Detail 01
Strength 2
Softer cane. Responds with less air and less jaw pressure, at the cost of volume and low-end focus.
Product detailSKU #1274034480246
RicoContra-Alto/Contrabass Clarinet Reeds, Box of 10 Strength 2
1/4
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Strength 2 reeds for contra-alto and contrabass clarinet, sold ten to a box. Soft-to-medium cut for players building embouchure strength on the big horns.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Students moving from Bb clarinet up to contra-alto or contrabass
- Players who tire quickly on long low-register passages
- Keeping a stocked box so a chipped reed doesn't end rehearsal
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Bb, alto, or bass clarinet — the cut is sized larger
- Players wanting resistance and projection for loud ensemble work
- Anyone already comfortable on strength 3 or harder
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Contra-alto/contrabass cut
Reed is physically much wider and longer than Bb clarinet reeds. Will not seat on a smaller mouthpiece.
Detail 03
Box of 10
Enough to rotate several reeds across a season instead of playing one until it dies.
Detail 04
Cane reed
Each one plays slightly differently. Expect a few duds per box; that's normal for cane.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm your horn is contra-alto (EEb) or contrabass (BBb), not bass clarinet
- 02No ligature, mouthpiece, or reed case included
- 03Soak briefly before playing; dry cane cracks and warps
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit a bass clarinet?
No. Contra-alto and contrabass reeds are noticeably larger. A bass clarinet mouthpiece takes bass clarinet reeds.
02Is strength 2 too soft for me?
If you play with a firm embouchure and want more projection, go up a strength. Strength 2 favors easy response over volume.
03Do these work on both contra-alto and contrabass?
Yes, they're cut for both. Fit still depends on your specific mouthpiece.
04How long does a reed last?
Depends on playing time. Rotating between several reeds in the box extends the life of each one considerably.
