Clarinet Reed Comparison Chart
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A clarinet reed comparison chart lists reed brands and models against strength labels, so you can find the same strength from another maker. Strength labels differ by maker, so read the chart row by row instead of matching labels by name. The chart covers Bb clarinet reeds, and the clarinets below take the reeds the chart lists.
What a reed comparison chart shows
A reed comparison chart puts reed brands and models in rows and strength labels in columns, so one chart covers many makers at once. Find the reed you use now in the left column, read across its row, and the chart shows the matching strength from each other maker. It only translates strength labels between makers, so you can switch brands without guessing.
Strength labels differ by maker
A strength label means what its maker says it means, so the same label from two makers is not the same reed. Start from the strength you already use, find it on the chart, and read across to the brand you want to try. If the chart shows a range for the matching strength, take the middle of the range and adjust from there. Never match labels by name alone, since the numbers on the box describe that maker's scale, not a shared scale.
Cut and material change the reed
A chart also names the cut of each reed, and the cut changes how the reed answers the mouthpiece. Cane reeds and synthetic reeds appear on the same chart, and the chart keeps them in separate rows, so compare cane with cane and synthetic with synthetic. Check the material and the cut beside the strength label before you buy.
Match the reed to the clarinet
Reeds are made for a clarinet key, so check that the reed is made for Bb clarinet before you buy. A reed made for another key will not fit the mouthpiece, so match the key on the chart to the key on the clarinet.
What you need
VANPHY Bb Clarinet 17 Keys Flat B Clarinet
A Bb clarinet in ABS with 17 nickel-plated keys, 2 barrels, a case, stand and strap, with a mouthpiece that takes Bb reeds.
- Case or gig bag included
- Mouthpiece included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: ABS
- Keys (on the body): 17
- 60-day warranty stated
Glory GLY-CLAPK Professional Ebonite Bb Clarinet
A Bb clarinet in ebonite with 10 reeds, a stand and a hard case, so the reeds to compare on the chart come with the clarinet.
- Case or gig bag included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: Ebonite
- Reeds included: 10
- 30-day warranty stated
EASTROCK Bb Clarinet 17Nickel Keys ABS Material
A Bb clarinet in ABS with 17 nickel keys and two replaceable barrels, with a hard case and backpack straps.
- Case or gig bag included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: ABS
- Keys (on the body): 17
SONICAKE B Flat Clarinet for Beginner
A Bb clarinet in ebonite with 2 barrels, reeds and a cleaning kit, with a hard case and white gloves.
- Case or gig bag included
- Key: Bb
- Body material: Ebonite
- 90-day warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Clarinet, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do all reed brands use the same strength numbers?
No. Strength labels differ by maker, so the same label from two makers is not the same reed. Use a comparison chart to find the matching strength across brands, and start from the strength you already use.
What reeds fit a Bb clarinet?
Reeds made for Bb clarinet fit the mouthpieces on Bb clarinets. The Glory clarinet ships with 10 reeds, and the SONICAKE clarinet ships with reeds in its cleaning kit. Check the key on the reed box before you buy.
How do I read a reed comparison chart?
Find the reed you use now, read across its row to the brand you want to try, and take the strength in that column. Check that the reed is made for Bb clarinet before you buy.
What if the strength is not right?
Move toward a lighter or heavier strength on the chart, and try a reed from the new strength before you buy a box. Check the cut and the material beside the strength label, since the cut changes how the reed answers the mouthpiece.
Ranked clarinets lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.