Is it time to change your clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, or oboe reed? Here are some clear signs.
We often get asked, “How long should a reed last?” It’s hard to say. Even if you care for your reeds meticulously and regularly rotate them, there are no hard and fast rules. Each reed has unique qualities since they are made from a natural material (cane).
How to Make Reeds Last Longer
- Use a reed case for storage. Consider these reed cases.
- Time for a break? Slip on a reed protector.
- Put on your ligature before your reed.
- Wipe off your lip goop. Lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm deaden reed response.
- Rotate your reeds.Always keep a few playable reeds in your case, along with backup stash of new reeds.
Other factors, like reed brand and cut also come into play, along with how often you play and your dedication to reed rotation. Some reeds will last for weeks or months, others for just days. Some players replace their reeds every two to four weeks, regardless of other factors. But it makes more sense to pay attention to your reed’s condition. Here are some things you should look for:
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- Noticeable chips or cracks. Don’t torture yourself by hobbling along with a damaged reed. It severely affects your sound.
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- Obvious discoloration. Seeing brown, black, yellow, or white? How about a slight shadow? Hate to say it, but you’ve got mold. It can appear on the front or back of the reed. Pitch it immediately.
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- Your sound is off. If it’s difficult to produce your normally harmonious tone, you sound muted, or you hear an unpleasant buzz when you play, your old reed may be to blame.
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- That soft, soggy feel. Ahhh, you know it when you feel it. If you continue playing with a mushy reed, your embouchure will weaken. When new reeds of the same strength seem too hard, you’ve waited too long.
When all seems well in Reedville, you should replace most reeds after four weeks max. If you consistently rotate your reeds, you may extend reed life up to four months. For specific reed recommendations based on your instrument, playing style, skill level, and embouchure, stop by a West Music showroom or call 1-800-397-9378.
