What strength reed should I use?
What strength reed should I use?
Most teachers recommend that a first-year musician use a 2 or 2.5 (soft or medium soft) reed. Anything stiffer may make it difficult to produce a sound while anything more flexible may produce a weak sound. Your teacher should let you know when it is time to switch to a different strength reed.
How do you measure reed strength?
Some manufacturers label strength with words instead, rating it “soft,” “medium” or “hard.” The standard scale for saxophone reed strength runs from 1 through 5, with 1 being the softest and 5 being the hardest reed. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with a softer reed, usually about a 2.
What is the difference between filed and unfiled reeds?
What is the difference between a filed reed and an unfiled reed? Filed reeds, or French Cut as they are sometimes called, are reeds with straight horizontal line cut just above the bark. Unfiled reeds, or American Cut, are identified by their distinct “U” shape at the bottom of the vamp, and no line.
When should I move up a reed size?
To answer your question, there is no “need” to move up a strength even, unless a reed feels too soft to you or is not producing the desired sound or control. I’ve moved back and forth between 3.5 and 4 for years. Most of the time, your reed choice will depend on your mouthpiece selection as well.
Are 2.5 reeds good?
Thinner reeds (between 2 and 2.5) are good for beginners since it vibrates more easily and it has a brighter tone; preferred among Jazz players! In general, single reeds range from 1.5 to 4, while double reeds range from soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-hard, and hard.
What reeds do professional clarinet players use?
The 8 Best Clarinet Reeds in 2021: Buyer’s Guide and Reviews
- #1. Vandoren CR101 Bb Clarinet Reeds.
- #2. D’Addario Rico Bb Clarinet Reeds.
- #3. D’Addario Royal Bb Clarinet Reeds.
- #4. Vandoren CR8035 V21 Bb Clarinet Reeds.
- #5. Vandoren V.12 CR1925 For Bb Clarinets.
- #6. Tanbi Music 10 Bb Clarinet Reeds.
- #7.
- #8.
How often should you change your reed?
For those just starting out, reeds can last up to six months. Once you play and practice more frequently, this “cycle” can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
What’s the difference between filled and unfilled reeds?
Filed reeds (also called double cut or French cut) are reeds that have an extra strip of the bark removed in a straight line, just below the vamp. Unfiled reeds (also called American Cut, regular reeds or single cut) are identified by their distinct “U” shape at the bottom of the vamp and no line.
When should I get a harder reed?
Therefore, try to choose a strength that feels slightly hard when you start playing on a new reed, so it will feel just right as you break it in. When you’ve played on your reed for too long and it starts to feel too soft, it’s time to start a new one!
What determines Reed strength?
Every reed manufacturer has their own system for marking a reed from soft to hard, but normally they use a scale where the strength of the reed is determined by how high the number is. When buying a reed, you should begin with the saxophone itself (ie. tenor, baritone or alto), then look at the brand (ie. Rico or La Voz), then choose a reed strength.
What Reed strength for beginners?
Decide what strength you’ll need. Most reed manufacturers sell reeds in strengths from 1 to 5, often in half-steps. A 1 would be the softest, and a 5 would be the hardest. Some brands use “soft”, “medium”, and “hard” instead. For a beginner, a 2, or 2 /12 would be the best starting point.
What is the best clarinet reed for a beginner?
Rico reeds are the best reeds for a beginning clarinet player because they are cut from the most flexible grade of cane and are very thin. It is very easy to make sounds with these reeds allowing the clarinetist to begin playing their first notes without too much effort. Beginners will want to start on a 2 ½ reed.
What is clarinet reed strength?
Clarinet reeds are usually sold in various strengths from 1 to 5, often in half-steps. A reed with a 1 strength is the softest while the reed with a 5 is the hardest. Softer reeds are usually easier to play with. Harder reeds, on the other hand, produce a thicker and heavier sound.