Reed question

[Winks]

I was just wondering how often should i change my reed, and how do i tell that my reed needs to be changed. Oh and i am using 2 1/2 rico, is this to hard for a beginner should i be using a 2 or a 1 1/2?

[Rex]

Change your reed? Every playing session. Take a clean dry reed out of whatever flat, dry storage device you're using (e.g. La Voz Reedguard or the like) and wet it a few minutes before putting it onto the mouthpiece and playing. Disassemble, clean and dry everything when you're done, and put it away (in the Reedguard). Reeds will warp, and can be easily damaged if not stored/dried properly before or after use. You should be using somewhere between 4 and 8 reeds or so, in a regular rotation, as they need to be prepared, broken in/conditioned, and have time to recover before being re-used. I would guess a Rico 2 1/2 could be OK for you at this point, assuming you are using a normal, standard-type mouthpiece (maybe the one supplied with the saxophone, or an appropriate middle-of-the road, beginner-type piece). Good, well-prepared and well-cared-for reeds can last several weeks -- but they don't last forever. With some experience you will notice when a reed is no longer very elastic, starts shutting down at louder volumes, loses its original tone quality, etc. Early on you might be able to clip such a reed, but generally that's a waste of time -- just throw it out and start on another new one. If you get any discoloration, particularly black on the the underside of the reed around the window, throw it out -- you've got mold! (Clean up and put things away -- don't leave the reed on the mouthpiece, or the mouthpiece on the horn!) :razz:

[gary]

Winks - you might get some info you can use by going to the Reeds section and reading "How often do you change reeds?"

[groovesax]

For some reason, this question brought back memories of my first reed. I started on clarinet way back in between 3rd and 4th grade in summer school many moons ago. The clarinet was one of those old metal one piece jobs that looked like it had been to WWI and back. Anyway, they gave group lessons, and issued A reed. I had no idea that it needed changing and being a shy kid never asked and no one ever told me otherwise. It stayed on the mouthpiece all summer long. It withstood the punishment of, among other things, me rubbing it on my shirt (scrrrrch) to dry it off, the honking of many of my curious friends. Heck, I think I even let the neighborhood dog give it a blow :dog:

By the time the "End of Summer School Concert" rolled around, I had a "reed" that wasn't just nicked. It actually looked like it had fringe growing at the tip. I pretty much played that thing until it died. :cry: I know I haven't done the same thing since. In fact, like a lot of other people here I have grown to be quite the snob about reeds. I know I've tossed a few after just a few toots suggested that they would never be players.

The short story is that reeds have life spans. They will generally improve for a while as they break in, be good players for a while, then sadly will die. After you've been playing for a while, You'll get a sense for when it's time to move on. A reed could last a playing session or even weeks or months if properly treated. The rotation thing is definitely key. Never be caught with no good reeds to play. Sometimes I'll get favorites and keep them around only for special occasions. Finally, speaking from experience, NEVER let the the dog blow your horn. :wink:

[Winks]

Thanks guys
the storew i bought it from never told me what to do about reeds. As for my dog i dont think he is big enough to even get his mouth around it (just a puppy):D but i did catch my ferret climbing into the bell.. i only lefft it for a second to get some water and there she was... i was tempted to blow it to teach her a lesson but haha i didnt want to be mean :D