How Do You Work A Clarinet Reed?
A clarinet is a pretty, intricate piece of wood without a reed. The reed is crucial to creating sound from the instrument. Clarinet players have to keep an ample supply of clarinet reeds on hand because they wear out quickly, crack and peel. They are very thin and easy to break—-even if the reed slightly brushes up against a cloth surface it could start peeling away. You also need to ensure that you are attaching the reed correctly so that you won’t experience that ear piercing squeal that a clarinet can make when the reed isn’t completely covering the mouthpiece. Lick the reed to moisten it up. Line the reed up with your mouthpiece so that the tip is just covering the mouth opening. Carefully slide the ligature (tightening piece) on top of your clarinet mouthpiece. Once it’s in place, turn the screws to secure the reed to the mouthpiece. Don’t tighten the ligature too much or the reed could crack. Lick the reed again a few times and play a couple of test notes to assure that it is o
