Accessories reed holders: ridged vs. flat surface for reed storage

[AlonW]

My feeling is that the (ridged) Rico Reedguard II works better than the typical reed case with a flat surface, the idea being that the ridges allow airflow so the reed can dry out, reducing mold growth. But some people say that a flat surface (in the old days it was glass) works best. What do you like?

 

[thomsax]

I use reedgards. Before I place a reed in the reedgard I make sure it dry. I don't understand how and why to use glass?

 

[lig]

100% convinced that the flat reed guards are superior.

I've had a reed in one of the ridged guards curl downwards.

Never had a mold formation problem with any reed guard

 

[skeller047]

I use a flat surface reed case (homemade), that has a wraparound cover. It isn't airtight, but if I don't dry off the reed before putting it away it can mold. I also prefer the flat surface. For years I used something called the Reed Wallet, which is similar to my homemade solution, but it's no longer made.

 

[Pete Thomas]

My feeling is that the (ridged) Rico Reedguard II works better than the typical reed case with a flat surface,

You could be right in the event that a reed is still very wet, but probably not so relevant if you just wipe the reed on something to remove excess moisture.

But maybe drying out slowly is better though so perhaps the ridged type is not so good. I’ve used both and not noticed any issues either way.

 

[Woodpad]

Fungus is the biggest problem for cane reeds. In theory a flat surface is better as it is easier to clean and blocks oxygen which the fungus needs for growth.

 

[David Roach]

The only problem I experience with reeds is a warped table, which happens to almost every reed in the end. I have used both flat and ridged reed guards over the last 45 years, right from the first La Voz metal ones, and honestly if you don't thoroughly dry a reed before putting it away, none of them make the slightest difference in respect of warping. Otherwise, they're all great for taking spare reeds on stage. I have some of the old black D'Addario ones that hold just 2 reeds - very usefull.

 

[Colin the Bear]

The ridged ones crinkle my baritone and tenor reeds.

Flat for me.

 

[turf3]

I have both types and have never noticed a lick of difference. The only thing I've ever noticed is that the aluminum La Voz holders can be too narrow for Vandoren baritone reeds which are just a smidge wider than most.

 

[Dr G]

I have used both styles for tenor reeds without issue. I do wipe the reeds before storing them.

 

[AlonW]

I have both types and have never noticed a lick of difference. The only thing I've ever noticed is that the aluminum La Voz holders can be too narrow for Vandoren baritone reeds which are just a smidge wider than most.

The Pro Tec A251 alto/tenor reed case has this issue. The tenor reeds barely fit in the narrow slots, making me feel like I’m going to damage the reeds. That’s the main reason I’m using the Large D’Addario Reed Guards. I’ve only noticed a difference between the surfaces with very soft reeds (1.5’s) where the ridged surface seemed to make the soft reeds warp faster. Now that I use 2’s I believe it won’t matter.

 

[Colin the Bear]

They crinkle my baritone 4's so maybe there's a sweet spot.