Reeds New reeds cut my tongue

[silver_smurfer]

Hi All,
I've been finding that new reads are making the tip of my tongue sore. Does anyone else have this problem and is there a remedy?

 

[nick_cook]

[color:green]I find keeping my tongue in my mouth when I 'read' helps!!![/color]
😀

 

[Pjonah]

If they are moist enough it shouldn't be a problem, your tongue should damage the reed first!

 

[TomMapfumo]

Do you prepare the reed in any way before playing? I usually follow the guidance on the Alexander Superials website, which means no tongue problems that I have ever been aware of.

Emphasis is placed on moistening reed in luke warm water for ten mins or so, them massaging the reed to flatten down fibres, and playing gentle and for short time initially, and not blasting the reed. This should lead to a very smooth surfaced reed which will benefit from massaging after practice, before storing it. Do look on the website - it is pretty helpful, and my reeds seem to last (with rotation x 4) for up to six months and beyond.

Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[silver_smurfer]

Thanks Tom, I think I've been playing the new reeds with just a few seconds of mouth time. I now have 3 more soaked, massaged and ready to go.

 

[phil_edwards]

TomMapfumo wrote:
Emphasis is placed on moistening reed in luke warm water for ten mins or so, them massaging the reed to flatten down fibres, and playing gentle and for short time initially, and not blasting the reed. This should lead to a very smooth surfaced reed which will benefit from massaging after practice, before storing it. Do look on the website - it is pretty helpful, and my reeds seem to last (with rotation x 4) for up to six months and beyond.

Kind regards
Tom 8)

Note to beginners... after 2 months of learning about "reed preparation" we will move on to "removing the saxophone from its case".

For students who demonstrate particular aptitude we have an accelerated learning programme called "just wet the damn reed and play something".

Phil 😉