Soaking reeds in spirits

Vortex · 04-25-2003, 08:54 PM

Just a few questions for those among us who soak their reeds in alcohol(ic) solutions (i.e. vodka, beer, etc). First, what kind of spirit do you use? Second, how long do you leave them to soak? Lastly, do you have any issues with them drying out too quickly? Also, list what kind of reed you use.

Frank D · 04-26-2003, 05:36 PM

I prefer to soak my reeds in water, and my head in vodka!

Just use water, really.

Tsax · 04-26-2003, 10:40 PM

I know a fun story 'bout a tenor player who always asked the bartender for enough whiskey in his glass to soak his reed in

rfenno · 05-03-2003, 11:41 PM

I talked to a tenor player in Atlanta, one of the top cats recommended to me by someone I trust. He told me he soaks all his reeds in vodka and that it was a deal lots of players did in Miami a couple decades ago. I wonder if Tito's (Austin's vodka) works?

**Beer Can** · 05-04-2003, 01:41 AM

I have found that some of my reed grow black fuzzy stuff on them if they aren't cleaned well after they were soaked in beer.
Dan

**Bootman** · 05-04-2003, 04:15 AM

Sounds like a waste of Beer to me.

Perhaps youshould use a better brand of Beer, not that lolly water American stuff.

**Morry** · 05-04-2003, 05:36 AM

Fosters....Australian for reed-soaking-juice.

**Bootman** · 05-04-2003, 10:51 PM

Fosters isn't good enough here (different story OS), although VB And Carlton Draught have more taste, try Coopers, Redback, Hahn or Boags. Cascade is a lighter mor epleasant less hoppy tasting Beer.

**retread** · 05-05-2003, 02:32 AM

The proper method for soaking reeds in spirits:
1. Fill mouth with spirit of your choice.
2. Insert reed tip-first between lips.
3. Remove reed after five seconds.
4. Swallow.
5. Fill mouth with spirits as above.
6. Insert reed.
7. Remove reed.
8. Swallow.
Repeat process until you no longer care how well the reed plays.

danodownunder · 06-08-2003, 03:07 PM

soaking reeds in booze, that is spirit is fantastic it pickles the cane and it lasts for yonks and always sounds the same try it and report back. hick.

06-10-2003, 03:00 PM

retread

Advanced players (such as my humble self) can shave two or three seconds off each reed soak, and with practice, the end result can be enjoyed without a single reed being damaged (or removed from the box, for that matter).

This process doesn't actually require the reed to be taken off the mouthpiece, nor is it mandatory to remove the moutpiece from the horn! Here's where Bari's take the lead! No life-giving fluids are wasted in organic cane pores, where they wouldn't be appreciated, anyway!!

Let science work for you! And the horse you rode in on!

Tears June · 06-12-2003, 06:49 AM

Can you find out any big difference to use warm water and normal temp water for soak?

colibri · 06-12-2003, 07:37 AM

I don't find any difference between warm or cold water, beer, juice or whatever else people use to soak them things. I feel that it's only psychological that they play better soaking them in one form of liquid or another.