Best Clarinet Reeds 2024

Features
Best Choice
Vandoren CR103 Reeds
Thinner Tip
Mitchell Lurie Premium Reeds
Image
Vandoren CR103 Bb Clarinet Traditional Reeds Strength 3; Box of 10
D'Addario Woodwinds Mitchell Lurie Premium Bb Clarinet Reeds - Filed, Featuring Thinner Tip, Thicker Spine - Strength 3.0, 5-Pack
Price
$27.00
$16.48
Best Choice
Features
Vandoren CR103 Reeds
Image
Vandoren CR103 Bb Clarinet Traditional Reeds Strength 3; Box of 10
Price
$27.00
Thinner Tip
Features
Mitchell Lurie Premium Reeds
Image
D'Addario Woodwinds Mitchell Lurie Premium Bb Clarinet Reeds - Filed, Featuring Thinner Tip, Thicker Spine - Strength 3.0, 5-Pack
Price
$16.48

As a clarinet player, a clarinet reed is one of the most important things you need to have with you, aside from your instrument. Clarinet reeds give the clarinet a distinct sound and fit inside the mouthpiece. Without a reed, it will be difficult for you to play your instrument efficiently. Traditionally, clarinet reeds are two-and-a-half-inch long with a wafer-thin piece of cane.

Clarinet reeds come in various cuts and strengths, affecting the sound and tone of the clarinet.

What Makes a Great Clarinet Reed?

Choosing among the best clarinet reeds can be a problem, especially if you are still a beginner and unsure of what to look for. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the features that should be present in the clarinet reeds to narrow your options to a smaller number. Here are some of the features you should consider before purchasing from the best clarinet reeds.

Strength of the Clarinet Reed

One of the most vital features you should consider when deciding on the clarinet reed to use is its strength. Clarinet reeds are usually sold in various strengths from 1 to 5, often in half-steps. A reed with a 1 strength is the softest, while a reed with a 5 is the hardest. Softer reeds are usually easier to play with. Harder reeds, on the other hand, produce a thicker and heavier sound. You could purchase a clarinet reed with a strength of 2 or 2.5 for clarinet players who are still beginning.

Cut of the Clarinet Reed

Another feature that you should take note of is the reed’s cut. Clarinet reeds come in either “French file” or “regular” cuts. File-cut reeds provide a faster response time. Clarinet players with a darker-sounding mouthpiece prefer filed reeds, while those with a brighter-sounding mouthpiece may choose regular-cut ones.

The features stated above are just some of the vital elements you should consider before purchasing a clarinet reed. It is worth noting, however, that the ultimate choice will still depend on your preference as the player.

1. Vandoren CR103 Bb Clarinet Traditional Reeds

The Vandoren CR103 Bb Clarinet Traditional Reeds are clarinet reeds that are most famous for their excellent response in all registers, allowing clarinet players to perform a pianissimo attack in the highest notes. The reed is exceptionally flexible, allowing the players to execute legato or staccato at large intervals while maintaining the richness of the tone that gives clarity and body to the sound. Every reed is tightly sealed in a flow pack to ensure freshness.

Vandoren CR103 Bb Clarinet Traditional Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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2. Mitchell Lurie Premium Bb Clarinet Reeds

The Mitchell Lurie Premium Bb Clarinet Reeds feature a thinner tip for a more comfortable response and articulation. These clarinet reeds are made from premium-grade cane for consistent response and playability. The set comes in a box of five reeds which are filed cut for flexibility and quick response. The reeds have a strength that ranges from 1.5 to 5.0. The clarinet reeds have optical laser measurements to ensure accuracy.

Mitchell Lurie Premium Bb Clarinet Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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3. Vandoren CR1025 Bb Clarinet Traditional Reeds

The Vandoren CR1025 Bb Clarinet Traditional Reeds are suitable for all styles. They can maintain a rich tone when used by any clarinet player. The reeds are also able to deliver an excellent response in all registers. Moreover, they allow users to execute a pianissimo attack even on the highest notes. Since they are extremely flexible, they could allow clarinet players to execute a staccato or legato at large intervals while maintaining a rich tone that clarifies the sound.

Vandoren CR1025 Bb Clarinet Traditional Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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4. Rico by D’Addario Bb Clarinet Reeds

The Rico by D’Addario Bb Clarinet Reeds have a thinner vamp cut designed to allow clarinet players to easily play with it. Moreover, this cut allows the reed to vibrate easily, making them a favorite educator choice. Its affordable price is also one of the reasons why many educators choose this reed. This reed comes in various strengths, from 1.5 to 4.0. Every set comes in a box of ten clarinet reeds.

Rico by D'Addario Bb Clarinet Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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5. Vandoren CR5035 Bb Clarinet 56 Rue Lepic Reeds

The Vandoren CR5035 Bb Clarinet 56 Rue Lepic Reeds are designed with a thicker cane and a heel taper similar to German-style reeds. They emit a rich sound that is centered and exceptionally pure while providing maximum stability and quick response in all registers. The strength graduations of the clarinet reeds are smaller and more specific, resulting in consistent reeds. Each reed is sealed in a flow pack to ensure its freshness.

Vandoren CR5035 Bb Clarinet 56 Rue Lepic Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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6. Tanbi Music 10 Bb Clarinet Reeds

The Tanbi Music 10 Bb Clarinet Reeds are high-quality reeds that are excellent for beginners and experienced clarinet players. They are durable and easy to play with, giving you a good and clear sound. Moreover, they are soft reeds with various strengths ranging between 1.5 and 2.0. These quality-persistent reeds come in ten reeds per box. It is also worth noting that each read has its own nylon case, which gives them maximum durability.

Tanbi Music 10 Bb Clarinet Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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7. Vandoren CR8035 Bb Clarinet V21 Reeds

The Vandoren CR8035 Bb Clarinet V21 Reeds combines the conical shape of a 56 rue Lepic clarinet reed with a V.12 profile. The distinct combination of its construction makes all clarinet registers more accessible with the depth of sound and warmth. Moreover, the combination will allow users to play with immediate response and presence. The product is ideal for performances requiring the ability to handle large interval leaps with efficiency and richness of tone.

Vandoren CR8035 Bb Clarinet V21 Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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8. Mitchell Lurie Bb Clarinet Reeds

The Mitchell Lurie Bb Clarinet Reeds feature a thinner tip for easier response and articulation. These clarinet reeds have strengths that range from 1.5 to 5.0. Moreover, these reeds are made from premium-grade cane for consistent response and playability. They are unfiled, giving a deep and dark tone. The reeds come in a set of five, which are filed cut for flexibility and quick response. The clarinet reeds have optical laser measurements to ensure accuracy.

Mitchell Lurie Bb Clarinet Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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9. D’Addario Reserve Classic Bb Clarinet Reeds

The D’Addario Reserve Classic Bb Clarinet Reeds are thick blank reeds that deliver a rich and warm tone. These are ideal for advancing students and professional clarinet players. It is worth noting that the reeds are designed from naturally grown cane. Furthermore, they contain a heavy spine that promotes tone quality and dynamic flexibility in all registers. They are also equipped with a traditional tip thickness, making it easy for users to articulate using such reeds. They are available in strengths which range from 2.0 to 4.5.

D'Addario Reserve Classic Bb Clarinet Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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10. Rico Royal Bb Clarinet Reeds

The Rico Royal Bb Clarinet Reeds have traditional Rico cuts and a stronger pine. They work well for both jazz and classical use. The clarinet reeds come with strengths that range from 1.0 to 5.0, depending on availability. Moreover, these reeds are French filed for a fast response and flexibility, especially in the low register, adding clarity to the tone while making soft attacks easier. They are conveniently packed in boxes of ten or three reeds.

Rico Royal Bb Clarinet Reeds - Best Clarinet Reeds

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About Bobby Kania

Bobby is a full-time blogger and writer. He has played viola for 20+ years and lives in Seattle with his wife and cat.