My Clarinet Is Squeaking a Lot – What Could Be Causing This?
Clarinet squeaks can be frustrating, especially when they appear suddenly or seem impossible to control. While squeaking is often blamed on technique, the instrument itself is just as likely to be the cause. At Woodwind London, we regularly see clarinets where small mechanical or setup issues are the real reason behind persistent squeaks.
Here are the most common causes — and how to fix them.
1. Air leaks or poorly sealing pads
Even a tiny leak can disrupt the airflow inside the clarinet, forcing notes to jump to unintended overtones. Leaking pads are one of the most common workshop findings when players complain of squeaking.
Signs:
Squeaks in the middle or lower register
Notes that crack unpredictably
Tone feels unstable
A professional pad check can usually resolve this quickly.
2. Reed problems
Reeds that are chipped, warped, too soft or too hard can squeak easily.
Check for:
Cracks at the tip
Uneven edges
A reed that feels resistant or unstable
Rotating reeds and choosing the correct strength makes a huge difference.
3. Mouthpiece or ligature issues
A damaged or worn mouthpiece facing can cause inconsistent vibration, leading to squeaks. Ligatures that apply uneven pressure can also destabilise the reed.
4. Keywork misalignment
Bent keys or worn corks can prevent tone holes from sealing fully — even if the pads look fine. This is especially common after a minor knock or drop.
5. Moisture buildup
Excess moisture on pads or inside the bore can cause squeaking, particularly during longer practice sessions.
6. Technique (sometimes!)
Embouchure, air support and voicing do matter — but if squeaks persist despite good technique, it’s time to check the instrument.
When to bring it in
If your clarinet squeaks regularly across multiple reeds and mouthpieces, bring it to Woodwind London in Muswell Hill. We offer affordable diagnostics, leak testing, and targeted repairs to get your instrument playing cleanly again.
