Reed Strength Calculator

Find the ideal reed strength based on your mouthpiece, playing level, instrument, and air support.

Mouthpiece Opening

Playing Level

Instrument

Air Support Level

Tab to move between fields

Recommended Reed Strength

2.5

Brand (1=Vandoren,2=Rico,3=D'Addario)2

Break-In Period5 days

Expected Lifespan3 weeks

Adjustment (1=clip,2=sand,3=none)3

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Mouthpiece Opening, Playing Level, and Instrument.
Set Air Support Level.
Review the Recommended Reed Strength result.
Use Brand (1=Vandoren,2=Rico,3=D and Break-In Period (days) to inform your decision.
Use the chart to visualize the results and explore different scenarios by adjusting inputs.

How the result changes with Air Support Level

Mouthpiece Opening: 1=Close (narrow tip opening), 2=Medium, 3=Open (wide tip opening).
Playing Level: 1=Beginner, 2=Intermediate, 3=Advanced.
Instrument: 1=Clarinet, 2=Saxophone, 3=Oboe, 4=Bassoon.
Air Support Level: Self-assessed breath support. 1=Weak, 3=Average, 5=Very strong.

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Mouthpiece Opening = 2, Playing Level = 2, Instrument = 2, Air Support Level = 3 = 4 input(s) provided
Calculate Recommended Reed Strength
2.5 = 2.5
Calculate Brand
Brand
2 = 2
Calculate Break-In Period
Break-In Period
5 = 5