A harder reed gives a heavier, thicker, and fuller sound. It’s more difficult to correct the pitch with a harder reed, but it also means that changing dynamics won’t result in pitch variations as easily. It’s also more difficult to play low pitches softly with a hard reed, but altissimo notes are easier to reach. A softer reed makes playing easier - the reed speaks more easily, and gives a lighter, brighter sound. However, there is a greater chance for pitch variations as you play, though it is easier to correct the pitch with your embouchure. High notes can be difficult to achieve with a soft reed. Also, fast tonguing (16th notes at 90 or more BPM) can be harder on softer reeds.
Check for splits and cracks. Throw away any broken reeds - they’re beyond hope already. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/4/44/Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-5Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-5Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/4/44/Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-5Bullet1. jpg/aid516027-v4-728px-Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-5Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Hold them up to the light, one at a time. You should see an inverted “V” shape. A good reed has a perfectly centered and symmetrical “V”. A “crooked” V will be hard to play, and there is a risk of squeaks. However, if the “V” is only slightly off-centered, you can remedy the problem by shifting the reed slightly so that the “V” is centered on the mouthpiece (not centered on the reed) An uneven grain (where the little vertical lines in the reed are pointing towards the V instead of running straight through it) will not play well, either. A reed with knots (little spots or dark areas in the grain) will vibrate unevenly, and is also a dud. Take a look at the color. A good reed is yellow to golden-brown. A green reed is too young, and will not play well, if it plays at all. Take green reeds and leave them somewhere for a few months - sometimes they improve themselves over time. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/4/49/Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-5Bullet5. jpg/v4-460px-Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-5Bullet5. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/4/49/Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-5Bullet5. jpg/aid516027-v4-728px-Choose-a-Reed-for-a-Clarinet-Step-5Bullet5. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
License: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external text" href="https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.
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