Before you can play the clarinet, the reed must be fixed on the mouthpiece. In the clarinet, the reed is second in importance in the production of sound only to the musician. Being a delicate and subtle part, assembling it can be tricky. You need to be very careful to make sure it is fixed properly and is in good condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Assemble the Reed
Step 1. Make sure you have a tie
The bindings can be either metal or leather. The metal ones are silver colored and are usually fixed with two screws. Leather bindings are typically black and have only one screw, but they are more expensive. Ligatures are usually sold together with the instrument, but can also be purchased separately. They are universally designed for right-handed players, so the screw head will be pointing to your right.
- Metal ligatures - they are cheaper and can work well, but have a tendency to "bite" the reed (creating indentations where the clamps are, which makes it difficult to change the positioning of the reed once used).
- Leather binding - they are more expensive, but allow you to get a better sound and do not "bite" the reed. the one screw system is easier and faster to adjust, and the pressure on the reed is distributed more evenly. They usually come with the more expensive tools, but can be purchased separately.
Step 2. Choose a reed
Evaluate the color (a greenish reed does not sound good, as opposed to a yellow or brown one), the condition (check for cracks or splits) and the grain of the wood (the grain should all go in the same direction and be fairly smooth). Also, make sure it has the resistance you are used to or, if you play with different reeds, that it is suitable for producing the sound you want to achieve based on the musical context.
Step 3. If you want to moisten the reed, just do it with water
Saliva contains acids that would ruin it. Dry it constantly once heated because while you play it gets wet with your saliva. Dry it by sliding the tip of your finger towards the tip, lengthwise. The reed is basically made up of thousands of small straws, so swiping your finger along it allows you to align all these straws towards the tip, making it easier to play.
Step 4. Slide the ligature over the mouthpiece until it is almost in its final position, leaving the screws a little loose
Step 5. Gently slide the wet reed under the ligature
Align it so that it is perfectly centered, the edges are in line with the guides on the mouthpiece and only a small fragment of the mouthpiece remains visible above the tip of the reed.
Step 6. Slide the ligature almost to the end of the reed and tighten just enough to secure the reed, but without over-tightening (which would stifle the vibrations of the reed) or break the ligature
A line of vibration is visible on many reeds. Try to keep the top edge of the ligature below this line so that the reed can vibrate to its full potential.
Part 2 of 2: Remove the Reed
Step 1. Unscrew the ligature slightly and gently slide the reed underneath
Step 2. Remove the reed and, if necessary, dry it with a cloth
You can also soak it in clean water for a while (this extends its life).
Step 3. Store the reed in its case until next use
A reed holder allows you to store them while they dry and to carry more than one at a time.
Step 4. Place the clarinet back in its case, leaving the ligature screws slightly loose, making it easier to mount the reed the next time you need to use your clarinet
Advice
- There are synthetic reeds that do not require the same maintenance or to be replaced frequently as the standard ones. Many clarinet players believe that the sound produced by these reeds is not beautiful or pure that produced with wooden reeds, but this depends on the technique of the player and the preferences of the listener.
- Never store the clarinet in the case without removing the reed from the mouthpiece: it risks deforming and mold may form on its flat side.
- Occasionally leave the reed soaked in a hydrogen peroxide solution (hydrogen peroxide, easily purchased at a pharmacy or supermarket) for one night. This counteracts the effects of your saliva and helps to extend its life. Rinse it well before using it again.
- Fold your lips together while covering your lower teeth so you don't bite the reed, otherwise you will make an unpleasant sound. As for the upper teeth, you can choose whether to bend the upper lip covering them or leave them resting on the mouthpiece - bending the lip is more difficult. Remember: each of us has a different mouth, so there is no universal position. Also, some reeds have shapes that are unsuitable for some mouths, which also applies to mouthpieces.
- The reeds are classified with a number indicating "hardness". Those with a lower number require less effort to produce the sound, reeds with larger numbers produce a purer sound, but making them vibrate is more difficult. The different mouthpieces have opening characteristics that make them more or less suitable for reeds of greater or lesser strength.
- There are no old reeds: soak it for a few seconds and it will sound like new.
- Some people keep their reeds in a medicine bottle filled with water and closed with a cap until it soaks (and sinks). This should extend the life of the reed, making it easier to play and capable of producing a better sound.
- Always store unused reeds in their case. In this way they will also be protected from accidental folding and can dry out. When you buy reeds, they should also provide you with the protective case.
Warnings
- When a reed breaks, throw it away. A broken reed screeches; even a small crack can irreparably compromise your sound.
- Never leave your clarinet unattended without covering the mouthpiece and reed with a cap.
