reeds for student woodwind players ·May 29, 2025

Choosing the Right Reeds for Student Woodwind Players

If you're new to clarinet, saxophone or oboe (or you’re a parent trying to make sense of it all), picking the right reed can feel like a bit of a minefield. Different brands, numbers, cuts... what does it all mean? Here’s a simple guide to help make things clearer, especially when it comes to strength and brand choice for beginners.

Clarinet & Saxophone: Start with the Right Strength

Reeds are numbered by strength — the higher the number, the harder the reed. For students just starting out, a 1.5 is usually the best place to begin.

As a general rule:

For the first year of playing students will stick with strength 1.5.
In Year 2, most move up to a 2 as they build strength and control.

Vandoren vs Rico Royal

The two most common reed brands we stock for clarinet and saxophone are Vandoren and Rico Royal, and there is some difference between them:

Vandoren "Traditional" reeds are slightly thicker and give a warmer, fuller sound, but they do feel harder to blow. If you go with Vandoren, consider starting half a strength lower than you would with Rico.

Rico Royal reeds are thinner and easier to play, making them a good choice for younger or brand-new players. They’re also a bit more affordable, which helps when you're getting through a lot of reeds early on.

Both are good — it just depends on the player’s age, lung capacity, and embouchure strength.

Looking for other Vandoren Reeds?

We stock a wide selection of Vandoren reeds for clarinet and saxophone, including:

Traditional (Blue Box) – Clear, centered sound with excellent flexibility. A go-to for classical players.
V•12 – Thicker cane for a darker, warmer tone and longer lifespan. Ideal for players seeking depth and control.
56 Rue Lepic – More resistance with a rich, focused tone. Designed for advanced and professional players.
V21 – A blend of V•12 and 56 features. Balanced response with warmth and projection.
Java (Green/Red Box) – Bright, flexible, and punchy. A favorite for jazz, funk, and pop styles.
V16 – Full-bodied, powerful sound with strong projection. Designed for jazz and commercial saxophonists.
ZZ – Free-blowing with a rich, vibrant tone. Offers quick response and a flexible feel, perfect for modern jazz.

Want to compare them in more detail? Check out the official Vandoren Reed Comparison Index.

How Many Reeds Do You Need?

Reeds come in packs of 3 or 10. You might get away with 6 or 7 reeds in your first year, but we usually recommend going for a pack of 10 — they’ll last longer, and it is less stress if one chips or splits (which does happen!).

Players should always have at least 2-3 reeds in rotation so they’re not relying on a single one that might wear out quickly.

Oboe Reeds: KGE vs Marengo

Oboe reeds are a bit more specific, but the right one makes a huge difference:

For beginners, we recommend KGE student reeds — they’re consistent, easy to play, and great for building early confidence. Students will usually begin on a medium soft, sometime soft reed and advance to a medium as they progress.
For advancing students, Marengo reeds offer a richer sound and better response, but do require more embouchure strength and control, so they’re better suited to third-year players and beyond.

Final Tip

Start on a reed that makes playing easier, not harder. It’s better to enjoy playing and sound decent early on, rather than struggle with a reed that’s too tough. Once technique improves, reeds can be stepped up to match.

If you’re unsure, feel free to ask us in-store or get advice from your music teacher. And don’t worry — it gets easier with time!