Clarinet reed rush is when a clarinet reed becomes overly soft or overly flexible, usually from moisture, age, or overuse. It causes unstable response, pitch problems, fuzzy or spread tone, and loss of control. You manage reed rush by choosing appropriate strengths, rotating reeds, controlling humidity, and storing them in ventilated reed cases. ...
Category Archives: Clarinet Accessories
Clarinet Mouthpiece and Pad Care: Mouthpiece Caps, Patches, Pad Savers, Pad Paper and Pouches
Clarinet mouthpiece and pad care means protecting the mouthpiece, reed and pads from moisture, wear and impact so they last longer and seal better. Players use pad savers, pad paper, mouthpiece caps, cushions, patches and pouches to control moisture, prevent leaks, protect the tip and table, and keep tone and intonation stable. ...
Clarinet Reed Knives: Complete Guide to Tools, Technique & Care
A clarinet reed knife is a small, sharp tool used to thin and shape cane reeds for clarinet and other single-reed instruments. Proper use improves response, tone, and tuning. Start by soaking the reed, make very small shavings at the tip or sides, test play after each adjustment, and finish by sharpening and stropping the blade. ...
A Comprehensive Guide to Clarinet Mouthpiece Types and Comparisons
The clarinet mouthpiece plays a key role in shaping your tone, control, and overall musical expression. With a wide array of options available, finding the perfect match for your playing style can be challenging. This guide will walk you through the various types of mouthpieces and help you understand how they affect your sound and playability. ...
Ligature Screw Guide: How It Affects Clarinet Sound and How To Replace It
How to replace a clarinet ligature screw: Lay out a small screwdriver, replacement screw, and a soft cloth. Remove the ligature, clean and inspect it, then thread in the new screw by hand before lightly tightening with the screwdriver. Reattach the ligature, adjust tension until the reed vibrates freely, then test play and fine tune. ...
Clarinet Reed Holder Guide: Protection, Humidity & Better Tone
A clarinet reed holder is a small case or device designed to store and protect clarinet reeds, preserving shape and moisture to extend reed life and ensure consistent tone. Key benefits: protection from damage, humidity control, organization and quick access. ...
Clarinet Reed Guard Guide: Protection, Humidity Control & Better Reeds
A clarinet reed guard is a small protective case, usually made from plastic, wood, metal, or hybrid materials, that stores and shields reeds from bending, warping, and moisture damage. It holds each reed flat against a surface or in a channel so the tip stays safe while still allowing quick reed changes during practice and performance. ...
Clarinet Cleaning: Complete Guide to Safe Care, Better Tone and Long Instrument Life
How to clean a clarinet: Disassemble into mouthpiece, barrel, upper joint, lower joint and bell. Swab the bore after every use. Clean the mouthpiece with a brush and warm soapy water, never hot. Wipe keys with a soft cloth, apply cork grease as needed, and schedule professional checkups at least annually. ...
Clarinet Swab Guide: Why, When, and How To Swab Your Clarinet
How to swab a clarinet in 4 steps: Remove the mouthpiece and separate the clarinet into barrel, upper joint, and lower joint. Thread or insert the swab through the barrel first. Pull the swab gently through the upper joint, then the lower joint, letting it glide without force. Let all parts air-dry briefly before reassembly. ...
Cork Grease: How, When, and Why to Use It on Clarinet Joints
Cork grease is a soft lubricant for woodwind cork tenons that preserves cork flexibility, ensures tight joint seals, eases assembly, and extends cork life. Apply a small amount and gently massage it into the cork so connections feel smooth with minimal resistance and the joints seal without wobble or squeaks. ...
