[Clarinet] How Reed Placement Changes Your Sound: Q&A on Proper Mouth…

SUMMARY

Key takeaways

The basic rule for clarinet reeds is to attach them straight along the centerline of the mouthpiece, aligned with the tip
If the reed feels heavy, shifting it down by just about 0.1 mm can sometimes make it playable
If the reed feels light, letting the reed extend slightly past the tip can bring the resistance to just the right level
Since reeds change over time, finding the right position by shifting them up or down can also help you get more life out of your reeds

Clarinet Reed Placement: A Key Factor That Affects Tone Quality

The position of a clarinet reed may seem simple, but it actually has a major impact on tone quality and ease of playing. You often see cases where the reed is not attached straight against the mouthpiece or is misaligned with the tip. However, by correctly adjusting the reed position, you can improve your tone and make the instrument easier to play. By understanding this often-overlooked point, you can produce a better sound with the same reed. This article provides a detailed Q&A guide covering everything from the basics of properly attaching a clarinet reed to the mouthpiece to advanced fine-tuning techniques based on reed weight.

Q&A: Clarinet Reed Position and Adjustment Methods

Q1: How should I attach the reed to the mouthpiece?

A: As a basic rule, always attach the reed straight along the centerline of the mouthpiece. You often see cases where the reed is not attached straight against the mouthpiece or is significantly misaligned with the tip. Attaching it straight along the centerline is the fundamental principle. Also, as a general rule, align the reed with the tip of the mouthpiece.

Q2: What should I do if the reed feels heavy and hard to play?

A: If the reed feels heavy, shifting the reed down just slightly can sometimes make it playable. In terms of numbers, we are talking about just 0.1 mm or so — by moving the reed down ever so slightly when the reed feels a bit heavy, it can sometimes become playable. This fine adjustment can bring the reed's resistance to just the right level.

Q3: What should I do if the reed feels light and the sound is hard to produce?

A: If the reed feels light, letting the reed extend just slightly past the tip can sometimes bring the resistance to just the right level. Letting the reed extend past the tip means shifting the reed slightly upward when attaching it. This adjusts the reed's resistance and can make it easier to play.

Q4: Do reeds change over time?

A: Yes, clarinet reeds change continuously over time. Some players today use plastic reeds such as Legere, but with standard cane reeds, they are constantly changing. You may find that a reed that was good before has deteriorated, or conversely, a reed that was not good before has become playable — this actually happens quite often. When the reed has changed, shifting it slightly up or down can help you find the right position, so it is worth knowing this technique to help save on reeds as well.

🔒

Members only beyond this point

Full article, examples, and practice steps after this heading are for paid members. Sign up or log in to unlock the rest.

ログインして続きを読む

Practice Menu

Step 1: Identify the centerline of the mouthpiece. Look at the mouthpiece from the front and identify the centerline. The basic rule is to attach the reed straight along this centerline.
Step 2: Attach the reed aligned with the tip. Attach the reed aligned with the tip of the mouthpiece, straight along the centerline. Check that the reed is not offset and is attached straight.
Step 3: Check the reed's resistance. Play the instrument with the attached reed and assess the reed's resistance. Determine whether it feels heavy or light.
Step 4: Adjust if the reed feels heavy. If the reed feels heavy, try shifting the reed down by about 0.1 mm. Since this is a fine adjustment, the key is to move it only very slightly.
Step 5: Adjust if the reed feels light. If the reed feels light, try letting the reed extend just slightly past the tip. Shifting the reed slightly upward when attaching it adjusts the resistance.
Step 6: Check the tone quality after adjustment. After adjusting the reed position, play the instrument and check the tone quality and ease of playing. Repeat fine adjustments until you achieve the ideal sound.
Step 7: Readjust periodically as the reed changes. Since reeds change over time, shift the reed up or down to find the right position when a previously good reed starts to deteriorate, or when a previously unusable reed becomes playable.

⚠️

Check These Points

When adjusting reed position, being mindful that this is a fine adjustment is the most important thing. Whether the reed feels heavy or light, a fine adjustment of about 0.1 mm is often sufficient. Moving it too far can actually make it harder to play. Also, attaching the reed straight along the centerline of the mouthpiece should be your baseline, and fine adjustments should be made on top of that. Since reeds change over time, adjustment is not a one-time task — regularly checking the reed's condition and adjusting its position as needed will also help you get more life out of your reeds.

Summary

The position of a clarinet reed may seem simple, but it actually has a major impact on tone quality and ease of playing. As a basic rule, attach the reed straight along the centerline of the mouthpiece, aligned with the tip. If the reed feels heavy, shifting it down by about 0.1 mm can sometimes make it playable, and conversely, if the reed feels light, letting the reed extend slightly past the tip can bring the resistance to just the right level. Clarinet reeds change continuously over time, and when the reed has changed, shifting it slightly up or down can help you find the right position, so it is worth knowing this technique to help save on reeds as well. Be mindful that adjustments should be fine, keep the reed straight along the mouthpiece centerline as your baseline, and adjust the position according to the reed's condition to achieve your ideal tone.