Bb Clarinet reeds?

Question

I have been playing B flat clarinet for over 3 1/2 years now. My band is playing pieces with much higher notes than I've ever had to play before and I find myself squeaking and not being able to reach a good deal of these notes. I currently am on a size 3 Rico reed. Do you think I might need to try a size 3.5? Also I should probably try a different brand. Rico is pretty bad...

I can't play on a 2.5 because it doesn't go high very well, either.

Answer 1

I myself use a 3 1/2 Vandoren V12.

I prefer Vandoren to Mitchell Lurie because they are often more consistent; which means you get more reeds in the box that will work. The V12 is a thicker cut, so actually it's a 3 in the normal Vandoren strengths, but you can get a much better and richer tone from the V12. Don't let the 3 sway you; Rico reeds are crap, no matter the strength. Leave those and don't go back.

Now, in terms of you not being able to get high notes, while that can be blamed on your reed, it can also be blamed on you. Did you know that your squeaks are actually super high notes on the clarinet? Anytime you squeak, you are getting a 12th above the note you're trying to hit, so if you're trying to play a G, and you squeak, what you'll actually play is a high D.

Bearing that in mind; what's happening is that you are aiming your airstream too high. Try doing this. Play a note you have problems getting, and look at a spot really high with your eyes and aim your air there. Chances are you'll produce the higher note (the 'squeak'). Now, look at a lower spot and aim your air there. Chances are you'll produce the note you're trying to get.

This same exercise works for when you're trying to get really high notes and they simply won't come out. Just reverse the process and 'aim higher'.

Try it!

Also, be careful not to use too much pressure from your bottom jaw (what people often refer to as biting). You want to keep the gap between your top and bottom jaw at an ideal distance; too close and you'll squeak, too far and you'll have a really open and nasty tone. When your jaw is too close together, that's what's called biting.

This is a lot of information to throw at you, but really, these concepts help me soooo much, even today, after 10 years of playing the clarinet.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Ditch Rico, hun.

As soon as I got onto Vandoren reeds, I played so much better. If you go to Vandoren, however, I suggest staying at your 3. I play on a 3.5 Vandoren currently, but when I have to go back to Rico (because that's all my school carries), I have to use their 4 reeds.

Also, seeing as this sounds like your first time playing these notes, don't worry about not being able to get them! It took me forever to be able to play over the break. I was in the last clarinet position my 6th grade year because everyone else was getting over the break and I couldn't. You just have to practice and get use to them.

Hope I've been helpful. Good luck at playing those high notes! ('Cause they can be a pain sometimes. ;) )

Answer 3

GET AWAY FROM RICO! I've been playing clarinet for 3 years now, and I had the same problem. As soon as I switched to Vandoren or Mitchell Lurie, I could hit notes much higher. Try using one of those but staying on a size 3. (I'm in all-district and a marching band, and I use Mitchell Lurie 3). Good luck!

Answer 4

It's easier using size 2 1/2 cuz you can blow into it easily and it has a easier grip. For the brand try using the Vandoren Paris.. Pricey but really good and sizes 2 1/2 or 2 are really good thats what I use and i've been playing for 4 years now.

Answer 5

You should definetely move up to a 3.5. Also test each reed individually before using it. Soak them all in water, tehn pick the best ones to play with. Not all reeds from the box are going to be good. Also when testing them get rid of any that have knots in the wood

hope this helps!

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Hey...

I played clarinet for 7 years in bands, and I suggest a 3.5 ....my favorite brand is definetly Mitchell Lurie.....

Those reeds definetly will help you play high and you will sound a LOT better overall.......