Detail 01
Contra-alto/contrabass cut
A large reed sized for EEb contra-alto and BBb contrabass mouthpieces. Physically will not work on bass or soprano clarinet.
Product detailSKU #1274228081390
VandorenContra-Alto/Contrabass Clarinet Reeds Strength 4 Box of 5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Box of 5 reeds cut for contra-alto and contrabass clarinet, strength 4. For established low-clarinet players who want resistance and a firm low register.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Contrabass clarinet in a wind ensemble or clarinet choir
- Players who feel strength 3–3.5 goes flat or spreads
- Doublers who need a stable low end under a full section
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — strength 4 takes serious air and embouchure control
- Bb, Eb, alto, or bass clarinet players, wrong reed size
- Anyone wanting easy quiet entrances in the top register
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
Strength 4
Hard. More resistance and more air required, in exchange for a centered pitch and a low register that doesn't spread at volume.
Detail 03
Box of 5
Half the count of a soprano box because the cane is much larger. Plan on higher cost per reed on these horns.
Detail 04
Cane reed
Big reeds are more sensitive to humidity swings. Break new ones in over several short sessions rather than a single long one.
Detail 05
Traditional-family profile
Thin tip over a thicker heart — quick articulation with body underneath, rather than the darker, more even response of thicker-tip cuts.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Reeds only — no mouthpiece, ligature, or case included
- 02Confirm your horn is contra-alto or contrabass, not bass clarinet
- 03Drop to strength 3 or 3.5 if you're new to the instrument
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will these fit a bass clarinet?
No. Bass clarinet reeds are smaller. These are cut for EEb contra-alto and BBb contrabass mouthpieces and will overhang a bass clarinet mouthpiece.
02Is strength 4 too hard?
It's on the firm end. If you're running out of air, going flat, or struggling to start notes quietly, step down to 3 or 3.5.
03Why only 5 reeds in the box?
Contra reeds are much larger pieces of cane than soprano reeds, so boxes are sold in fives rather than tens.
04How should I break these in?
Play each new reed for a few minutes at moderate volume over several days before relying on it, then store it flat so it dries evenly.
