Guide to E-flat Clarinet Reeds

Video includes a short comparison of an E-flat clarinet reed to a B-flat clarinet reed on a Vandoren mouthpiece.
Quick discussion of reed types when selecting B-flat reeds to be used on E-flat clarinet.
Demonstration of how to cut the heel of a B-flat reed to fit on an E-flat clarinet mouthpiece with a traditional barrel.
For more information, view the post on The E-flat Clarinet Project website:
eflatclarinetp...

[@markbernard4156]

Love the Eb Clarinet and I'm playing it in high school now

[@rontoews5570]

Wire cutters work very well.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

The E-flat Clarinet Project How come you think the Bb reed has better cane quality that the appropriate Eb clarinet reed?

[@nathandenman3262]

You have amazing tone... What is your setup??? I am a fellow Eb clarinet lover

[@thee-flatclarinetproject6437]

Thank you! I play Yamaha clarinets - my Eflat set up is an M30 mouthpiece, and recently, the D'Addario eflat reeds (I used to cut the bottoms off of Bb V21s. The ligature is a Silverstein Cryo 4. Glad to hear from another E-flat enthusiast!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@UC56jkmtgLNLHDvaWTOXsZgA I don't know if I can hear a difference in tone between the Bb Reed & the Eb Reed on this Camera, can you hear it?

[@leotard2536]

Hi, I recently switched from Bb, and am having issues playing in tune. I bought a rather cheap Chinese instrument, but have upgraded the mouthpiece, ligature, and reed. I am playing a bit flat, especially above the g on top of the staff. Is this an embouchure issue or do I need a better instrument?

[@JustClaude13]

If I remember right, a shorter barrel can raise the pitch slightly. Although I'm learning oboe, and on that one I'm raising my pitch by as much as a full tone by improving the embouchure, so I'd say start by experimenting with that. Improving the embouchure doesn't cost anything, after all.

[@thee-flatclarinetproject6437]

Hi Leonard - different instrument models do have different intonation tendencies, so it is possible that the instrument could be contributing to intonation issues. Without knowing the specifics of your mouthpiece/reed setup and hearing you play, it is challenging to know for sure what can correct your issue. Playing flat in the altissimo is common, however, I've found that I tend to be sharp in the middle register (especially around the G you speak of) on any brand of Eb I've played. I would recommend you experiment with your tongue position and/or harder reeds before investing in a different instrument.

[@pukalo]

I would prefer a small hand saw over a pair of scissors because scissors carry ta higher risk of the reed splitting lengthwise.

[@thee-flatclarinetproject6437]

I've never had one split! I think scoring the reed definitely helps first, which is why I do have the saw - it just takes a while if the saw is the only tool you use. There is another method that uses a pair of wire cutters from a hardware store that works well too!

[@christoguichard4311]

Ive tried both and I have to say I feel that the E flat reed just sounds more "focused".

[@thee-flatclarinetproject6437]

Christo Guichard that’s great! I’ve since switched to an Eb reed myself, although I still know a lot of people that use Bb reeds. Luckily we have lots of options! What mouthpiece and reed combination do you like?

[@christoguichard4311]

@@thee-flatclarinetproject6437 Ive sold it! 😢 I needed the money! 😭

[@emjay2045]

@@thee-flatclarinetproject6437 what’s your reed / MthPiece setup for Eb ?

[@ab-rq2mk]

could i use a b flat feed on the e flat?

[@alansturgess1324]

Can I ask a basic question - if you have a Bb instrument and use an Eb reed, what is the effect upon tuning?

[@thee-flatclarinetproject6437]

Normally Eb reeds are too small to use on Bb mouthpieces, so I couldn’t say! For Bb reeds cut to fit an Eb mouthpiece, it works the same as any regular Bb reed/mouthpiece combination. It will be up to each individual player to find the reed strength and cut that works best for their equipment and embouchure.