Damaged reeds are a leading cause of clarinet squeaks. ... Also, if you hit the reed too hard with your tongue, it can produce a squeak. Finally, playing on dry reeds or with incorrect reed or ligature placement on your mouthpiece can also lead to squeaking.

Why does my clarinet sound airy?

There are many reasons for having a fuzzy or airy tone on the clarinet, but it's generally possible to isolate the cause. The most common problems that cause a fuzzy sound are due to the mouthpiece or the reed, incorrect embouchure or air support, low tongue position or a leak or crack in the clarinet.

How long does a clarinet last?

The better the quality of your instrument, the longer it lasts. A low-quality student clarinet tends to lose much of its qualities and value after ten years. A professional instrument like the Buffet pre-R-13, on the other hand, can last as long as 30 years when probably maintained.