Question about reed instruments?

Question

Does it matter what size reed you play with, does it really affect the sound cause I am trying to go from a 2.5 size to a 3 and it's really hard. Would it really matter if I just stayed at a 2.5?

Answer 1

Size does matter, the number is a hardness factor, and the harder the reed you play on the more control you will have over your sound. Like playing in tune, control (like no more squeaks- or far fewer) and expression. It is hard to move up a step, sometimes it is best to buy 2 or 3 in the new size, and then make yourself play the first half hour of rehearsal on the harder reed when you are fresh, then go back to your old one as you get weary. Then next day do the same with another one of the new reeds. Rotate them from day to day (which is a good habit anyway) this will break in three reeds for you. The more you play them the more they break down and your "chops" will strengthen.
A good high school player should aim for a 4 or 4.5, a middle school player should work toward a 3 or 3.5

Hope this helps.
_music teacher

Answer 2

The reed needs to match the opening of the mouthpiece and your embochure. It's not about anything else (like better people play harder reeds) and anyone who tells you otherwise is confused.

Mouthpieces come with different size tip openings. Some are "close" some are "medium" some are "wide" and some are "extra wide" -- there's also the consideration of how big is your mouth and how strong is your embochure?

The closer the tip - the harder the reed. The wider the tip - the softer the reed. Most often, the smaller your mouth, the harder the reed and the stronger your embochure, the harder the reed. There are several considerations here and none of them are "how well you play". I use a 1.5 on one of my mouthpieces with a big clarinet.

So, yes it does matter what size, but not because "harder is better" as many beginners and students think but instead based entirely on what works best for you and the mouthpiece combination that you're playing on. If you put a 4 or 5 on a wide tip mouthpiece, you will think your head is going to explode. Put a 2 on a close tip mouthpiece and you'll squeak constantly. A "good player" uses the reed, mouthpiece, ligature combination that gives them the best possible sound - not what other people around them use.

If a 2.5 works good for you, then why are you trying to change to a 3?

Answer 3

I think size does matter because a larger reed will create a much better sound. It depends what kind of reed instrument you play. I played clarinet and had a harder time learning to play with a larger reed. I recommend to master your instrument with a 2.5 and once you feel ready to try a 3 inch.

Answer 4

Any of the reeds needs some moist interior surroundings to sound. it truly is all copper and brass, needs some warmth surroundings and humidity for you to vibrate (like lubricant). nicely, it truly is going to be wiped clean first and also you are able to seek for suggestion from some associates or the guy to procure it from in case you are able to positioned some almond oil interior! convinced it prevents humidity accumulations. The xaphoon must have a air-out button, you push it, blow confusing and each and each and every of the more desirable humidity will vanish.. now an suggestion :) paintings your mouth muscle tissues, an common exercising could be to pronounce the utterances O - E and on...