Store clarinet reeds at 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) with 40 to 60 percent relative humidity. Avoid rapid temperature swings, direct sun, car interiors, and heaters. Use a ventilated or humidity-controlled reed case, and let reeds acclimate gradually when moving between very different environments. ...  read more

What is a 5-step clarinet reed break-in process? A practical 5-step clarinet reed break-in is: moisten the reed 1-2 minutes, play long tones 2-10 minutes, rest it several hours, repeat this twice daily, and gradually increase playing time to 15-60 minutes over 3-14 days. This lets cane fibers settle, improves response, and extends reed life. ...  read more

How to make a clarinet reed: materials, tools, and 7 clear steps
To make a clarinet reed, start with well aged Arundo donax cane, a reed knife, cutting block, sandpaper, and a plaque. Cut and shape the blank, thin the tip and heart, balance the back, then soak, finish, and test on your clarinet. Refine with light scraping until response and tone feel even and stable. ...  read more

Reed strength describes cane stiffness on a 1-5 scale; brands vary, so a “3” from one maker can feel like a “2.5” or “3.5” from another. To choose the right clarinet reed strength by brand, test how each reed responds, how much resistance you feel, and how the tone matches your mouthpiece and instrument. ...  read more

Introduction: Choosing the Right Clarinet Case

When you're a clarinet player, one of the most important accessories you'll need is a reliable clarinet case. After all, you want to protect that beautiful instrument of yours, right? So, let's chat about something important: clarinet case exterior material. Picking the right material can really affect how well your clarinet is protected against the bumps and bruises of life on the road—both literally and figuratively! ...  read more

Understanding Reed Strength

The clarinet is a wonderfully versatile instrument, but getting your sound just right can often feel like piecing together a big jigsaw puzzle. One of those key pieces? The strength of your reed! If you're exploring clarinet reeds, you might wonder how the reed strength can influence your play and, even more importantly, how to transition to a different strength. ...  read more

Clarinet Ligature Placement: Unlocking Your Instrument's Potential

Have you ever wondered how the placement of a clarinet ligature could affect your sound? This seemingly small piece of equipment can indeed play a big role! Let's explore how you can get the most out of your clarinet by understanding ligature placement. ...  read more

Clarinet mouthpiece refacing is the professional reshaping of a mouthpiece's tip, facing curve, and table to optimize reed contact and acoustic response, improving response, tonal color, and articulation without replacing the mouthpiece. A skilled refacer uses precision tools and measurements to adjust geometry while preserving structural integrity. ...  read more

Beginner clarinetists should generally start with a reed strength between 1.5 and 2.0. These softer reeds vibrate more easily, reduce playing fatigue, and make it easier to produce a stable tone while you learn embouchure and breath control. As control improves, most players gradually move toward strengths 2.5 and 3.0. ...  read more

Finding the Perfect Fit: Clarinet Mouthpiece Selection

Choosing the right clarinet mouthpiece is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. It's a personal journey that can significantly improve your sound. Let's explore what matters when picking a mouthpiece, from materials to size and design, and share some tips that could revolutionize your playing experience. ...  read more