There are no strictly professional or beginner reeds. What matters most is the reed strength.
For beginners, the facial and oral muscles are not yet fully developed for prolonged playing. It is therefore recommended to choose softer reeds (for example, 2.5) to be able to play longer without excessive fatigue.
Starting immediately with harder reeds (3.5 or 4) often limits playing time to just a few minutes.
Discover our reeds for saxophone and clarinets.
Reed strength refers to its resistance to bending, or in other words, how much it resists the player’s breath.
This directly affects the playing experience: A harder reed (higher number) requires more energy. A softer reed (lower number) offers less control.
The key factor is the player’s own energy.
If you become breathless or fatigued after a few notes, the reed is clearly too hard. Conversely, if the sound becomes uncontrollable, too bright, or unstable, the reed is too soft.
At Henri SELMER Paris, strength ranges have been refined and divided into quarter strengths, offering greater consistency within a box and helping musicians find reeds better suited to their playing style.
Jazz reeds are thinner at the tip and have more material in the heart. This provides:
Calibration also differs: a jazz reed strength 3 is softer than a classical reed strength 3.
Several factors distinguish SELMER reeds:
Material: Made from wild cane, which is fleshier and richer in fibers, offering longer lifespan.
Quarter-strength system: Provides greater precision in selecting resistance. Statistically, this doubles the chances of finding good reeds in a single box.
Manufacturing quality: We ensure perfect reproducibility over time. A laser control tool precisely analyzes the reed profile to guarantee a consistent and stable cut.
Eco-responsibility: Packaging is plastic-free: the box is cardboard, the reed holder is made from compostable plant-based material, the flow pack is kraft paper, and the reed itself is entirely natural.
Each mouthpiece has a specific tip opening, table length, and rail tip thickness, resulting in a unique resistance. Changing mouthpieces inevitably changes the feel, which may require adjusting your reed.
For example, a reed suited for a closed mouthpiece may feel too hard on a more open mouthpiece, as it must travel a greater distance to vibrate.
Saxophone reeds comparison
Clarinet reeds comparison
A reed must be moisturized before playing to vibrate properly. Two common methods:
Saliva can be more or less corrosive, so using water is preferable as it preserves the cane fibers longer.
Caution: Do not soak too long—1 to 2 minutes is enough; longer can deform the reed.
Breaking in reeds means opening a box of new reeds and playing each briefly at first.
This gradual break-in helps close the pores of the cane fibers, reducing excessive moisture absorption and stabilizing the reed for longer life.
Reeds should be stored flat, in a suitable case, with controlled ventilation. Poor storage causes deformation, directly affecting sealing and response.
The environment should be neither too humid (to allow drying and prevent mold) nor too dry (which may damage the reed). SELMER reeds come with a reed holder designed for enhanced protection.
Squeaking usually occurs when the reed does not vibrate properly with the mouthpiece. Causes may include:
To avoid squeaking:
A reed’s lifespan depends on playing frequency and maintenance.
Reeds can last from a few days to several weeks or months. Signs it’s time to replace a reed include loss of response, instability, or visible deformation
Rotating 3–4 reeds allows them to rest and extends their life.
A worn reed becomes softer and less responsive. The sound loses stability and precision. If it is cracked, warped, or if the sound becomes difficult to produce despite proper instrument setup, it’s time to change it.
You can order saxophone and clarinet reeds online at selmer.fr.
They are also available in select stores within our authorized dealer network.
Worldwide (4 to 8 days)
by credit card 3D secure
14-day withdrawal period
2 years on new
in our workshops at
Mantes-la-Ville
