Problems with the reeds...

[david044058]

Hey guys I have a problem with my tenor sax reeds, a problem I did not use to have in the past.

When I take out the reed out of its package, it plays great. But the next time I pick up my horn to play, the tip of the reed gets little "waves" on it. Kinda like this "~"

When these waves are present on the tip of the reed, I find it hard to play and I have to soak the reed for a long time until the waves disappear.


Is there anything I can do for this to not happen?

I hope you guys understand what I mean.

[zxcvbnm]

You have to store the reed in something that holds the tip flat. What are you using for reed storage? The little cases they come in won't work.

[david044058]

yeah thats what i use, the clear vandoren casesthey come it

what products do u suggest?

[Agent27]

You can get a reed guard by Vito, Leblanc, LaVoz (and other brands I'm sure) for like $3 at virtually any band instrument music store.

[toughtenor]

The reed dries up when you don't use it, some reeds will not maintain their straight tip.
I store my reeds in a reed guard to keep them flat and I keep the reedguard in a plastic zipper bag in the winter when there's not enough humidity in the air. I sometimes even put in a damp cloth or something to keep it nice and humid. If you overdo this they can become moulded though.
that will take care of your reed tip problem.

[Pojoty]

My sax teacher many years ago told me this happens because sediments from your mouth don't come out in a uniform, consistent way. They come out and across the read in streaks. The streaks a) create those "valleys" and subsequently accumulate in them making them bigger and bigger.

Sometimes it happens to me. For a quick fix I suck on the reed a while and then pin the tip of it with my thumb to the facing of the mouthpiece and press a little bit. After playing it may help to suck on the reed a little (hopefully removing sediment should this be true?) before putting it away.

Then again, this could all be bull. I've gotten into the habit doing this and it seems to work ok for me.

Aside from this, which may be old wives tales, playing a dry, wavy reed will sound funny at first but as it soaks up moisture it should straighten out again.

[MyMartinTenor]

playing a dry, wavy reed will sound funny at first but as it soaks up moisture it should straighten out again.

This is exactly my experience. Usually you can get them to straighten out by just sucking on them (or playing them or leaving them in water) for a while longer than you usually do. I always use a reed guard, but still have the waviness sometimes (I agree with the other guy -- get something better than the little plastic bits they come in). I've never thought I had a reed permanently damaged by being wavy -- its a temporary (and easily curable) problem, IMHO.

[martysax]

All my reeds are like this if I don't play them for a week. I keep them on the mouthpiece and seal the cap. If I play often, they don't warp.

Usually a little sucking straightens it out, then it's ready to go all night.

Get your heads out of the gutter guys.

[bandmommy]

Quick and easy cure!

Soak the reed for a bit either in water or your mouth. Lay it on a flat surface and press it out by running your thumb from tail to tip. Sort of like ironing out the wrinkles.
In a pinch I will use the table of the mouthpiece. So far this method has not let me down.

[Razzy]

Might want to give this a shot.

http://www.kenkasemusic.com/

I'm hooked and use them for everything now, except double reeds, a'course. Especially useful if you find yourself not playing a given instrument very much for several days or a week at a time. Sometimes this happens to my alto or my tenor, or both if I'm doing a show on just clarinets or flutes or something. Preserves the reeds pretty pristinely for when you need them again.

[JoAnnPeeler]

Might want to give this a shot.

http://www.kenkasemusic.com/

I'm hooked and use them for everything now, except double reeds, a'course. Especially useful if you find yourself not playing a given instrument very much for several days or a week at a time. Sometimes this happens to my alto or my tenor, or both if I'm doing a show on just clarinets or flutes or something. Preserves the reeds pretty pristinely for when you need them again.
Wow those are beautiful! They really put my Selmer reed case to shame. :(

[DixieSax]

Usually a little sucking straightens it out, then it's ready to go all night.



Classic.. Best advise so far... :twisted:

[F4UCorsair]

martysax, man you are singing my song!!!