How do I take care of a clarinet reed?

Reeds are the heart of your clarinet’s sound...and they need a bit of TLC. Always remove your reed after playing, wipe off excess moisture, and store it in a reed case to keep it flat and dry. Avoid leaving it on the mouthpiece, as this can cause warping or mould.

It’s also worth rotating between a few reeds rather than using one until it wears out. That helps them last longer and keeps your tone consistent.

This advice comes from our Progressive Instrument Partnership with Yamaha Music UK, supporting teachers, technicians, and players with the know-how to get the most from their instruments.