How to make the BEST reed in 5 steps【Condition and adjust your reeds to last 12 months】

I'm sharing my specific ways to condition and adjust reeds so they last up to 12 months. With this method, I use only one box of reeds a year. It's a great way to save not only money but your time and effort so that you can invest more time for practice.
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1. Open each reed (from the box) and dip them into water 0:53
2. Try each reed and divide them into 3 groups (soft-medium-hard) 1:50
3. Repeat the process for 3 days 3:07
4. Try both sides of the reed to find out a harder side 4:25
5. Shape off the harder side of reed using the Reed Geek 5:05
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[@terrellfstephens]

I've been playing saxophone since I was 11. I studied classical saxophone in college. I STILL PLAY SAXOPHONE in a semi-professional group...AND I DIDN'T KNOW MOST OF THIS! (30 years...y'all...30 years...) Haha! What was funny is that I was watching this as I was preparing reeds, and doing almost everything wrong...from soaking them too long, do those damn humidity packs. 🙃🙃🙃 Thank you!

[@josiahkennedy33]

Great video! I have been wondering how you condition your reeds because you sound very consistent recording to recording. Very informative, thank you!

[@Jacob-lm1cs]

Yess, thank you for uploading this!

[@WoodWindVasudeva]

Keep your reeds is alcohol, vodka is best...keep it for it's lifetime ...take it out and directly play...more hygienic..enzymes in your saliva will not harm the reed material, ie: bamboo fibers...no mould formation...no cycling of dry to wet and back (always wet...).....my personal experience is really encouraging...

[@MrRTH10]

Really interesting tips I'm going to try. I have a few questions, though. What reed holder do you use? Do you flatten the table? Don't your reeds warp when you let them dry completely? Thank you.

[@wonkisaxlee]

I use currently use Vandoren & Protec reed cases. Yes reeds warp when they are dry, but put them into a cup of water for 5min and warps go away.

[@MrRTH10]

Thank you for getting back to me. Do you use the Reed Geek to flatten the reed table?

[@wonkisaxlee]

Yes sometimes!

[@MrRTH10]

Thank you.@@wonkisaxlee

[@HelderMusic107]

Great video - thanks. Do you do the balancing of the reed everytime you play?? I presume not from what you say. Some videos seem to imply that they at least smoothen the table of the reed before each playing session...feels excessive to me. Once it is balanced, it should hold, no? Thank you 🙏

[@wonkisaxlee]

For D'addario Reserve reeds, I have to say I don't do much of adjustments lately - they have been very consistent in quality. Only adjustments (if necessary) is balancing both sides of a reed. Once it's balanced you should be good to go for a long time.

[@holazzz6320]

Really fantastic video! I’ve been thinking about not using humidity pack too. Do you completely not use humidity pack all the time, or just for the first three days while you soak the reed then use the pack? And also do you soak the reed in water just for the first three days or you soak it every time before you use them even if the reed is months old?

[@wonkisaxlee]

I never use the humidity pack. To my experience, the humidity pack works really well in a short time period but it also shortens the life of reeds. And I soak my reed in water every time I play. Make sure you always dry those reeds after the practice. I sometime leave my reed case opened.

[@holazzz6320]

@@wonkisaxlee Thank you so much for letting me know! Really helpful! I'm using 3.0+ too and I always find it only lasts a short period of time, maybe it is the reason why! Thanks!

[@Taj203]

Hello! Do you use your lighter reeds for group rehearsals for a performance or your regular reeds?

[@wonkisaxlee]

It depends on music. Generally I prefer using a lighter reed for chamber / ensemble settings.

[@bliqkyii6745]

How long do you let them soak?

[@wonkisaxlee]

About 5 min

[@e.curley2325]

The 6 reeds last an entire year? How do you know when to move on to a different cycle?

[@wonkisaxlee]

I move on to a new cycle when reeds stop absorbing water (they stop responding).

[@1cleandude]

OMG can I respectfully say how annoying that background shote is!

[@tabbywarrior]

shote?

[@1cleandude]

@@tabbywarrior shite

[@1cleandude]

Shite