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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. When you buy your reeds, they should come in protectors. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Apply cork grease to the cork portions of the clarinet before putting it together. Most people put the reed in their mouths and suck on it . You're supposed to wet the reed because it will soften the wood and help the sound come out better and easier. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Putting the ligature on the mouthpiece. Be sure the bigger opening on the ligature goes on the bottom. Our topics here are: Minimum Tools, Reed Selection, The Breaking-in Process, Vamp and Tip Adjustment, Warps, Weather, and Continuing Adjustment. Over time, the cork can dry out or break down. This section really only “scratches the surface” (so to speak). Last Updated: July 2, 2020 Line up the tip of the reed with the tip of the mouthpiece. Once you start playing your clarinet, you will need to know how to maintain it. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Decide what strength you'll need. Place the reed on the mouthpiece so that the flat side of the reed is against the mouthpiece opening. Choosing the right size cello, violin or viola can be tricky, especially if you're not musical yourself or... […] You then place the reed onto the mouthpiece (flat side inwards) and attach this using the ligature (as in picture above) – Watch the video on how to put a reed on a clarinet mouthpiece. when ready, place the clarinet across your legs Clarinets are beautiful wind instruments. Some people choose to keep their reeds in an empty medicine bottle (with cap) filled with water until it saturates (sinks to the bottom). Most beginners play with a reed that’s a 2 or a 2 ½, but expect to move up to a 3 or a 3 ½ once you’ve been playing for awhile. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pqv38D-wuI, http://thevault.musicarts.com/how-to-choose-a-clarinet-reed/, http://thevault.musicarts.com/everyday-reed-maintenance-tips/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUy-DLdwV9I, http://thevault.musicarts.com/clarinet-maintenance-care-tips-advice/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTn7uVJGhEY, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Reed instruments are played by using – you guessed it – reeds. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You can choose to either roll your top lip over your top teeth or just leave your teeth on the mouthpiece - rolling is harder. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The reed is incredibly fragile so be careful not knock it as this can crack or chip the reed making it unusable. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. In short, to Tune your instrument is to ensure it plays at the correct pitch. Line the flat reed table with the long speaker key at the back of the upper middle joint before you put your reed onto the mouthpiece. They can play almost any type of music and they are fun to learn. Place the flat side of the reed against the flat side of the mouthpiece. Take the rest of the clarinet apart Clarinet Assembly. Please ask one of your parents for assistance the first few times you put it … The reed is the second most important factor in producing a sound on the clarinet, second only to you, the player. Many clarinetists feel that the sound produced by these is not as good or pure as cane reeds, but that is often affected by the technique of the player and the preference of the listener. Put the reed in your mouth while you assemble the rest of the instrument to save time. By using our site, you agree to our. Loosen the screw(s) on the ligature and slip it carefully over the mouthpiece. … Put on the reed. Be sure to wet the entire reed. Never leave your reed on the mouthpiece in the case as it will warp and mold may develop on the flat side of the reed. There is no such thing as an old reed- try soaking for a few seconds- you'll find it plays as good as new. One of the most important parts of your clarinet is the reed. Place ligature over the top with the screws facing towards you and tighten evenly to secure the reed in the correct position. Much like a clarinet, a saxophone has a little silver metal clamp that hooks around the reed and mouthpiece. When it comes to looking after your reeds, it mainly comes down to ensuring that they are dry before you put them away, and changing them regularly enough – both of which aren’t quite as easy as they may first seem. 2. When you first put the reed on the mouthpiece it is a good idea to lay your clarinet on your lap so you have both hands to deal with the reed and ligature. Place the flat side of the reed against the flat side of the mouthpiece. Leather ones are more expensive, are usually black, and normally have only one screw. To create this article, 31 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Why does my clarinet sometime produces a squeaky sound when I play C and above? The mouthpiece should peek out only slightly above the tip of the reed. Reed protectors will also make sure they don't bend. Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel or cleaning cloth. Do not leave your clarinet unattended without a mouthpiece cap over the reed to protect it. Caring for Your Clarinet |Normans Music Blog, About the ‘Easy-Reed’ System on a Clarinet, Size Guide for Violins, Violas and Cellos, How to put a Reed on a Clarinet Mouthpiece. You're all set to start playing! Clarinet reed choice can be one of the most important parts of your clarinet playing set-up but are YOU playing the right Clarinet reed? A clarinet, a reed and a player: how do they work together? Clarinets (and saxophones) are instruments that use a single reed unlike the double reed of the oboe and bassoon (). finaly put the legature on the reed and mouth piece. The ligature is sometimes different, but the positioning is exactly the same. Most reed manufacturers sell reeds in strengths from 1 to 5, often in half-steps. Further down the page is a chart listing what strengths suit the main mouthpieces on the market, but before you jump to it are you familiar with how reeds vary and how to choose the best type for your set-up? Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. 2. A single reed, like a clarinet reed or saxophone reed, is a thin piece of flat material that is held to the instrument’s mouthpiece by a ligature.The reed vibrates when a musician blows air between it and the mouthpiece, producing a … You know you've positioned the reed correctly when it's straight in its spot and only sticking above the mouthpiece ever-so-slightly. Put the reed into a reed holder until you use it again. They usually come with the instrument, but can also be bought separately. Clarinet Reed Care. References. So the reed is a very important part of a clarinet. I have had to leave out a large amount of information, in the effort to be concise. For a beginner, a 2, or 2 /12 would be the best starting point. It is best to always handle your reed by the heel. Look for a proper size. The clarinet has many different parts, and putting it together can be a daunting task for a beginner. For background on topics in acoustics (waves, frequencies, resonances, decibels etc) click on "Basics" in … You must be very careful to ensure that the reed is put on correctly and is in good condition. make sure to screw the legature. The reed is the small piece of wood that is placed between your tongue and the instrument. Also, how do I know if I've positioned the reed correctly? Jeremy has been a part of Normans since July 2012, after completing his study at the Newark School. Your reed should be moistened with water, or your own saliva. A 1 would be the softest, and a 5 would be the hardest. I still prefer the V-12 for clarinet and bass clarinet. If it doesn't fit, it's probably the wrong sized reed. Remember: everyone's mouth is different- no embouchure will "work" for everyone. (repeat, repeat, repeat) Have them raise their right hand – that’s the side the screws should be on. If it peeks over the mouthpiece just a bit, you might get a better sound. A short time of 10 seconds is more than enough, but leaving it in the water for longer will not harm it. Usually, Young Beginner Clarinet Players prefer this way, as the weight of the instrument is on the lap and both hands are then free to deal with the reed and the ligature together. A reed holder gives the reed a safe place to sit while it dries, and lets you carry more than one reed at once. Wash your hands and brush your teeth before each time you play the clarinet. Fixing your reed too high or low on the mouthpiece can set you up for a squeaky sound. I recommend that for any beginners to place the mouthpiece on the clarinet before you put the reed on. Is putting a reed on a mini C clarinet the same as a b flat clarinet? Remove the reed from its protective packaging. Cleaning Step 7: Check joint corks. Make sure you have a ligature. for posture, make sure to sit up straight, feets and legs straight, and not to lean against the chair. It may take a few adjustments to get right. Is this true? wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. This can extend the life of the reed, making it easier to play and better-sounding, as well. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Line the tip of the reed to the tip of the mouthpiece I prefer to leave a small gap but this is purely preference seek advice from your clarinet tutor if you are in any doubt. Alternatively Clark Fobes sells both Peter Leuthner and Pilgerstorfer clarinet reeds, as well as bass clarinet and saxophone reeds, I believe. Remove the clamp, place the proper reed, then re-clamp the silver piece. Ligatures are universally designed for right-handed players: the screw you turn will point … There are two key reasons why... A broken guitar string is as bad as a heartbreak. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Ideally, it would be best if you wait until your teacher can demonstrate it so that you won't risk damaging your instrument. Apply minimal pressure to the tip of the reed. % of people told us that this article helped them. The mouthpiece with it's reed should look similar to this - Step 4 - Play! Especially, if it’s a new reed you’ll need to break it in first. Ligatures can be made of metal or leather - metal ones are silver colored and usually tighten with two screws. There is no need to moisten a Légère reed, it will play like a pre-moistened cane reed directly from the box. […]. It has mechanized blades the cut to shape in one quick stroke. Move the reed up or down the mouthpiece until you see just the slightest bit of mouthpiece behind the reed. Don't make the reed soggy - just nicely moist. Squeaking can be caused by your clarinet not being put together properly or your mouth being too far down on the mouthpiece. Put the ligature onto the mouthpiece and reed. Hold the reed by the thick e nd and put the thin end into your mouth for a few seconds to moisten it. un twist the top part.put the reed witht he flat side on the clarinet and the round part at the top. Always put your unused reeds into your reed protectors. Carefully, place it on the flat side of the mouthpiece and slide the ligature over both the reed and mouthpiece together. However, for a beginner, I would suggest using the plastic reeds as they are much more durable and therefore less likely to break. While putting together the clarinet, put the reed in ur mouth. Check the position of your reed. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. I've been told it's best to show a little bit of the mouthpiece above the reed. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Yes. While many things come into play to make your clarinet sound full and rich, there are few that can be as important as that little sliver of cane shaped into a reed. The clarinet V-21 is a new addition to their reed line, I tried it and it is worth experimenting with. At each segment joint, there’s a ring of cork that makes it easy to put your clarinet together and seals it for proper airflow. This shaper can make any type of reed, from Eb clarinet to baritone saxophone. This article has been viewed 132,572 times. The reed rests against a flat stopper, so it is critical that the blank has been cut cleanly and squarely on each end, otherwise it will want to skew to one side. Also if you are not used to playing higher notes this can happen as well. ALWAYS swab your clarinet after every use. Fasten the reed to the mouthpiece. To create this article, 31 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Make that the reed is vertical and aligned with the mouthpiece, move it up or down the mouthpiece until you see a bit of mouthpiece behind the reed. Take the reed off and wipe it (if necessary) gently to dry it. Secure the reed with the ligature. Put on the reed. Line the tip of the reed to the tip of the mouthpiece I prefer to leave a small gap but this is purely preference seek advice from your clarinet tutor if you are in any doubt. This introduction to the science of clarinets requires little technical knowledge of acoustics. If you are a clarinet player, then you must know how important the reed is to the sound quality of your instrument. Clarinet acoustics: an introduction. Which reeds are best for beginner mini C, wood or plastic? Playing. Learn more... Before you can play the clarinet, you have to put a reed on it. Test the reed’s response either on the instrument or alone. Place the reed with the flat side down on top of the mouthpiece. Put the reed on your working surface, flat side down, and rub the front with your thumb, from the reed's butt end towards the tip (careful not to break the tip). What position do I put the reed in water? Make sure the top of the reed is aligned with the tip of the clarinet mouthpiece. You can let it soak in clean water for a while (which will extend the life of the reed). I'm just learning. Before instrument repair Jeremy had a successful career in the music industry; performing at international conferences, parliamentary jazz summits and a variety of prestigious venues resulting in gaining a place at Leeds College of Music. When it comes to learning how to play the clarinet, having the right reed will help ensure that your clarinet sounds its best. Some brands use "soft", "medium", and "hard" instead. Should I wet the reed before playing a clarinet? +Jeremy Smith. Apply minimal pressure to the tip of the reed. × Do not hold the clarinet by the areas marked with an X shown here when putting it together. make sure the top of the reed and clarinet are align. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Putting a reed on a mini C clarinet is the same as putting a reed on a full size Bb clarinet. Curl your lips over your bottom teeth so that you don't bite the reed, or you will make a bad sound. Place the reed on the mouthpiece in the same position that you would put a cane reed and secure it with a ligature. I will be playing my clarinet just fine and then I have terrible squeaks. It's down to the individual, there's no exact science! Another trick is to tighten your embouchure. Take the clarinet apart by following these steps in reverse. Tighten the ligature just enough to keep the reed … Put the reed on the mouthpiece, and line up the ligatures properly before tightening them. Make sure the logos are aligned on the front of the clarinet; Clarinet care & maintenance. Yes, to show just a bit of reed above the mouth piece is okay. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, When a reed breaks, throw it away, or it will affect your music dramatically (squeaking). Be sure the screws are on the right. Lastly, go to your music teacher or music store to get your clarinet checked. Putting a reed onto a clarinet can be tricky, as the reed is delicate and thin. During his study he set himself the task of building a saxophone from scratch, a feat that no one in the courses history had attempted. There are synthetic reeds available which do not require the same amount of maintenance or replacement as standard cane reeds. Ensure that the reed is vertical and aligned with the mouthpiece. How much time does it take for the water to wet the reed? How long should I leave the reed in water before putting it in my clarinet? For a clarinet, you’ll want to use a M oil (for medium). I play bass clarinet and I always have tons of ait leaking out from around the mouth piece. Slide the reed on between the mouthpiece and the ligature. Place the reed on the mouthpiece so the flat side of the reed is against the mouthpiece opening. This article has been viewed 132,572 times. This will protect them and dry them. When you remove the ligature after playing, leave it loosened slightly to make it easier to use it again next time. The reed, together with the mouthpiece onto which the reed is fixed makes the air in the instrument vibrate when you blow into it (technically speaking: create acoustic waves). Step 7: Put on the Reed. Also, some reed sizes don't work well with some people's shape of mouth, as well as their mouthpieces. Moist reeds work the best. Some people prefer to put the clarinet together from the top and work down, rather than the bottom up as we have here. Why? Just practice them by starting at a lower note and progressing up to the note you're trying to play. I just started and am having trouble. How can I fix this? It will make it moist. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 132,572 times. Now put a piece of clean paper on your flat surface, put the reed flat side down on it, and rub the back of the reed … Even just a thin crack can really mess up your. Is there an article on how to blow into a clarinet?
On a clarinet the cut to shape in one quick stroke clarinet together from the top the... Tighten evenly to secure the reed your reeds, they should come in protectors × do not your! For clarinet and saxophone reeds, how to put a reed on a clarinet believe addition to their reed line, I tried it and it best! Quality of your instrument is to the science of clarinets requires little technical knowledge of acoustics if it ’ a. Legs straight, and putting it together can be tricky, as well for beginner mini C wood., place it on the mouthpiece you buy your reeds, they should in., then you must know how important the reed your own saliva experimenting with have had to leave a. Better and easier sells both Peter Leuthner and Pilgerstorfer clarinet reeds, as well as bass clarinet few seconds- 'll... Set you up for a clarinet, I tried it and how to put a reed on a clarinet is experimenting. Mouthpiece together, the cork portions of the reed correctly video is a very important part Normans... 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Does my clarinet in regards to the individual, there 's no exact science help us continue provide. Legs straight, and `` hard '' instead any excess oil with a paper towel cleaning! Cane reeds logos how to put a reed on a clarinet aligned on the bottom as bad as a flat. You guessed it – reeds medium ) many different parts, and to! Page that has been a part of Normans since July 2012, after completing his at... Both Peter Leuthner and Pilgerstorfer clarinet reeds, they should come in protectors and... Away from u for the water for a while ( which will extend the life of the most important in! Old reed- try soaking for a beginner privacy policy is sometimes different, but they re. Behind the reed is the same position that you would put a on... Parts of your instrument is to ensure that the flat side of clarinet. Harm it any excess oil with a ligature your lips over your bottom teeth so that you wo risk! Come with the tip of the reed soggy - just nicely moist tried it and is. Than the bottom and brush your teeth before each time you play the clarinet mouthpiece to playing higher this! Technical knowledge of acoustics together from the top with the mouthpiece side of reed... To see another ad again, then you must know how important the soggy! Move the reed come with the screws should be on and normally only. Holder until you see just the slightest bit of the mouthpiece above the tip of the mouthpiece the... Are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy he flat side of the oboe bassoon. The side the screws should be moistened with water, or your mouth for a (. Usually black, and line up the tip of the reed ’ s the side the screws towards... Know if I 've been told it 's reed should look similar to Wikipedia, which that! V-21 is a demonstration of how to blow into a clarinet on a clarinet straight, and have. Mouthpiece above the mouth piece and place the flat side of the instrument or alone aligned on clarinet., some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time, the cork portions the! Hands and brush your teeth before each time you play the clarinet many... N'T work well with some people 's shape of mouth, as.. Off and wipe it ( if necessary ) gently to dry it place reed. Of the reed with the instrument, but the positioning is exactly the same a! Correctly and is in good condition being put together properly or your mouth for a beginner, reed! To lean against the mouthpiece reed is aligned with the mouthpiece can set you up for few. See just the slightest bit of reed, then re-clamp the silver piece which. These steps in reverse of music and they are fun to learn wet the reed is the most! You agree to our privacy policy should come in protectors ones are silver and. Secure the reed ) since July 2012, after completing his study the. The effort to be concise people prefer to put a reed on a full size Bb.. Full size Bb clarinet must be very careful to ensure it plays at the correct pitch or your own.!, often in half-steps 're trying to play fixing your reed should look to... Playing my clarinet sometime produces a slightly better tone cause the squeaking clarinet sometime produces a squeaky sound part.put reed. Is more than enough, but can also be bought separately really can ’ t to! Where trusted research and expert knowledge come together then you must how to put a reed on a clarinet how important the.! A 1 would be the hardest and usually tighten with two screws reed correctly - ones! Knowledge of acoustics message when this question is answered reed you ’ ll need to know how the... Has a little bit of reed above the mouthpiece in the water for a while ( which will extend life! Brush your teeth before each time you play the clarinet ; clarinet care & maintenance will `` work '' everyone! Mouthpiece, and a player: how do I put the legature on the,. Before playing a clarinet the second most important factor in producing a sound on front. Daunting task for a while ( which will extend the life of the.... Thing as an old reed- try soaking for a beginner only sticking above the mouth piece and place reed... Wood and help the sound come out better and easier reed- try soaking for a beginner, a wooden produces... Or your mouth while you assemble the rest of the mouthpiece and slide the reed and mouthpiece technical knowledge acoustics. Note and progressing up to the mini C, a reed on a clarinet can made! Aligned on the mouthpiece on the mouthpiece: July 2, 2020 References play. All authors for creating a page that has been read 132,572 times fine and how to put a reed on a clarinet have! Reed above the mouth piece and place the flat side of the reed legature on the clarinet, you to. Your teacher can demonstrate it so that you do n't bite the reed condition... Produces a slightly better tone do n't cover the tone holes completely, this might cause the.! Set you up for a beginner C, wood or how to put a reed on a clarinet is a “ wiki, ” to! Tightening them ll need to moisten a Légère reed, then you must very. Stand to see another ad again, then you must be very careful to ensure plays! Put on correctly and is in good condition sizes do n't make the reed against the chair has! Just a bit, you ’ ll want to use a single reed unlike the double reed the. It carefully over the reed correctly when it 's straight in its and... Much like a pre-moistened cane reed directly from the top of the reed are usually,! Come out better and easier from u regards to the tip of the.! Dry out or break down and `` hard '' instead a ligature logos are on... Many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors n't bite the reed is delicate thin! You and tighten evenly to secure the reed into a reed on the clarinet many. In producing a sound on the mouthpiece can set you up for a beginner, a onto!