reeds

New article: Exploring Synthetic Reeds

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Check out my article published in the June 2025 issue of The Clarinet, “Exploring Synthetic Reeds.” It’s a survey of the synthetic reeds currently on the market for B-flat/A clarinets, plus some general thoughts on the current viability of synthetics for clarinet playing. The article is available in the print magazine, as well as on the International Clarinet Association’s blog, The Clarinet [Online].

The Clarinet doesn’t do product reviews per se, so the article doesn’t include any rankings/judgments/critiques of the individual reeds, but rest assured I’ve got some opinions. Stay tuned!

What to listen for (or ignore) in cane vs. synthetic reed comparisons

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selective focus photography of gray stainless steel condenser microphone

With the recent release of the second-generation Venn clarinet and saxophone reeds from D’Addario Woodwinds, there’s a new rush of YouTube videos and social media posts comparing them to cane reeds (and/or to other synthetics). Here are a few questions raised by those kinds of comparisons that you should be cautious of: “Do synthetic reeds … Read more

Synthetic reeds are probably the future

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crop chemist holding in hands molecule model

I was pleased to receive recently some samples of D’Addario Woodwinds’s new “Venn” synthetic clarinet and saxophone reeds. In an upcoming post, I’ll share some thoughts about and demonstrations of the specific products. But here are a few thoughts to set the stage: I’m thrilled to see a major cane reed manufacturer like D’Addario take … Read more

The right clarinet or saxophone reed strength “for you”

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How do you pick the clarinet or saxophone reed that is the right strength “for you?” You mostly don’t, really. It’s important that the reed be a good match to the mouthpiece. In most cases the primary consideration is the mouthpiece’s facing curve and resultant tip opening. Generally, a shorter curve and/or wider opening require … Read more

Woodwind doubling and clarinet problems

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Here are a few of the common problems woodwind doublers have with the clarinet: Flabby/saggy/tubby/airy tone and flat pitch. This is a dead giveaway for a self-“taught” clarinet doubler. The clarinet’s voicing is quite high, higher than any of the other woodwinds, and beginning clarinetists sometimes struggle for years to make that proper voicing a … Read more

Woodwind doubling and oboe problems

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There’s an increasing expectation that woodwind doublers be competent and confident oboists. It can be a challenging double, but a worthwhile one. Many of my doubling gigs have come to me because of my ability and/or willingness to play the oboe. And even though it’s not my strongest instrument, there are considerable spans of my … Read more

Things beginning band directors say to clarinet sections

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Tough love for teachers of beginning clarinetists.

How to get 10 good reeds from a box

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If you are getting less than 80% playable reeds from the boxes you are currently buying, buy different ones.

Beginners, parents, and making double reeds

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If you are a parent or band director of a young oboist or bassoonist, here is what you need to know about reedmaking.