A Quick Guide to Reeds
Did anyone else think they were really horrible at E-flat clarinet when they first started playing it?
I know I did.
Things definitely improved when I started playing a better instrument and mouthpiece. But the biggest change for me was when I tried some different reeds: B-flat reeds.
Reeds for E-flat Clarinet
Video: E-flat vs. B-flat reeds, How to cut a B-flat clarinet reed to fit an E-flat clarinet
Reeds for E-flat clarinet should be chosen in the same way you would select a reed for your B-flat clarinet. That means that not all brands, cuts, or strengths will work with your mouthpiece.
Try both E-flat clarinet and B-flat clarinet reeds. Even if you don't hear a major difference, one type may be more comfortable to play. Some players have had success with some of the German reeds (such as Vandoren Black Master).
If you don't have a barrel that accommodates a full B-flat reed, you will need to cut the reed to fit. Never tried it? Here's how to do it....
Cutting B-flat clarinet reeds (and saving your fingers)
First of all, make sure you are comfortable with all of your equipment. If you are a middle school or high school clarinetist, you should make sure its okay that you're using a knife before trying this!
Materials:
1. Pencil
2. Ruler/E-flat clarinet reed
3. Cutting mat
4. Utility knife, old reed knife (should still be moderately sharp though - blunt knives can be bad news!), or hobby saw
5. Heavy duty/utility scissors
6. File/sandpaper
7. B-flat clarinet reed to be cut
Step 1: Measure and mark your reed
B-flat clarinet reeds are about 2-5/8 inches long, while E-flat clarinet reeds are about 2-3/8 inches long. Using a ruler (or a sample E-flat clarinet reed) as a guide, make a pencil marking where you will cut the reed.
Step 2: Continue marking all sides of the reed
You'll need to score all sides of the reed, so make sure you continue the pencil line around to the back. This will get you a more even cut, which hopefully will prevent splintering.
Step 3: Score the reed
Using either a knife or a hobby saw, make a cut along the pencil marking. It is often easiest to make initial cuts on the sides, followed by the back of the reed, since the bark normally has an almost 'laminated' feel which is more difficult to cut. You are making a small groove which will act as a guide for the scissors.
***Though it might be cool to carry around a saw (unless you're at an airport), I personally prefer to use a knife. The saw can be a little difficult to handle until you get a groove in the reed. However, it can be helpful if the reed you are cutting is particularly thick near the heel.
Step 4: Cut the reed
Take the scissors and fit the blades into the groove you made in the previous step. If you've made the grooves deep enough, the reed should be fairly easy to cut. Be aware that sometimes the heel of the reed will split into pieces, which can sometimes go flying off your work surface.
Step 5: File the edge and back
If the bottom of the reed splintered, you may want to file it down. Otherwise, just make sure the back of the reed is flat - you don't want any bumps from the process interfering with the reed sitting flat on the facing of the mouthpiece.
Finished reed!
