Green Mold on Reeds

[StephenC]

Hi, I'm new here, and have really liked what I've read and learned.

I've got a problem with reeds. I bought a reed case to store my reeds in.

I went to use the sax this weekend and found that the reeds were green with mold.

I put them in the case when I finished with them earlier in the week. Is there something I'm supposed to do to keep them from becoming moldy?

[Bubba924]

What kind of reed case are you using? It is probably blue and it probably said the name "vandoren" on the package. :twisted: Those cases are notorius for moldy reeds. Do yourself a favor and get a selmer reed case from music123 or ww&bw. Or for a cheaper but inferior solution, get the La Voz reed cases.

[Vortex]

You really don't need one of those fancy Selmer cases. You're basically paying for a product with the brand name. S'a matter with LaVoz reedgards now? I've tried a bunch of cases and always end up coming back to the LaVoz reedgards. Simple and efficient. And no mold.

If you weren't using the little blue mold machiene, just wipe the reed off when you're done playing. And play with a clean mouth.

[Frank D]

Reed storage methods depend on your environment. When I lived in dry Phoenix, the blue Vandoren case was fine. Now that I'm in Florida, I put my reeds on a wire rack and let them dry out completely after playing, then put them in the case, w/o the humidifying unit.

When I'm getting ready to play, I wet them in water and put them back in the case for a few minutes to straighten out any warping. I always rinse the reeds in water to reduce the chance of anything growing on them between playing sessions. I never tried any of the alcohol soaks or other techniques described here, I think that's overkill. And brush your teeth before playing - you don't want to blow any leftover food/drink on your reeds or through your horn.

[gary]

On the other hand, the penicillen you suck up playing those green reeds could come in handy if you play in some of the places I've played! :shock:

[StephenC]

Thanks for the info, guys, I do have the Vandoren case. But not anymore. :D

Love their reeds, but not their case.

I know about the Selmer prices, I play a SA80 Tenor (love it) and it is worth every penny, but $30+ for a reed case is a bit much.

I'll check into the LaVoz case.

Thanks again.

[Kareeser]

The LaVoz case I use is just a 1cent molded open air pocket that secures the reed.

There's really no need to pay even $5 for a good reed case. Sure, they might suck up moisture up quickly, or they might keep your reed humidified, but if you're too lazy to stick a reed in your mouth for a couple minutes... :lol:

I just turn my reed upside down to dry. Table water evaporated in seconds.