Woodwinds

Players who are just starting out on clarinet or saxophone should look for a mouthpiece that offers an easy response and tone production, and little resistance. D'Addario recommends our Reserve X0 or X5 models for Bb Clarinet and the Reserve D145 model for Alto Saxophone. D'Addario also offers Rico Graftonite that offers an affordable entry-level mouthpiece option for Bb clarinet and all voices of saxophone.

It all depends on your instrument, experience level, mouthpiece, and ultimately, personal preference regarding sound and style. Rico reeds have an easy response, making them a great starting point for beginner clarinet and saxophone players. Intermediate players who desire greater flexibility may reach for Royal reeds, while advanced and professional players will likely prefer the dynamic flexibility and warm tone of Reserve reeds. Saxophonists who play jazz, rock, or pop may gravitate towards Select Jazz for their projection and flexibility. Check out the D’Addario Reed Finder for specific guidance.

When you’re trying out a new mouthpiece, start with a reed and strength you already know well. Play throughout your instrument’s range at different dynamics and listen for tone, intonation, articulation, and projection while paying attention to how easily the mouthpiece responds. Tip opening will affect resistance and reed pairing, so you may also want to try more than one reed strength before making a final choice.

Your mouthpiece and reed work together, so if you change one, you’ll probably have to adjust the other as well. Generally, mouthpieces with a smaller tip opening pairs well with a stronger reed, while a larger tip opening often works better with a softer reed. If your setup feels too resistant or it produces a fuzzy sound, try a softer reed. If it feels too easy or your sound lacks depth, try a stronger reed.

D’Addario Woodwinds makes reeds, mouthpieces, and accessories for clarinet and saxophone players. That lineup includes products for Eb, Bb, Bass, and contrabass clarinets, as well as soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass saxophones, along with ligatures, caps, straps, reed storage, instrument care products, and many other accessories.