Woodwind Reeds – Care and Maintenance
amster8888 16. Mai 2012
A “reed” used in a woodwind instrument (ex: clarinet, saxophone) is made of cane — very similar to bamboo. In composition, it is basically a collection of parallel hollow tubes running from the end of piece of cane to the tip. If you look a the “slant” of the cut, you can see the fiber-like nature of these hollow tubes.
No two reeds are identical. Since they come from organic material, each will vary. As is, this will make it very difficult for consistent play as you change reeds. However, you can use proper reed care to add consistent physical properties to your reeds.
The main word — moisture! Since a reed is a collection of hollow tubes, they can soak up water. This moisturization is what helps your reeds gain consistency. Before you use a reed, you should moisten it first.
BUT — don’t stick the reed in your mouth to moisten it. You may see other musicians doing this — but this will not moisten your reed properly. Remember, a reed is a set of hollow tubes — and it’s open at both ends. Sticking the reed in your mouth only adds moisture from one end — to do it properly, you must let the reed soak up water from both ends.
How to do this — the easiest way is to totally immerse the reed in a small cup of warm water. Leave it there for a minute or two until the tips flatten out and the wrinkles disapper.
Why is this important? When you let the reed soak in moisture from both ends, you stand the best chance of filling the hollow tubes. This will make them flexible — even when they’re vibrating a bazzillion times a minute! The moisture also strengthens the fibers to resist the vibration that wants to tear them apart.
Proper reed moisturization is so important that you want to monitor your reed during a performance or practice session. Don’t let it dry out. If you’re taking a short playing or practice break, be sure and cover your mouthepiece with its storage cap. This will not only help keep your reed moist, it will also help protect your reed from bumps and chips.
When can the reed dry out — when you finish playing. You don’t want to store a wet reed — that’s just asking for mildew problems. Don’t put it up wet — dry it first.
Be sure the reed is clean before you store it. You should rinse it first (after all, it’s been in your mouth!) Wipe it dry — then store it in a “Reed Guard” or similar box (available at any music store for a few dollars) to completely dry and protect the reed. Be sure and re-moisten before you use the reed again — never play using a dry reed.
You can also help your reeds by “spreading” out the load. Prepare and use three or four reeds at a time. This not only lessens the abuse a single reed may take (since the playing is spread out among several reeds), it can also extend your reed life if you cycle through a rotation when you play. Each reed will receive a less-intensive workout — thereby extending the life of the fibers in the reed. A well-cared for reed should last for several weeks.
