Do alto sax reeds work on clarinet?

Alto saxophone reeds will work on the alto clarinet and are often substituted when alto clarinet reeds are not available. Alto clarinet reeds can be difficult to find in store.

Are clarinet and alto saxophone reeds the same?

A reed is used to create the vibration necessary to produce sound on most woodwind instruments. Because the mouthpieces of instruments are different sizes, reeds are instrument specific; you cannot use a clarinet reed on an alto saxophone, or vice versa.

What reed should I use for clarinet?

The best reed for beginner clarinet is a size 2 or 2.5 reed. Most beginners start with Rico, Rico Royal, or Vandoren Brand Clarinet Reeds. Your teacher will most likely recommend one of these brands to start with. The size number indicates the thickness of the reed.

What reeds do professional clarinet players use?

Their “D’Addario Reserve” models are intended for professional clarinetists. Vandoren Paris has long been the industry standard for advancing students and professionals. The company offers a wide variety of products, and a vast selection of reeds. The Traditional, “blue box” model is an excellent choice for beginners.

Is saxophone similar to clarinet?

The clarinet family is very similar to the saxophone family. Once you learn how to play clarinet, you can explore other sizes in the clarinet family as well. Saxophone doubles are usually Bb soprano clarinet with baritone sax often covering bass clarinet.

Is clarinet a soprano?

A soprano clarinet is a clarinet that is higher in register than the basset horn or alto clarinet. The unmodified word clarinet usually refers to the B♭ clarinet, which is by far the most common type….Soprano clarinet.

What is a good reed size for beginner clarinet?

The higher the number, the harder or more resistant the reed. Beginners, especially young people, will usually start with a #2 or #2.5, and will typically aim towards a #3 or #3.5 as they begin to play high C and above.

Why do clarinets squeak?

Damaged reeds are a leading cause of clarinet squeaks. Also, if you hit the reed too hard with your tongue, it can produce a squeak. Finally, playing on dry reeds or with incorrect reed or ligature placement on your mouthpiece can also lead to squeaking.

Are alto clarinet reeds interchangeable with alto sax reeds?

Some players find it easier to play the alto clarinet with the alto sax reed due to the clarinet reed being stiffer than a sax reed of the same size and strength . The reverse will also work, so alto clarinet reeds and alto saxophone reeds are basically interchangeable.

What are the interchangeable Reed matches for saxophone?

Interchangeable Reed Matches: Saxophone Clarinet Soprano saxophone Bb (soprano) clarinet Alto saxophone Alto clarinet Tenor saxophone Bass clarinet Baritone saxophone Contra-alto clarinetContra-bass clarinet

What is the best way to sharpen saxophone reeds?

Sharpening stone – should have a coarser and a finer side. Sandpaper – #400 and/or #600 “wet-or-dry.” The #400 is best for larger reeds (alto/tenor/bari sax), #600 is best for clarinet and soprano sax reeds (or for fine work, like near the tip, on all sizes of reeds). Using scissors, cut one of the #400 (or #600) sheets into quarters.

How do you break in a new clarinet or saxophone?

It’s probably safe to say that most clarinet and sax players, including many or most professionals, just open a box and try reeds, picking the good ones out and discarding the rest – perhaps with some effort at adjustment, but without a “breaking-in” period. However, the authors of these books generally advocate a gradual breaking-in process.