The Essential Guide to Clarinet Reed Breaking In

Playing the clarinet requires mastering various skills, and one of the most crucial is breaking in your reeds. This process significantly impacts sound quality, intonation, and overall playability. Let's explore effective methods used by seasoned clarinetists to break in their reeds.

Understanding Clarinet Reeds

Clarinet reeds, made from natural cane, need careful handling to perform optimally. The breaking-in period varies for each reed, depending on its thickness, shape, and cut. As you gain experience with clarinet reeds, you'll notice that each one has its own unique characteristics, often described as its “personality”.

The Importance of Breaking In Your Reeds

Breaking in a new reed helps it adapt to moisture, temperature, and your playing style. Fresh reeds can be stiff and may not resonate well initially. The breaking-in process allows the reed to soften slightly, conform to your embouchure, and vibrate more freely, resulting in a richer, fuller tone.

Stage	Reed Characteristics	Player Action
New Reed	Stiff, less responsive	Begin breaking-in process
Mid Break-in	Softening, more responsive	Gradually increase playing time
Fully Broken-in	Optimal flexibility, rich tone	Regular playing and maintenance

Steps to Break In Your Clarinet Reed

Now that we've covered the importance of breaking in reeds, let's go through the key steps to ensure your reeds are properly broken in:

1. Initial Preparation

Start with a clean reed. Give it a quick rinse with cool water to remove any dust or debris.
Soak the reed in water for 30 minutes to an hour before playing. This hydrates the cane fibers, preventing cracks and splits during the breaking-in period.

2. Gradual Playing Sessions

In the first few sessions, limit your playing time with the new reed. Begin with 5 to 10 minutes daily, slowly increasing the duration as the reed adjusts to your playing.
Focus on long tones, scales, and simple melodies to help the reed adapt to your mouthpiece and clarinet vibrations.

3. Checking for Response

During practice, observe how the reed responds. If it feels too stiff or doesn't vibrate well, consider reducing playing times until it adjusts.
Try different embouchure positions and air support techniques, as these factors play a key role in helping a reed reach its full potential.

4. Use a Reed Minder or Reed Cutter

For overly stiff reeds, a reed minder can gently shave the tip, aiding the breaking-in process. Some experienced players prefer to adjust the reed angle through slight shaping. If you choose this method, proceed cautiously to avoid damaging the reed.

5. Monitor Humidity

Humidity greatly affects cane reeds. Store your reeds in a controlled environment or a case with a reed holder to maintain consistent moisture. Avoid exposing reeds to extreme temperatures or dry conditions, which can cause premature cracking.

Caring for Your Reeds Post Breaking In

After breaking in your reed, maintain it properly with these tips:

Rinse the reed with clean water after each use to remove saliva buildup. Let it dry flat in a case or reed holder.
Store reeds in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold and excess moisture.
Regularly check your reeds for wear or damage, and replace them as needed for optimal performance.

The Martin Freres Connection

At Martin Freres, we're passionate about clarinet playing. We offer high-quality reeds and tools to support your musical journey, helping you achieve the best possible sound. Proper care of your equipment, including breaking in your reeds correctly, is essential for delivering outstanding performances.

Conclusion

Breaking in clarinet reeds takes patience and attention, but it significantly improves your overall sound quality. By following these techniques, you'll find your reeds perform exceptionally well, allowing you to express your musicality and unique style. As a musician, you're always learning, and understanding your reeds is a key part of this journey. Keep practicing, improving, and most importantly, enjoy making music!