Good reed brands for B flat clarinet?

Question

I've been playing clarinet for about 10 years now. I used to use Daniels reeds in a 3, but now i play a lot less often i've gone down to a 2.5 and i'm using a studio plus reed. But i've noticed that my tone seems a lot worse using this, i'm not sure whether to try a 3 in studio plus or try a different brand again. If anyone has tried these brands and has any suggestions that'd be great. Also if i do change brands, how do the strengths of studio plus compare to the same strength in other brands?

Answer 1

If the prices aren't outrageously expensive, why not try several different ones to see which ones seem to work the best for you. Sometimes it may be more of a matter of the better ones giving a nicer tone, but also there is also the matter of your own embouchure, or how your own lips respond to different brands and hardness. I think you will know which ones give you the results you like the best with a bit of trying of several different ones.

Answer 2

i havnt tried those brands so im not really answering your question  very well, but i love Vandoren reeds!

Answer 3

I have!I play b flat clarinet.And i have a size 2 and 1/2 but im goin up to a 3.Ive been playing for a while,but yes i think you should move up to a 3!

(:

Answer 4

Vandoren has been the best in my experience. They come in foil wrappers which keep them at the right humidity, which is great if you live in a place like I do, where humidity is high when we reach 10%. They also have a higher rate of good reeds, as opposed to something like rico, which is rare to find more than a single really good one in a package. Typically the numbers used are 2, 2.5 or 3, where three is more common. Buy one of each and see what works best for you. I also use these reeds on my saxophones, in addition to my clarinet.

Answer 5

It may be just your reed box! I use either studio plus or mitchell lurie depending on my mood! I generally find that studio plus are excellent but that just be for me! Try brands like vandoren, mitchell lurie or Vintage! But as always if you ask 100 clarinet players you will get 200 different  opinions! Try a few different brands to find out make sure that they are reptuable brands there are ones made in China that arent so good!

Generally i advise students to go up a reed if that reed seems easy to play or their tone seems weak! Ask your clarinet teacher what they think

Answer 6

Hi TJ...

From the advice of a professional clarinet player (for 35 years)...... the Vandoren #3 should be just about right for your level of playing.  Anything stronger may just cause jaw problems or other issues.   I thnk 3's will be fine... but only buy a 5 pack.  If you find these are a bit too strong,  you can always drop down to the 2 1/2,  and you don't want to waste money.... but I really think 3 is going to do it for you.  Vandoren is one of the premiere brands of reeds, period.