
I try and practice for a half hour each day and according to my wife Caroline and teacher I am improving. I have manager to get through “When the saints go marching in” yesterday ( I know I know all the world can play that, but I am none the less a happy bunny) .

Can anybody tell me why I have a Warn 0% under my name with 5 blue bar's?

Yes Saints was one of the first recognisable tunes I got through too!!! Great sense of achievement when you play a proper tune isn't it I'm also aiming for 30 minutes a day, but 4 days a week it's basically whatever time I have between getting in from work and dinner, as after dinner it's too late for the neighbours (I work 12-hour days), and then on my day off and at weekends I'm fitting in 2 or 3 sessions (including my lesson on days off), so I find I progress quite a bit over the weekend, then practice what I've progressed on mon/tue/wed in time for lesson on thursday afternoon.

Thanks for the tip barry, shall try that, I'm starting to be able to get C major 2-octave scale but no way can I play top B/C from 'scratch' ie without running up to them.

This morning practiced with a 'new' reed, within a few minutes I'd forgotten I was playing a new reed and was disappointed and frustrated with myself that my tone wasn't as nice as yesterday, and difficult notes I'd got fine yesterday I couldn't get clearly today (B natural bottom of clarion register is my current bugbear), it's only now I've remembered that I was using the new reed! It does make a lot of difference doesn't it.


I meant chalumeau not chamleau before, obviously.....

We've all got one, but you can only see your own.

If you are a good, well behaved forumite, your warn rating will remain at 0%. If you do something against the forum rules, the moderators can add 20% to your warn rating, and fill in a blue box. If you reach 100% and all five boxes are filled in, further action is taken.




That's the first step. Have a go at my tips and see how you go - maybe concentrate on getting a really good reliable B first, then move to C.

[quote name='barry-clari' date='Feb 8 2009, 12:09 PM' post='789599']
[quote name='david123' post='789592' date='Feb 8 2009, 11:48 AM']


Can anybody tell me why I have a Warn 0% under my name with 5 blue bar's?
[/quote]

We've all got one, but you can only see your own.

If you are a good, well behaved forumite, your warn rating will remain at 0%. If you do something against the forum rules, the moderators can add 20% to your warn rating, and fill in a blue box. If you reach 100% and all five boxes are filled in, further action is taken.


[quote name='eirlys' post='789598' date='Feb 8 2009, 12:02 PM']


Thanks for the tip barry, shall try that, I'm starting to be able to get C major 2-octave scale but no way can I play top B/C from 'scratch' ie without running up to them.

[/quote]

That's the first step. Have a go at my tips and see how you go - maybe concentrate on getting a really good reliable B first, then move to C.
[/quote

Thanks for that Barry I coulded't quite figure out why I was the only one with the bar's

anyone?
x