Reeds How to adjust reeds

[AlonW]

Any tips for getting my reeds to play softer? I have some 400 grit sandpaper here and a glass surface. What can I do?

 

[Merryfisher]

Just buy a softer reed I reckon

 

[AlonW]

Just buy a softer reed I reckon

I could try Vandoren Java 1’s but I fear they will die very quickly.

 

[skeller047]

Sand in the colored triangle areas pictured here. If the reed is too hard, mostly sand along the edges (“rails”) of the reed.

Test often, and make sure the two sides are even by twisting the mouthpiece in your mouth as you play - push one side down against your lower lip, and you are playing the opposite side of the reed. Strive for even tone and response from both sides. This is called “balancing” the reed.

It’s easiest to do this with just the neck and mouthpiece; only use the full horn when you are near the right strength and the sides are balanced.

 

[AlonW]

Sand in the colored triangle areas pictured here. If the reed is too hard, mostly sand along the edges (“rails”) of the reed.

Test often, and make sure the two sides are even by twisting the mouthpiece in your mouth as you play - push one side down against your lower lip, and you are playing the opposite side of the reed. Strive for even tone and response from both sides. This is called “balancing” the reed.

It’s easiest to do this with just the neck and mouthpiece; only use the full horn when you are near the right strength and the sides are balanced.
View attachment 34427

I did this but also flattened the table by laying the sandpaper on the glass and pulling the reed along it, being careful not to touch the part that flexes. The reed played better after everything and seemed to solve my issue of not being able to easily control the low notes on my tenor.

 

[skeller047]

For flattening the back, I recommend using a Reed Geek (expensive) or what I call the “cheap geek” - a lathe tool bit blank, 3/8” square - or 8mm square. These are widely available on Amazon or Ebay.

I’m glad you were able to sort out your reeds.

 

[thomsax]

Any tips for getting my reeds to play softer? I have some 400 grit sandpaper here and a glass surface. What can I do?

Do you want your reed to produce a softer tone/sound or a softer feeling in ýour mouth/lips?

The first thing I do with a new reed is to bend it a little bit so tension in the "wood" (Arundo Donax) reduce. I do thhis with plasticcovers as well.

If it still hard to play , after the bending, I sand the back side of the reed on a wetstone. Work "wet in wet" (the reed should be "wet" and also the stone. Sand in the direction of the fibers of the reed. Use light pressure.

I do a lot more when it comes to reed adjustment/preperation ...

If you want a softer feeling you can have reed more "velvet like" ... just polish with a dry cloth. I use a medium coarse linen cloth. Again, light pressure in direction of the fibers. If the sides of the reed are edgy you can trim them as well.