How to Make a Temporary Clarinet Reed
All clarinet reeds eventually need to be replaced. Some clarinetists have to create reeds on a weekly basis. Sometimes you need a reed created quickly for a performance or a recital when your regular reed has been damaged. Keeping extra reeds in your case helps prevent this emergency. However, when you need an average reed created quickly, you can create a temporary reed by modifying a pre-made reed from a local music store. The time it takes to drive to the music store will be less than the time it takes to create a new temporary reed from scratch.
- Pre-made reed
- Reed clipper
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Instructions
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1
Choose a reed that matches your strength preference. Purchase a stronger reed than you need if in doubt. You can make a reed less strong by whittling it down, but you can't add strength to a reed that has already been cut.
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2
Place the woodwind reed in a reed clipper. The tip of the reed, the portion that enters your mouth, should be placed toward the blade of the clipper.
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3
Push the reed into the reed clipper until just the tip is under the blade. Depress the clippers to cut the reed. By shortening the reed, you can achieve a stronger reed. Clip only small portions at a time until you achieve the desired strength.