Reeds - Clarinet and Sax

Clarinet and Saxophone Players must have reeds. Without a reed, your clarinet or saxophone will not make a sound. 

Clarinet

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Baritone Saxophone

How long should I play on a reed?

Reeds should be switched out every week to week and a half. If the reed is chipped or cracked, it must be replaced. Changing your reed every week to week and a half ensures you lip muscles stay strong. Your reed wears out and looses its strength the more you play it. If you play one reed for too long, your lip muscles actually get weaker along with your reed. The ultimate downside when you play one reed for too long is when you change reeds for the first time after several weeks (gross...), it actually becomes harder to play your instrument. Avoid any unnecessary struggle. Take good care of your reeds, practice daily, and change your reed every week. 

If you are unable to acquire and purchase reeds, please let Mr. Cruz know in private right away. Your situation is always confidential.

Reed Sizes or Strengths

When discussing reed sizes, the words size and strength can be used interchangeably. For example a size 2.5 clarinet reed and strength 2.5 clarinet reed mean the same thing. 

CLARINETS ONLY - REED TIMELINE

Beginning Band - First 2 Months (September and October): Size 2.5 Reeds (Rico Royal)

Starting November and Onward - Clarinet Players should be on size 3 reeds until further notice or advisement by Mr. Cruz.

ALTO SAXOPHONES ONLY - REED TIMELINE

Beginning Band - First 2 Months (September and October): Size 2.5 Reeds (Rico Royal)

Starting November and Onward - Alto Sax Players should be on size 3 reeds until further notice or advisement by Mr. Cruz.

TENOR SAXOPHONES ONLY - REED TIMELINE

Beginning Band - First 2 Months (September and October): Size 2 Reeds (Rico Royal)

Starting November and Onward - Tenor Sax Players should be on size 2.5 reeds until further notice or advisement by Mr. Cruz.

BARITONE SAXOPHONES ONLY - REED TIMELINE

Beginning Band - First 2 Months (September and October): Size 2.5 Reeds (Rico Royal)

Starting Spring Semester and onward: Baritone Sax Players should be on size 3 reeds until further notice or advisement by Mr. Cruz.

AMAZON or EBAY REEDS - AVOID

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR - Avoid buying the very cheap reeds coming from overseas on Amazon or Ebay. Yes, they are cheaper, and you can get more for your money, but these reeds are poorly made and they are inconsistent. There is practically zero to very little research and development and quality control. For example, you can purchase a box of size 2.5 reeds, but out of that one box some reeds will feel like a size 3, and some will feel like a size 2. In addition, these reeds do not last long at all. These reeds lose their strength within days sometimes minutes of playing. 

Which brand reeds should I buy?

The leading brand names for reeds are Rico and Vandoren.

Rico is cheaper and they are made here in the USA. You can get the Rico (Orange Box) or Rico Royal (Blue Box). Stick with Ricos or Rico Royal Reeds. Rico, also has higher end reeds for serious students and professionals. It is not necessary to purchase those reeds at this level unless Mr. Cruz or your private lesson teacher advises you to purchase them.

Vandoren Reeds

Right up with the Rico brand, is Vandoren. Many professionals use Vandoren reeds. These reeds are more expensive and actually last a lot longer than Rico Royals. If you can afford Vandoren Reeds, make sure to simply buy the Vandoren Traditional (sold in dark blue boxes or wrappers). Vandoren sizes are one half-size different. Rico Royal size 2.5 is similar to Vandoren size 2. An alternative to Vandoren is their student line called Juno. Juno is made by the Vandoren Company. Juno Reed sizes are similar to Rico Royal sizes. 

Please stick with Rico, Rico Royal, Juno or Vandoren Reeds. If you are unable to purchase reeds, please speak with Mr. Cruz immediately. 

How many reeds will I need per semester or school year?

Assuming you are practicing on a daily basis, and you are changing your reed every week to week and a half, you should have:

12 - 18 Reeds in the Fall Semester

14 - 21 Reeds in the Spring Semester (2019/20 school year)

Make Your Reeds Last Longer!

• 1. Use a mouthpiece cap when you are not playing. Just make sure you put on your mouthpiece cap carefully. If you're careless you will chip or split your reed.

  2. When setting up your mouthpiece, install the mouthpiece, slip on the ligature, THEN attach your reed. Doing it this way avoids chipping or splitting your reed. 

  3. SIT STILL!!! If you move around too much while sitting or resting, you might crash your reed into someone else, your chair, your clothes, music stand, JUST SIT STILL. 

  4. When you are finished playing your clarinet or saxophone, take the reed off of your mouthpiece. Never leave the reed on your mouthpiece when you are not playing. 

  5. Use your plastic reed covers or a reed case when you are finished playing your instrument. Do not simply put your reed in your instrument case without a reed cover or reed case. 

  6. Keep your reeds clean - prior to playing your sax or clarinet, rinse your mouth with water. Sugary or salty saliva will break down and wear out your reed faster. 

  7. REED ROTATION - READ ON BELOW

Rotating Your Reeds

At all times, have at least 4 reeds in your clarinet or saxophone case. Everyday, use a different reed. As long as you take good care of your reeds, and you play your instrument with a rinsed and clean mouth, you have at least a months supply on hand. If a reed wears out, breaks, or chips, simply change out that reed for a new one. You never know when you have to change reeds. And if your reeds are on rotation, you will always be ready to play without having to adjust to a brand new and stronger reed. You can play consistently 

Reeds are porous - Yes like sponges. 

Reeds are like sponges. When they are brand new, a reed will absorb your saliva. Within minutes of playing a brand new reed, your reed will actually feel stiffer within minutes. THIS IS NORMAL. This is the importance of taking care of your reeds, and playing your instrument daily. After a day of practicing and playing in class your reed will dry out and your reed becomes less porous. Play on a reliable brand, and take great care of your reeds.