Preparation and resurfacing

[-TH]

I just counted how much money I've spent on reeds lately.. :shock: This shocking information (amount of money) got me doing something about it.

I ordered a Vandoren Reed Resurfacer and I decided to start breaking in new reeds. I read the webpage about Tom Alexander's break-in-method and decided to try that "method" out. So my question is that in what order should I do the preparation and (possible) resurfacing?

So...First I take a new reed and soak it for 2-4 minutes. If it feels too hard to play should I start tweeking the reed then or should I first fully break in the reed (few days?) and then do the tweeking (if it is needed anymore)?

I presume that the Vandoren reed-tool contains a somekind of "how-to-use" manual? Any tips on using that tool effectively?

-TH

[-TH]

Anyone? singlereed? I remember you've used this resurfacer.

-TH

[Vortex]

Some fine grit sandpaper, good pcoket-knife, and a piece of flat glass (like a compact mirror) should be about all you need to get those reeds into balance.

I always do the glass thing, with Alexanders you don't normally have to resurface. Some advice folks, don't fix 'em if they aren't broke.

[Steve J.]

I strongly suggest a thorough break in period before any adjustments.

Alexander's method makes great sense to me. After putting the reeds through this greater stabilization occurs. It makes little sense to me to mechanically alter reeds until well after break in. An exception would be an unplayable reed....... nothing to loose by alteration in that case.

Otherwise there is a greater chance the reed will change to something less desirable quicker.

[jaankaden]

i'll have to agree with the holding back on adjusting until the reed is pretty much broken in. i have had many reeds that sounded like crap on the first use despite some preparation (soaking, rubbing to seal fibres, etc) which turned out to sound really fine after a couple of days of coaxing (read: light playing and heavy praying).