Beginners will start on a soft reed usually a … Most reed manufacturers produce reeds in different strengths, often in half-steps from 1 to 5. I've been playing clarinet for 5 years, and two of my friends have been playing it just as long as i have. The reed, together with the mouthpiece onto which the reed is fixed makes the air in the instrument vibrate when you blow into it (technically speaking: create acoustic waves). We will start with reed strengths. I told her she should get a 1 1/2 but I'm not sure. Ideally, you should discuss face to face with an expert. I have been asked that question SO many times. Professionals and advanced students generally use 4 or 4-1/2. In general, the more open the tip is, the softer the reed you want to use. Your music teacher or private instructor can help lead you through the process of finding the brand and strength of reed that best fits you. The bigger the space, the lighter the reed you should try first. So the reed is a very important part of a clarinet. Reeds must be moistened before use as this improves flexibility and the reed will have the best chance of functioning correctly. I have been playing oboe for a little over a year now. What size reed should i use? What strength should I buy? Here are telltale signs to look for. You have several good options on the mouthpiece situation. Mamianka. Read the store blog for Music & Arts in San Dimas CA, CA. Moving up reed strengths at the right time will allow you to produce a better sound, expand your range of high notes, and refine your dynamic range. thanks. The higher the number, the thicker and harder the reed and the more resistance there will be in playing. Strength 3 is a bare minimum for playing in the upper register. Synthetic reeds aren’t affected by temperature or changes in moisture, and also last a lot longer than their cane counterparts. Reed maintenance & care; When to Change a Reed; Synthetic reeds vs cane; Cane Reeds for Saxophone; The 5 Best Cane Reed Tips: Don’t be afraid of using soft saxophone reeds: It is a myth that you need to play a hard reed to be a good player. I was wondering what strength of reed she should use. Clarinet reeds come in various strengths, and use a number system. Beginners usually start with a 1, 1 ½ or even 2 strength reed. What strength? This post is meant to be general guideline as to which strength and type of reed you should choose. I can't remember what I started out on, so someone help please? Use a reed holder which can hold four reeds. I have used medium reeds for maybe one or two months and my reed just broke so I went buy one and I got a Medium-hard reed. This is because everyone has individual preferences and choosing the right reed is subjective. Also are there any reeds that are better than others of the same strength. While most saxophone players use basic cane reeds, synthetic reeds are also used every so often. What strength should I start out with? So how do you know if you’re playing on the correct strength reed? In general, the larger the tip opening, t Reeds vary in strength in half measures – a bit like shoe sizes! Also to keep them flat and as fresh as possible, investing in a reed holder is veryuseful. Hi, I'm about to buy my first Sax, a Yamaha YAS-275, and i need to know what strength reeds to buy. Because Java 2.5 should be same strength with Trad 2 if our concept is correct (Trad is 1/2 harder than many other reed in same strength). The reed strength matches with the opening off the mouthpiece. One would be a Rico B5. Play the correct reed strength If your reeds are too soft, you will play out of tune and you won't be able to play higher notes with a good sound. The bigger the opening of the mouthpiece, the softer the reed and vice versa. I currently play clarinet, grade 3 and use 2 1/2 reeds. Not every brand uses these numbers to show the strengths, some use “soft”, “medium” and “hard” instead. The reed strength number has the main function of letting you buy the right reed next time. Even a range would be helpful. http://www.scottpaddocksaxschool.com - Check out my brand new Sax School! I've already decided what type of reeds I'm getting, (Vandoren Java reds) but i need to decide if I'm ordering strength 3 or 3.5 reeds, any help would make my day. Number the slots of the holder. Unless you are a risk taker, in which case you try #4s. There are several factors that determine the reed strength. Today, we answer the age-old question... "What strength reed should I use?" Afterwars, I bought medium-soft reeds, and after a while used medium. Though I play on harder reeds in general, this is not meant to promote harder reeds. I currently play clarinet, grade 3 and use 2 1/2 reeds. 0 0. alyssa l. Clarinets (and saxophones) are instruments that use a single reed unlike the double reed of the oboe and bassoon (). What Reed Strength should you Use? Eb clarinets as well as C clarinets (aimed at younger children) use Eb reeds. Michelle Anderson presents a clarinet lesson on how to choose a reed that best suits your level of playing. I use several different mouthpieces depending on circumstances and mood. I need backup reeds, but don't know what strength to get. I'm teaching my younger cousin how to play the clarinet, which she has never done before. Lv … My clarinet reed strength is Mitchell Lurie 3 or Vandoren 2 to 2.5, if clarinet and oboe reed strengths are comparable at all. Obviously, the experience of the player, but's that not all there is to it. – so they start at 1 ½, 2, 2 ½ , 3, 3 ½, etc. Reeds are marked with a number. What reed should I use? 0 0. Finding that sweet spot in reed strength - not too hard, and not too soft - is key to getting a solid tone throughout the range of your instrument. 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. I have a RIA alto sax mouthpiece that I use that has great volume, projection, and is very expressive, but it is extremely open. My take-home advice is to use the strength of reed that allows you to play with the best tone/tuning YOU can produce (well, and allows a good range of dynamic as well). Recent developments include Fibracell synthetic reeds which … Music & Arts offers an excellent selection of band instruments to rent, music lessons and instruments for sale. A bad reed can be the bane of the players existence! The thickness or strength of the reed in relation to the air strength of the player will affect the tone quality produced. What reed strength should I use? In situations where volume is what you are looking for, a harder reed would be better. That seems a little strong to me. Also are there any reeds that are better than others of the same strength. Thus, I would say Trad's strength = V-16 = ZZ. i play the alto sax and when i started i used a 2 so i think you could just use a 2 1/2. I often use different strength reeds for different mouthpieces, for different situations. The higher the number, the harder the reed. 1 decade ago. If you need to match reeds to mouthpieces, you also needed to match reed strength to whatever suits your air support, control, and embouchure best. Choose a Strength . Hi, I'm about to buy my first Sax, a Yamaha YAS-275, and i need to know what strength reeds to buy. 3-1/2 is appropriate for most intermediate players (7th-8th grade). Strength Reed strength is measured in numbers in half measurements from 1 up to 5. 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