Heavens! I totally disagree that a 2.5 reed is too hard. One has to figure in that my friend Windy has jaw problems, as he himself freely admits. Windy, I never suggest less than a 2.5 reed for beginners who have normal jaws.

One pad up at the top of the clarinet not seating well will make the whole clarinet play stuffy. Sounds like you got a used clarinet. It could have MANY problems. I would suggest finding some student in a Jr. High school who can verify that his/her clarinet plays well. Then sterilize the mouthpieces and switch clarinets and switch mouthpieces. (I know. I'm out of date. If you like, wear a mask while testing!)

Try a suction test on each joint of your clarinet. If you close all the holes and the bottom bore and suck all the air out of the clarinet (like sucking all the air out of a bottle), how long will it hold the suction?

Good chance the clarinet is OK. The stock Chinese mouthpieces are typically of good classic design and if you're lucky, the reed facing is aligned right. Otherwise, it's a door stop. You don't know until you compare.

The 2.5 reed is too hard for beginning. Natural reeds are so inconsistent, I suggest instead to get a Fibracell 1.5 synthetic, also from Amazon (or Weiner). It will last you for many months, with no soaking or warping.

So first step - the reed. If that isn't wonderful enough, then try a different MP. Yamaha 4C is a cheap favorite, or take JD's advice. Or, get a Sumner Acousticut 3 (vintage) often found on auction for $50 or more, and consistent!

Hello everyone. I am new here.  I played clarinet all through school and was very good.  My mom (raised in Depression Era) knew someone who needed one and gave mine away when I was gone to college..ugh...yes she did.    I've recently had some time off work following a car accident and wanted to take it back up.  I bought a Jean Paul Clarinet (300) from Amazon (not wanting to invest a whole lot and see how it went).  I remember so much more than I ever thought I would. However, it is very hard to blow. It is wearing me out.  I've tried adjusting my embouchere and I'm thinking it could be the stock mouthpiece that came with it; I don't know.
I'm playing with a 2.5 Rico reed and the tone is good, but I'm exhausted.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.  And yeah, I know buying one from Amazon not a great idea as I thought about returning the whole thing but my mouthpiece is already rather scratched up.

Whew, finally!  Case is TOAST.  Pic on stand after basic cleanup and oiling, replacement bell fitted.

Pic