Single Reed Buyer's Guide

Recommended Reed Lists

Materials

Single reeds are made from many different materials, but it really comes down to natural cane vs. synthetic.

featuring

Gonzalez F.O.F Bb Clarinet Reeds

Cane Reeds:

It has long been believed that the best reeds in the world are made from cane (arundo donax). This type of woody grass is used for its deep-centered sound and rich tone quality. The most popular cane comes from the Var region of France, but cane from other world regions is quickly gaining favor (including Argentina and Spain).

Synthetic Reeds:

Synthetic reeds come made from a wide variety of materials but each does its best to emulate the response and sound quality of a natural cane reed. The advantage of synthetic reeds is their consistency. Because it is non-organic, a synthetic reed will not change with temperature and humidity. This means the reeds plays the same every time you put it on your mouthpiece. Synthetic reeds are extremely popular for jazz musicians who play on wider tipped mouthpieces, pit orchestra players who need to pick up an instrument and have it respond right away, and marching band members who are often asked to play in adverse weather conditions.

Parts of the Reed

Tip:

The reed’s tip dictates the initial response of the reed. The thinner the tip, the more immediate the sound will be. The heavier the tip, the greater amount of air it can handle. The trick is finding a reed that responds well, but is also capable of playing at higher dynamic levels without closing off.

Vamp:

A reed’s vamp is the “cut” area of the reed where there is no bark present. In general, a longer vamped reed is very responsive, flexible and popular among jazz musicians. A shorter vamp reed offers more focus and is used more by concert players.

Heart:

The heart of the reed is found in the center of the vamp. It dictates the tone color of the reed. The thinner the heart, the more open and “reedy” the sound will be. The opposite is true of thick hearted reeds.