Q&A for How to Put a Reed on a Clarinet

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Question

Should I wet the reed before playing a clarinet?

Community Answer

Yes. You're supposed to wet the reed because it will soften the wood and help the sound come out better and easier.

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Question

What should I do if it doesn't fit?

Community Answer

If it doesn't fit, it's probably the wrong sized reed. Look for a proper size.

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Question

I will be playing my clarinet just fine and then I have terrible squeaks. Why?

Animebread

Top Answerer

Squeaking can be caused by your clarinet not being put together properly or your mouth being too far down on the mouthpiece.

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Question

How long should I leave the reed in water before putting it in my clarinet?

Community Answer

A short time of 10 seconds is more than enough, but leaving it in the water for longer will not harm it.

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Question

Why does my clarinet sometime produces a squeaky sound when I play C and above?

Community Answer

If you don't cover the tone holes completely, this might cause the squeaking. Also if you are not used to playing higher notes this can happen as well. Just practice them by starting at a lower note and progressing up to the note you're trying to play. Lastly, go to your music teacher or music store to get your clarinet checked.

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Question

How do I put a reed on a saxophone?

Community Answer

Much like a clarinet, a saxophone has a little silver metal clamp that hooks around the reed and mouthpiece. Remove the clamp, place the proper reed, then re-clamp the silver piece.

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Question

Is there an article on how to blow into a clarinet? I'm just learning.

Community Answer

Check out wikiHow to Get a Good Sound on the Clarinet .

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Question

What position do I put the reed in water? How much time does it take for the water to wet the reed?

Community Answer

Most people put the reed in their mouths and suck on it .

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Question

I've been told it's best to show a little bit of the mouthpiece above the reed. Is this true? Also, how do I know if I've positioned the reed correctly? I just started and am having trouble.

Animebread

Top Answerer

Yes, to show just a bit of reed above the mouth piece is okay. You know you've positioned the reed correctly when it's straight in its spot and only sticking above the mouthpiece ever-so-slightly.

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Question

I play bass clarinet and I always have tons of spittle leaking out from around the mouth piece. How can I fix this?

Community Answer

Check the position of your reed. If it peeks over the mouthpiece just a bit, you might get a better sound. Another trick is to tighten your embouchure.

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Question

I've seen the ligature screws on top and on bottom of the mouthpiece. Which is correct/better? I am still using a metal ligature with 2 screws. How much do I tighten the screws?

Community Answer

The better option would be on the bottom of the mouthpiece, and tighten it until it's tight enough so you cannot wiggle the reed around.

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Question

Which end of the reed do I suck on?

Community Answer

You should put the thin, tapered end of the reed in your mouth to wet it. Make sure to wipe off excess spit.

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