Detail 01
Strength 5
Thickest cut in the range. Takes more air and firmer embouchure, gives more resistance and volume ceiling in return.
Product detailSKU #1274228081150
Vandoren56 rue Lepic Bb Clarinet Reeds Strength 5 Box of 10
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A box of ten Bb clarinet reeds in strength 5, the hardest common grade. For experienced players already working on a close, resistant setup.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Advanced players with a close-tip mouthpiece needing more resistance
- Players chasing a dark, centered classical tone with body
- Anyone who already plays 4.5 and wants more back-pressure
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — strength 5 will not sound without a developed embouchure
- Players on open jazz mouthpieces, where 5 chokes the reed
- Anyone unsure of their strength; buy a single reed first
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
56 rue Lepic cut
Its own line with its own strength scale. A 5 here will not feel like a 5 from another Vandoren line.
Detail 03
Box of 10
Enough to rotate three or four reeds and still have spares. Expect a few duds in any box of cane.
Detail 04
Bb clarinet cut
Sized for soprano Bb only. Will not fit A clarinet, bass clarinet, or alto sax mouthpieces.
Detail 05
$4.25 per reed
Standard for premium cane. Rotating reeds rather than playing one to death is what makes the box last.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reeds only — no reed case, ligature, or mouthpiece included
- 02Break in new reeds over several short sessions before relying on one
- 03Strength numbers do not cross between brands or between Vandoren lines
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is strength 5 too hard for me?
If you currently play 3 or 3.5, yes. Strength 5 needs a developed embouchure and steady air. Step up half a strength at a time instead.
02Will these fit a bass clarinet?
No. These are cut for Bb soprano clarinet. Bass clarinet takes a larger reed.
03How many reeds in the box?
Ten.
04Are these the same as the blue box strength 5?
No. 56 rue Lepic is a separate line with its own scale and cut, so the same number plays differently.
