Changing Reeds

[pjmorris]

I have been learning for 5 months and my last read has been going strong for probably the last two! However, much to my dismay it split (chipped) at the end of my last practice. Today I went through the reeds I had to choose one that seemed 'willing' (easy to make a consistent note with just the mp and holding the read manually - mp not on sax). Having then properly mounted it, it sounded appalling for the first 10 minutes or so and even now i dont have the confidence in striking notes as i used too, though the sound does seem more mellow. Mind you that last thought may simply be a reflection of the 'a washed car goes faster syndrome!'.

Grateful for any advice.

Peter

 

[Linky Lee]

All reeds play differently and have different characteristics.

We all spend a lot of time finding a brand of reed we deem to be more consistent than others, and then finding a strength to suit us, and one which has the tone and response we like.

Reeds will change after 10 or so minutes of playing the first time.
It's quite good to play all your reeds in and swap around once a week on a rotor. This way you get used to these small differences, reeds seem to last longer giving resting time (don't know if they actually do or not though) and you get varying strengths.

 

[griff136]

you could go and buy a fibracell reed - looks and feels like a reed - plays like a reed. and thayre very very consisitent.

Ive had 3 on my tenor in the last year. cost around a tenner but worth every penny.