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***We are CLOSED on Friday! Due to inventory, we will be closed on 6 March!***
***We are CLOSED on Friday! Due to inventory, we will be closed on 6 March!***
Reeds

Saxophone & clarinet reeds – inconspicuous, but essential. 

Reeds for saxophones and clarinets are crucial for tone production, response and feel. They make the instrument vibrate and have a significant influence on timbre, dynamics and control. Whether you are a beginner, an ambitious musician or a professional, with the right reed you can get the best out of your instrument. In our online shop, you will find a large selection of saxophone and clarinet reeds made of wood (cane) and plastic – in various strengths and for all common instrument types. 

Wooden reeds – The classic sound 

Reeds made from natural cane wood (reed cane or rush cane) have been the standard for woodwind instruments for centuries. They impress with their warm, lively sound and natural response.
Advantages of wooden reeds:
• Warm, full and flexible tone
• Wide range of tonal expression
• Proven standard in all musical styles
• Fine nuances in dynamics and articulation 
As this is a natural product, each reed can react slightly differently. Many musicians therefore test several reeds to find their personal ‘favourite reed’. Ideal for: Musicians who prefer a traditional, multifaceted sound. 

Plastic reeds – durable & consistent

Plastic reeds are a modern alternative to traditional cane reeds. They are made from special high-tech materials and offer particularly consistent performance.
Advantages of plastic reeds:
• Very durable
• Insensitive to humidity and temperature
• Ready to play immediately – no break-in period required
• Consistent response over a long period of time 
Plastic reeds are an interesting option, especially in changing climatic conditions or for musicians looking for a stable and reliable solution. Ideal for: frequent players, outdoor performances, musicians with little time for break-in.

Choosing the right reed strength 

Choosing the right reed strength is crucial for comfort and sound:
• Lighter strengths (e.g. 1.5 – 2.0) → Easy response, ideal for beginners
• Medium strengths (e.g. 2.5 – 3.0) → Balanced combination of control and sound
• Harder thicknesses (from 3.0) → More resistance, greater sound depth and stability 
The ideal thickness depends on the mouthpiece, embouchure and playing style.

Saxophone reeds – for alto, tenor, soprano and baritone 

Saxophone reeds are specially designed for the respective size of the instrument. Whether alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone or baritone saxophone – each model requires the appropriate reed size.

Clarinet reeds – precision & flexibility 

Clarinet reeds differ depending on the system (Bohemian or German) and instrument (e.g. Bb clarinet or bass clarinet).
A suitable clarinet reed supports:
• Clean intonation
• Even tone production
• Fine dynamic gradations
• Confident articulation 
The coordination between the mouthpiece and the reed plays a particularly important role when playing the clarinet.

Frequently asked questions about saxophone and clarinet reeds

1. How long does a wooden reed last?
Depending on how often you play, several days to weeks.
2. Are plastic reeds equivalent in terms of sound?
Modern plastic reeds come very close to wooden reeds, but often sound a little more direct. A mouthpiece specially designed for plastic reeds offers many advantages here.
3. Which reed strength is suitable for beginners?
Usually 1.5 to 2.5 – depending on the mouthpiece.
4. Why do wooden reeds sound different?
Wooden reeds are a natural material and exhibit natural variations.
5. Can I play any reed on any mouthpiece?
Basically yes, but the combination of bore opening and reed strength significantly influences the feel and sound.

Why buy reeds from Schagerl?

• ✔ Large selection of saxophone and clarinet reeds
• ✔ Wood and plastic reeds from various brands
• ✔ Trained specialists for individual advice
• ✔ Wide range of accessories for woodwind instruments
• ✔ In-house workshop for questions about setup and adjustment 
Whether you are looking for a warm, classic sound or a durable high-tech alternative, you will find the right reed for your instrument here.