Bad Reeds | causes and simple solutions

[@TownHouseFilms]

What an extraordinarily gifted communicator you are. Quite the best in the saxophone scene.

[@drwallysax]

That is incredibly kind, thank you. Thanks for being part of the Academy, It's a fun crew that really makes my week. I'm grateful.

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Great video WW! I only have experience with Rico oranges so (maybe unfortunately) I use them. I didn’t know about the golden reed but I have been wondering how long they last and when to switch. The last (second) pack of reeds I bought are 3’s. I was playing 2.5’s and the 3’s seem so much harder to play in comparison. Making myself use them has been good though always want to grab that 2.5 reed. I will rotate. One question is: what about switching reed strengths (and even types). My feeling is it’s fine but I wonder if that’s bad practice for a beginner.

[@drwallysax]

@@craigiefconcert6493 Find a strength that works for you and stick with it - consistency will be important . Good luck and keep me posted (and hit me up with questions - always happy to help!)

[@craigiefconcert6493]

@@drwallysax thanks so much Dr WW! You are too generous. I have been sticking on 3’s and enjoying it. I also saw a clarinet video where they suggested to change reeds even during a practice session (like after 20 minutes). I lost a lot after breaking my clavicle and taking an enforced break. I’ll “build better back” ;)

[@robertmulvihill2749]

hello I just bought a saxophone and I'm worried, it won't produce any sound on any of the notes, I've looked at the leather pads and they seem fine I don't know what to do please help me an interesting thing I noted it has a worn reed that doesn't have a rounded end you breath through its more of a square shape

[@Craig2760]

I had the “Golden Reed”. My senior recital was on the not to distant horizon. My sax professor said put it away. I couldn’t. It was like an addictive substance. I tried, really I did. I don’t think even an intervention would have helped. Never before or since have I had such a memorable reed. Saturday morning, the day of my recital, my sax prof was with me on stage going through about 45-50 reeds looking for one half as good. He wasn’t happy and I was broken hearted. My Golden Reed died less than 48 hours before my senior recital. 😢 ps. my high school distraction played in the flute section. 35 years later I got asked to sit in with the city wind ensemble. She walked in the rehearsal hall and took her seat in the flute section. I mentally time warped back 35 years. All of a sudden sight reading was very difficult.

[@drwallysax]

Nooooooooooooo! I feel your pain. I too was a victim. First DMA recital....that damn golden reed.

[@sonholee5769]

I just had horrible flashbacks, though the stakes for me were not as bad as senior recital. I wished my teachers in middle school told me about reed issues. Could have saved me some embarrassment. Il

[@Craig2760]

Saxophone Academy HAHAHHAHA! I recalled another reed story. Got to a local bar gig. Tenor reeds aplenty, NO ALTO REEDS! Our keyboard player lived close by. His son took lessons from me. He offered to call home and get a reed from him. His wife dropped off the only reed he had. Some sort of science project was growing on it. Well, I rinsed it in clean water and soaked it shot of whisky and made it thru the night.

[@drwallysax]

@@Craig2760 NOPE, nope nope nope nope nope.

[@Craig2760]

Saxophone Academy 🤣🤣🤣

[@2D2Productions]

I have been using the same single Légère American Cut 2.5 synthetic reed for a year. Nothing else. After recently sticking on a couple cane reeds to see if I might want to return to them I was simply annoyed and frustrated with them. I just bought a new American Cut Synthetic one of the same because I liked it so much. Extremely reliable and I don’t waste any time on the reed. I put it on every day and get right into practice.

[@alexensing1541]

A friend of mine left his reed on his mouthpiece for about 3 months straight. I will never forget the lovely coating of mold that formed inside his mouthpiece when he finally took it off!

[@drwallysax]

I just threw up a little in my mouth. Swamp reed is gross. Happy practicing Alex!

[@bobblues1158]

Spot on Doctor!!! And your humor rating is 10 out of 10!! The DÁddario holster that their reeds come in are ideal- the Vandoren holster is not flat, and does not allow the reed to dry fast enough thus the reed warps and develops mold.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Get a Reed guard

[@normanski5074]

Wow, I pressed like and my reeds were amazing - Neighbours stood outside my house to listen to my amazing sound - Too scared to press share - Can’t manage too much attention all in one evening. Another gem of wisdom from the Doc.

[@drwallysax]

Ha! Excellent news (and thanks).

[@sergej100qca4]

I liked this video and now I sound like Cannonball. Thanks dr. Wally!

[@drwallysax]

Well heck, I better like the video too! (have a great weekend Sergej)

[@Greebstreebling]

'Swamp reed' - what a concept...:) I'm glad I've always kept mine dry. :)

[@drwallysax]

You and me both!

[@smrtn2441]

Yeah, great vid yet again. Personally speaking, I do not like the mouth feel, the inconsistency and high price of cane reeds. Probably been mentioned already, but Legere synthetics have changed my life - for the much, much better. No more reed geeking, reed roulette etc. They really are - for me - fantastic.

[@theludicrouslime]

BSS are the most consistent on the market. They’ve saved me a lot of headaches, especially when coupled with my ReedGeek.

[@sergej100qca4]

The hype around them is desirved.

[@drwallysax]

I bought my ticket to the BSS hype express - was pleasantly surprised. They will likely do well in my upcoming REED WARS series. Happy weekend my friend!

[@sammalekzadeh8167]

@@drwallysax Can you please compare them to Rigotti reeds? I've tried both, and in my opinion, they're basically the same thing.

[@cjmd3034]

Once I bought a reed case that held four reeds and it completely enclosed them. Don’t remember how many of the four I played that day, but the next day all the reeds were moldy, and that was the end of that. Wasted reeds and wasted money, but a good lesson. Great advice about letting reeds dry out. 👍

[@drwallysax]

Yikes! I've learned that lesson as well. Happy Monday my friend!

[@I_M_Nonno]

I keep a small spray bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide in my case. After I'm done, the reed gets wiped off and given a spray. It sits there while I clean and put away my horn. Then the reed is wiped off and put away as you've described. This kills off all the bugs and prevents the black crud that grows in the fibers of the reed keeping them fresh and clear. These reeds seem to last much longer than what I used to experience. Plus a bit of sanitizing never hurts.

[@dylanmenzies3973]

Love the straight talking, and SNL style humour! The internet has just revolutionized learning this stuff.

[@olefarver7854]

I have played Alto sax for over 40 years now, fighting with bad cane reeds. Three years ago I bought a Legere Signature, 3.75 and now I have 4, rotating between them. I wash them in luke warm water, dry then in a kitchen towel and keep them on a plane surface under slight pressure. All function perfect from low Bb into the altissimo. Your channel is great. Instructive and enjoyable. Thank you.

[@drwallysax]

You're not alone Ole - a lot of my colleagues are switching to Legere. I'm just old school and grumpy. happy weekend, my friend!

[@grantkoeller8911]

Totally agree, I store my reeds dry ,always have for 50 years with metal Reed guard. They last longer and play better than waterlogged moldy reeds!

[@keithcampbell6806]

Good morning sir you're excellent keep helping us.Thanks from Guyana South America.

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, and good morning from rainy north carolina!

[@SomeGuyOnSax]

Oh thank god, I thought I was the problem! I mean if it's not the reed then what have I been death-staring after I squeak!? Again, another great video, Dr. Wally! Your narratives are fantastic!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks David, I really appreciate it. Keep up the good practice and remember: It's not you...it's the reeds. happy weekend my friend!

[@rickpick9058]

You are a wealth of useful information and a riot of entertainment, Dr. Wally! If you’d been my bandleader in middle school, I’d be recording by now! In fact, I’m just learning instead, but loving every minute, esp with your guidance. Thank you!

[@drwallysax]

Rick, I really appreciate the kind words, thanks my friend! Sorry for the slow reply, hope you're having a great summer!

[@piperbob2]

Playing the Scottish highland pipes, we use a double-bladed cane reed. After playing, I would normally take the chanter out of its stock to allow the reed to dry, before sliding the chanter & reed into a protective tube, but on one occasion, I left the chanter and reed in its stock overnight. A few days later, a black spot developed on one blade and, gradually, the 'sparkle' of that reed was lost, as more spots developed. Now, I will dip my reeds every so often into a diluted solution of antiseptic (in the U.K. we have TCP) to prevent mould growth, let the reed dry, then store them.

[@kurt.schwab]

My most frustrating experiences over the years were with Rico Select Jazz reeds. I had used these to great satisfaction on alto, but when I changed to tenor later, they used to sort of choke up on me unexpectedly after a while. This could happen after days of performing well or after some 30 minutes of play; it also happened more than once during a gig. I stuck with them for a (too long) period of time because they were often great straight out of the box. And, because of these first positive experiences, I had bought boxes of them.... When even later I started playing baritone things got even worse, though, what made me finally abanndon them totally. For a recording session I had broken in several of them, some storing with some humidity and others dried out. DURING the first track the reed I had totally gave up, with squeaks and finally no sound at all as a result (it always felt as if the reed all of a sudden remained glued to the tip). The whole 9-piece band + recording staff had to wait for me to change reed. In utter despair I slammed on a Legere plastic reed that I had been keeping as a back up, having no time to let all these people wait untill I had found something that worked (without guarantee for how long). I kept the Legere throughout the rest of the recording session. Now, when listening back, I can't even tell anymore on which track this happened. Unfortunately, on tenor and alto a good cane read will still outperfom the Legeres, so the quest goes on. But in cases where not to much subtility is requested I think they are a great alternative.

[@drwallysax]

Totally agree - and many of my colleagues feel the same way. Have a great weekend, Kurt!

[@marydunn8513]

I love Legere signature series. They are consistent ,can be cleaned, and you can play immediately.

[@drwallysax]

There's certainly a very alluring convenience to synthetic!

[@paoloalbano4690]

Vandoren ZZ since few years, I played Rico and Rico Royal for a lot. Your suggestion to rotate them is great, that's what my teacher tells me to do too, guess I have to do it now.. thanks for the great video!

[@drwallysax]

Listen to your teacher! (and Dr. Wally, listen to me too)! Have a great weekend, Paolo!

[@TammygalYPP]

Reed rotation advice is definitely on point. I hear so many players complain about not getting consistent reed quality out of the box. Not so with rotation. I use the inexpensive Ricos and never had a problem with this. Replacing a dinged reed from your rotation with a new one, you will still experience consistency across the board.

[@grantkoeller8911]

Totally agree, the golden Reed is the greatest Reed of your life until it splits then it's gone forever. Better to rotate reeds. I rotate 8 at a time.

[@grantkoeller8911]

My favorite reeds of all time is green box Vandoren Java, 3.5 both on Alto and Tenor

[@josherdie3480]

D'Addario Organics Select Jazz Reeds - are my favorites

[@hazzahazza8589]

In the past when I got a new reed it was AMAZING Because I had been playing with a chipped reed for a month

[@drwallysax]

Ha! Contrast makes for an amazing reed!

[@davidjung1824]

Been there too!!😄

[@keithcampbell6806]

Good morning again sir .l will be joining my wife soon in America and l intend to take all of your courses to play at the next level.Thanks for all the advice.

[@robstevens9590]

Thanks for this post. For the past week I have been having problems with almost ever reed I use. Most of them were older and just worn out. But I also have Bravo #3 synthetic reeds that I used on a gig once & it was ok, but this week they were also not good. I think I would rate them as the worst reed I have ever used. I usually play on 2 1/2 reeds (Hemke are my favorite at the moment, but I also like the D'Adarrio Plasticover #3). I am breaking in some new reeds (as per your instruction video), but until they are fully usable I am using a Legere Studio Cut, which plays ok for the first 15 minutes then it gets stuffy and unresponsive. I have a Legere 2 1/2 Signature , but it is too resistant for me (it is more like a 3 1/2), so I basically only use it to strengthen my embouchure. I am hoping that the new reeds will solve the problem and that that the problem is not my mouthpiece or the sax.

[@drwallysax]

When in doubt, I buy a fresh box of Vandoren. With seasonal change, I find my old reeds may give up the ghost. Good luck and keep me updated, Rob. Have a great weekend!

[@chuckgladfelter]

I just use the plastic cases the reeds come in (I use Hemke reeds). I tried the Rico reed cases and the reeds would grow mold. The original packaging the reeds come in are vented so they can dry out. Back in the day, LaVoz reeds were in long, flat boxes of 10 with the reeds laid out next to each other. The way they're packaged now (esp. Rico products) is pretty decent.

[@stefanzdraveski]

I watched the video in one hickup. Cant wait for the next one :) Cheers man!

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Stefan! Hope you have a great weekend, and happy practicing my friend!

[@stefanzdraveski]

@@drwallysax thanks man. I am going through coronavirus and i am unable to practice for few days but i will be there up in shape again very soon. Lots of love from Bulgaria! ;)

[@davidc573]

Thank you so very much for this video. I really appreciate people like you for giving beginners like me solid and clear advice.

[@drwallysax]

My absolute pleasure, David. Hit me up with questions, and be sure to join our fundamentals course next year (it's free). Happy weekend!

[@lejazz6938]

Great, to the point and funny! No unnecessary romance! Thank you!

[@drwallysax]

Most welcome, and thanks!

[@Joshua-gv1ep]

A local sax player did a master class with my school. Showed us his homemade reed case. Basically a metal cylinder with a sponge in the bottom and he topped it off with brown Listerine. Said the brown stuff has no sugars, hardly any dyes if any, so that will keep the mold away and keep the reed humidified.

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Hey Dr Wallace good to see you again. Thanks for the great tips and advice, loved the jokes and your insight on the humidity control. I was thinking about buying one but now I won’t thanks! Hope all is well with you and your family.

[@drwallysax]

All good Samuel - have a great weekend my friend!

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Loved the video my friend.

[@ianmillarjazz]

I totally agree. I always dry my reeds completely when I finish a practise session or gig (after brushing them lightly with a dedicated, very soft toothbrush, under a running luke warm tap). I've never had any mould problems and my reeds last a long time and stay good.

[@drwallysax]

You have better reed hygiene than me! That's waaaay too much work for me. Generally I quickly put the horn down when one of my kids start screaming...

[@alain-micheljourdat8129]

Lavoz reeds are flexible and gave a full tone rapidly . There is no panacea as far as reeds are concerned. Rotation is what i do since decades providing the reeds are broke in from scratch and reveal good. Using a high step baffle vintage ebonite Rousseau JDX Jazz mouthpiece for alto , this model requires to be choosy concerning reeds. Not so easy to handle but huge projection, brilliance and tone. You should make a video on mouthpieces that are in real ebonite because few except vintage are still made out of real ebonite and it is a scam because they are sold as ebonite and aren't and do not sound likewise and moreover they are pretty expensive.

[@tomscott1741]

Another great video my friend!😁 I wanted to get your thoughts on how I take care of my reeds. When I am done using a reed, I take a paper towel , and with very little pressure, I will press on the reed very delicately, to absorb as much of the moisture as I can, and then I put it in its little plastic sleeve case and let it dry. If it's a reed that I am enjoying at the moment, I will leave it on the mouthpiece, but I will dry it first with the aforementioned process. If there is dead skin on the read from my lip, because I've been blasting all day! I will either take a damp paper towel, and delicately scrape off the skin, and then dry the read after, Or I will take the Reed to the sink, and with the smallest most delicate stream of water, I will run the Reed under it and scrape the dirt and skin off with my fingernail, and then dry it delicately with a paper towel! I never rub the read, because I feel like it'll destroy the grain. I just put it in between the paper towel and very delicately press, to absorb some of them moisture. I find that doing that lessens the warping process a lot as well.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Tom, that sounds like a very thoughtful approach. sounds good to me, especially if it's working for you. I have friends that will lightly brush the surface with a toothbrush to get between the fibers - never tired it, but might be effective to get the dead skin cells off.

[@hdwscoot9884]

This man is a comedian and a saxophone god

[@drwallysax]

You. I like you.

[@paulpontbriand]

I agree that keeping the humidity with special gear is very not good for the reed.....better dry by itself

[@drwallysax]

Amen brother!

[@HenryJonesVictor]

Every time I see people talking about cane reeds it just justifies the expense of buying Légères even more.

[@aaronkarlin3241]

This convinced me to try switching from the 24/7-soaked solution. Will update on results!

[@drwallysax]

Lemme know how it goes!

[@johnskamnakis2501]

Hi from Greece! When playing gets difficult, I keep my reeds moist with my tears. Two questions: When a reed gets softer and softer through playing, is it right to leave it so that your embouchure does not get 'lazy'? When do you get rid of a reed? I have a reed cemetery, waiting for the Reed Apocalypse. Thank you for your awesome videos!

[@patriciadrank6543]

I absolutely love your videos because your style of teaching is so easy to listen to! Of course I am impressed with your tone. Would you mind sharing which brand reeds you use?

[@thomaskipfer1008]

Complete dry out in reed case; my method for thirty years +. I’ve had no problems with my reeds all of this time. I find aged cane (30-50 year old) setting, brand new in old boxes- online. Aged cane plays better. Shaving with sandpaper and files always gives me great response.

[@drwallysax]

I prefer aged cane as well - wish Vandoren would ditch the lil' air tight packets.

[@davidjung1824]

Agreed. I have an old rico royal box with the sheets of paper in them that I cure/age my new reeds in when possible. I too wish vandoren would get rid of the plastic packaging 😠

[@mario_jesusfollower2953]

Hey Wally. Great video!👍 I suffered from a similar case of the golden reed, but it really wasn’t the golden reed. I was just stuck with it. Since COVID became a thing, I was hesitant to buy new reeds, so I spent almost four months playing the same reeds, and I originally thought that all my other reeds have gone bad. It was a combination of me using a week reed for pretty much four months, and not practicing as much as I needed to. So now I’m trying to get my self back up for auditions. Keep up the good work man.👍😁

[@drwallysax]

Good luck on auditions! Hit me up with questions and keep me updated! Happy practicing, Mario.

[@AaronTMartin]

Thank you for another informative (and funny!) video, Wally! I like the Star Wars motif, too. Regarding storage, I just experimented with the “wet” method (7 reeds in their original plastic sleeves stored in an airtight Witz case 1/3-filled with Listerine-the clear, “gum care” variety). Result: FAIL. Reasons: (1) Costly (the Listerine needed to be switched out every three days or so, and a pint of that stuff costs more than a pint of good craft beer. Not that I remember what a pint of good craft beer costs, as I haven’t been to a bar in nearly a year!), (2) a pain in the butt, and (3) (most importantly) the reeds just did not sound good (especially in the lower register, as you said). With respect to cost, I suppose it could be cut by using a mixture of (cheap) vodka and water, but I’m not interested. No thank you, wet storage proponents: l’ll stick with good, old-fashioned dry storage. Regarding type and brand, I do like Légère Signatures and now Légère American Cuts, but they still can’t match good cane (in my opinion). Flattening the table with a Reed Geek before each session has been a game-changer for me. With respect to brands, I like Rigotti Gold, DSJ, BSS, and Vandoren Java reds. Be well, Wally, and thank you again!

[@drwallysax]

Good to know, and thanks Aaron! I'm ordering Rigotti and others for upcoming REED WARS series of videos. I believe they make the BSS, and I'm very much enjoying those!

[@BryanSaxMeggison]

Cool video!

[@williamdobisky9147]

Hey Doc! I love your work! I will be purchasing your courses very soon. I am shopping for my first tenor sax. I have narrowed it down to either the Yamaha YTS-82Z or the YTS-875EX. I am leaning towards the YTS-82Z only because it has metal resonators vs. plastic resonators on the YTS-875EX. I would be eternally grateful for your opinion, as it is the only one on the Internet that matters! Thanks, Andy (guitarist, bassoonist, clarinetist and soon to be Sax Master!)

[@drwallysax]

They are both EXCELLENT! Whatever you prefer will be amazing and last you a lifetime. Also, the year long fundamentals course will be free- no need to purchase. I hope you'll join us!

[@JeniTehan]

I started out playing around on a jSax that has synthetic reeds and when I first got my tenor I loved the woodiness of natural reeds. I really felt a part of the instrument, it was a bit of a weird connection! I've always let them dry out and have noticed that after sucking on them a bit while I'm getting ready to practice, and then playing on them for a minute or two, they really do straighten right out if the tip is a bit wavy. So when I saw a few videos recently of people suggesting to permanently store reeds in Listerine I thought how awful! I mean, I use mouthwash every day, but wouldn't want that feeling or taste while playing. I've been swapping between a few brands for a bit but mostly liked the D'Addario select jazz, Vandoren Green, and have settled on red box Vandoren for the time being. Those and a reed geek have been a good match! Still falling into a bit of a golden reed trap with all the brands, though. Funny thing is, I thought the red box ones were a bit thin sounding when I started with them, but not so much any more, they seem to have rounded out a bit. Not sure if it's the reed geek or maybe I'm *gasp* developing a sound of my own independant of the reed! Probably not just yet, but I can dream...

[@drwallysax]

This is great to hear, Jeni! I definitely know what you mean by feeling a "connection" with cane reeds. I love the way they feel and honestly, love the tradition and ceremony of preparing them. Keep up the good practice and let me know what reeds you settle on!

[@georgeluna5845]

I’m playing a Légère American cut 2.5 for the first time. Love the response and reliability of a synthetic reed. But do miss the soul of cane.

[@drwallysax]

I feel ya, George. Something about the organic material. The risk, the reward, the splinters.... Happy New year my friend!

[@kevinw9566]

On the contrary, Water, Sponge and Mouthwash works fantastically, Provided you don't drown them and just keep them slightly damp they maintain their quality for longer and also makes setting up to play so much less of an annoyance. Just remember to change it over every few weeks or you may just get 'swamp reed'.

[@paulpontbriand]

I use Vandoren traditional 2 1/2 on a meyer 6 on my yamaha alto and lately I have hard problem with midle register after midle G going up to palm key.......use the same reed on my soprano P.Mauriat with my berg larsen and its going well on all register

[@drwallysax]

What's the issue? Not pleased with the tone?

[@paulpontbriand]

@@drwallysax I think the problem was the humidity of the reeds. Since I have stop keeping them in humidity the second register is going better.....I will keep making test and let you know but yes the sound was very bad and I have tendency to bite in order to make it better wich is realy not working but I have hard time not doing it. so maybe I need more time to work on my muscles

[@owenwalter451]

Since the Minnesota summer came and went I haven’t used a hydro case. White fuzzy mold was growing frequently. Hoping this winter doesn’t make me regret throwing away my little dad Dario hydro pack.

[@drwallysax]

You'll soldier through Owen, dry reeds are a mindset. Or maybe not. I don't fully understand atmospheric conditions. Happy Weekend!

[@claypufahl6074]

I’m in MN too, and mostly I’m with you Wally. The warmer months I just keep my reeds out in a Protech reed case but now in the winter I do keep them in a bag with one of the boveda humidity packs. Just helps keep the reeds from thinning out too much which I find happens otherwise.

[@antoniopinter4197]

Favorite reeds, still undecided between Alexander Superial DC and Gonzalez Local 627. Least favorite: Vandoren regular. (to not name the Chinese ones)

[@garyzimmer8061]

Another great vid. Doc Wally, When people ask me what reed I use, I tell'em',...whatever works! Lately though I seem to be blowing out reeds in the first hour before they're even broken in. I haven't really had this happen till the last few weeks. I'm a pro jazzer for 50 yrs., and a doubler. Acouple years ago I switched to a Meyer 9, it's been working great, but heard rumors the rails are too thin, causing a buzzing issue, and noticed that on recording work. And no, I don't wear dentures. After drying, I put them in either the case they came in, ie, VD Java red #3, or after dry,... a piece of plexiglass w/elastic bands. A student of Fred Hemke showed me that. Did I just get bad cane in a couple boxes or step to a #3 1/2? File cut or regular?

[@drwallysax]

That's a great question, and I'm not 100% sure, Gary. Every time I think I have the perfect reed solution, the weather changes!! Know what I mean?

[@garyzimmer8061]

@@drwallysax NO DOUBT.

[@alejandrosantana738]

Favorite reed: Either Boston Sax Shop 2.5, or Java Green 3 Least Favorite: La Voz Medium. Why? Very inconsistent and terrible seal on the mouthpiece. If you like Vandoren, definitely invest in a Reedgeek Black Diamond, or Geeklet. It makes the reeds so much better that way you can make a dud sound like a great reed.

[@drwallysax]

I'm a geek convert, been really enjoying the results!

[@SH1974]

Again one very informative Video. Thanks, Dr.Wally! For a beginner like me (I practice since 5 months) some aspects are different: I remember my first bad reed: it maked me extremely happy! Sounds weird, I know. But this reed was proof that my ability to differentiate between good and bad reeds is developing - and that was a good sign for me. (same situation when I had my first bad practice day: it made me smile, because it makes me recognize that the day before must have been a good day.) Then I don't have the problem how to long-term preserve boxes of reeds: because my emboucher is still growing, I do not buy boxes of them. Recently changed from 1,5 to 2,0 stiffness and still have a few 1,5 unopened. Guess I'm gonna spend them to our local music school. I don't have made it (yet) to own one "golden Reed".... Most reeds I play (Vandoren Classic Blue or Java Green 2,0) have a smaller or bigger sweet spot in the lower OR in the higher registers, but not in both. And then there is the Legere Signature (2,0) which is kind of a benchmark (because is behaves exemplary through the full range) but it isn't a "golden reed" anyway, because to my ear it doesn't sound as perfect as a (real) cane reed. For a beginner it's also difficult to compare over several days, better in a shorter interval. So I change my reed at least once during my daily 60-90min practice session. Usually I use 15-30 minutes in the middle section to try something new (eg. yesterday firstly tried a D'Addario Woodwinds Royal 2.0 reed: interresting!) or play-on another freshly opened standard reed. I try to not judge a new reed before I've played it a few times, at least an hour in total. Saxophone is such an amazing Instrument! The only thing I regret is that I've not started one or two decades earlyer! So, enough written about Sax - let's go practice.... :) Btw: there are really some people who leave their reeds on the mouthpiece and don't clean it? Aaargh, that's so disgusting! I will not imagine the microbiology evolving there... (could be a title for a horror movie: "The reed wars: Bacteria vs. Funghi")

[@drwallysax]

Bacteria VS Fungi! I love it. Have a great weekend my friend!

[@cj_ocean]

My favorite reeds are Légère Signature reeds. My least favorite are any other reeds. Maybe I have no right to talk about my least favorite, because I've never played on any other reeds, except for a week or two when I first started to learn saxophone and was playing on a rental horn. I like the Légères because they always sound the same, and are always ready to play. I can practice with them for some time, take a little break and when I want to continue to practice, I can instantly do it. #newschool

[@drwallysax]

You young whipper snappers with your fancy internet phones and plastic reeds.... (Legere will be in my upcoming REED WARS video series) Happy weekend Kaito!

[@cj_ocean]

@@drwallysax Looking forward to it ^^ Thank you, Dr Wally, same to you!

[@eoinryan8222]

@@drwallysax Have you ever heard of forestone hinoki reeds, they are half cane and half synthetic, could be a good idea for your upcoming reed wars series.

[@drwallysax]

@@eoinryan8222 My old teacher, Chad Eby just mentioned them to me - I'll check them out!

[@dougmaher3802]

I bought 20 Cecile reeds for $15 off Amazon to practice working on reeds without going bankrupt. Most (all) of the reeds are not cut with an equal thickness at the base so I'm guessing they are made from rejected blanks. Using the Reed Geek, I have been able to work some of them into performance ready reeds. I'm not sugesting these as your go to reeds but rather a way to practice adjusting reeds. I like to think of these like a student level saxophone. When you have improved with practice, you will better know your preference in choosing a pofessional model (reed).

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

i love most gonzales local 627 reeds, the worst reeds for me are Rico Orange box and synthetic reeds

[@drwallysax]

I've heard good things about Gonzales - it's been a while for me. Agreed, I just can't fall in love with synthetic!

[@londonduszynski3518]

My least favorite reeds are Traditional Vandorens, I've tried different strengths and break in processes but I've never been able to get a sound I've liked with them so I switched to V12's (3 1/2) on my AP3 and I've never looked back. For jazz I found Orange box Ricos (3 1/2) respond really well on my mouthpiece (10mfan Daddy-o 8) and I don't think they deserve a lot of the hate they seem to be getting.

[@jseligmann]

1) My favorite reeds: La Voz Med Soft.2) Don't generally work for me: Vandoren or Rico Royal. ps Thanks for your common sense.

[@paulaewa]

Smart, funny and on point! Thank you Dr Wally! The worst reeds in my opinion are Rico Orange box, I don't know why they are always recommended for beginners, they are soo bad in every possible way... Changed to Vandoren and never looked back :) What's your take on synthetic reeds, dr Wally? There seems to be a hype for those nowadays...

[@drwallysax]

Awww, Paula, thanks! I haven't spent a ton of time on synthetic reeds - the couple I tried were ok(ish), but I preferred my cane reeds. I generally love cane reeds! I like the feeling of tradition, the ceremony of conditioning, etc. I'm a dork. Have a great weekend!

[@paulaewa]

@@drwallysax I agree! And then we can traditionally complain about them too of course. Have a great weekend :)

[@parkerpolen]

Thanks for another great video, Wally. Would you recommend getting rid of my Vandoren hygro case?

[@drwallysax]

Not necessarily! If you live in a very dry climate, you might prefer it (my friends in Michigan do - where the heater runs constantly). If you like the way your reeds play, and have no mold issues - hygro on my friend!

[@allanjmcpherson]

It's really strange. I keep my clarinet reeds humidified, and I've never had a problem. They last a long time. No mold. But I've tried doing the exact same with my alto reeds, and they go brown. I don't know why they behave so different. Given how dry it gets in the winter where I live, I really do like humidified reeds, but I think I'm just gonna have to let my sax reeds dry out.

[@ntxmt]

My best so far are Vandoren red javas. The worst ones were the Rico 1.5s until I got some great advice from a fellow that knew what he was talking about. Get a decent mouthpiece! Turned out the 1.5s were just too soft so they weren't really all that bad. The actual worst ones were a couple of unmarked Chinese alto reeds. I didn't think they played well at all.

[@Danox94]

Dr. Wally, it turns out that all of my reeds are bad, everytime. It couldn't possibly be something else, right?

[@drwallysax]

It MUST be the reeds. What else could it be? I would take a two-fold approach: cryogenic conditioning and an exorcist. The deep freezing process will remove impurities and realign the reed fibers - increasing sympathetic vibration with your chi. The exorcist should be able to remove any semi-demons or honkerghiets. Good luck and god speed my friend.

[@lejazz6938]

@@drwallysax ;)

[@AdamHiltonChannel]

Hi, I'm loving the videos! Your fundamentals eBook is really helping me improve. When you rotate reeds around, how do you know it's time to buy some new ones before it's too late and all the reeds have softened?

[@drwallysax]

GREAT question! For me, after about 3-4 weeks, I start rotating new reeds. That may be excessive for you, as my line of work (or play, as my wife calls it) requires a LOT of time spent on the horn. But your instinct of wanting to rotate "before its too late" is right on!

[@ldever3]

Back when I was at LSU in 1986, I took a saxophone class. I had always played on Rico Royal 3.0 reeds. My local music store had a massive selection of reeds from 1.5 through 3.0 for both Rico and Rico Royal. My sax class teacher promptly informed me that all of my equipment sucked. My King Super 20 wasn't any good because it wasn't like his Selmer Super Action 80. And my reeds were garbage because they weren't like his Vandoren Blue box reeds. So while deciding to keep my horrible Super 20, I did get a box of 10 Vandoren reeds. Out of that box I think I found 1 reed I kinda liked. Shortly after that I took a short 34 year break from playing. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask my instructor why, with the almighty Super Action 80 and super Blue Box reeds, his tone was so thin and pathetic sounding. I now play on a Legere American Cut reed, that I really enjoy. I stay away from Vandoren.

[@drwallysax]

Oh man, glad you're playing again! Saxophonists (especially classical nerds) used to be crazy dogmatic about Selmers. Honestly though, Vandoren does make a good reed. But if you're loving the Legere, I'm glad to hear it. Have a great weekend, Lowell!

[@shipsahoy1793]

My biggest sax reed nightmare was getting super burned by a super golden reed. Had to be the most painful, debilitating, suicide provoking horror ever to grace a wannabe saxophonist. Thanks Doc for making it all better...😉👨🏻

[@drwallysax]

We laugh together, so we don't cry. Still, I sometimes cry over reeds. Man, why didn't we take up golfing or fishing?

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@drwallysax Amen Brother ! 😢

[@davidjung1824]

I too fell victim to the golden reed syndrome before learning to rotate my reeds in college. I can remember multiple times that I would play a reed to death and as a result when I pulled out a new reed it would feel like a 2x4

[@cj_ocean]

What an awesome video once again. You have way too few subscribers.

[@drwallysax]

Thanks Kaito - It's a small community, but a cool one.

[@willreynolds7630]

Hey Wally whats that song at the beginning and background of your videos?

[@drwallysax]

Hey Will, it's a tune I wrote: "Your Love is a Gamma Ray." Part of a recording session I did back in 2018. Happy weekend!

[@willreynolds7630]

@@drwallysax Thank you I really love it so I was just wondering

[@drwallysax]

@@willreynolds7630 Thanks man, that's very kind!

[@Debukochi]

Synthetic reeds are bad for me because they're difficult to adjust. All of the kids that I've worked with learn reed prep and adjustment from day 1. Knowing a few techniques that can be done with small bits of sandpaper really improves the kids' "accessibility" to the entire range of their instrument, builds their confidence, and can make playing much more enjoyable. I base most of this instruction on simplified notes from Prof. Larry Guy's publication, "Selection, Adjustment and Care of Single Reeds", minus the 10-day break-in period he recommends (known to bring middle-schoolers to tears). :o)

[@drwallysax]

10 minutes for a middle schooler is like a quarter-century! Great advice - I've just stared messing with the Reed Geek (over sand paper) - have you tried it?

[@Debukochi]

@@drwallysax Yes. It works great for me, esp. for precise adjustments near the tip. I don't recommend it for kids because schools are so sensitive about them bringing any sharp objects into the building. I also still find coarse sandpaper best for significant adjustments at the shoulder.

[@davidjung1824]

Well done debukochi!😀 I wish more instructors would do the same. I didn't learn reed prep/care/rotation till my second or third week of college. It was like holy s@#&$! I wish I knew this from the beginning!!!! The sharp objects in school thing is a real issue. That's where a reedgeek, reed rush, and good old fashioned sandpaper come in handy.

[@jjohn1441]

I'm using a No.2.5 and a No.3 Fibracell resin jazz reeds. How do you compare resin reeds to common wooden reeds? The back cover of my two resin reeds are kind of rolled up and I'm not sure if it has impacts on my tone. I don't even know what cause them to roll up.... it's just weird

[@davidjung1824]

For me my least favorite reeds would have to be 1) flavor reeds they wear out quickly both in general and during a playing session and have poor response overall 2) the old bari star plastic reeds from twenty some years ago. They required too much air and it was impossible to blend in with the band. Now that I have learned to adjust and rotate reeds I can get most to play at least ok. Right now I'm really digging the following. Alto sax vandoren v21, tenor sax vandoren java green, java red, and hemke. Bari sax rico grand concert select and the old reserve classic ever though they are more resistant. I'm on both sides of the fence when it comes to legere signature on all three as stated in another comment below. In my opinion legere classic is the only way to go for bass sax. I played a Buescher true tone one semester in college. On the vintage mouthpiece (probably a Buescher as well) the rico 3 in 1 reeds were so soft they would completely close off and the couple old vandorens remaining in the case were like a 2x4 times ten I kid you not! I got a legere classic 2.75 and while it didn't have the tone quality or response of a great cane reed it worked each and every day without any loss of quality for the whole semester. I'd also like to revist rico royal. I used them exclusively for three years and also used them for bari in high school.

[@drwallysax]

I love some Rico Royals - good reeds!

[@Trevayne4]

Hi Dr. Wally I know this is an older video which I had watched a while back, but I was looking to answer the question about the left and right edges of my reeds not matching the shape of the top of my mouth piece. Is this a problem or just a no big deal.

[@drwallysax]

Not a big deal at all! If the edges extend beyond the rails, it will feel a bit more resistant. Some of my favorite mouthpieces don't line up perfectly at all. There are some mouthpiece makers that feel the slight asymmetry adds character and fullness to the sound. I tend to agree.

[@luisfigueroa4598]

I am have so much problems. All I want to do is practice. I am breaking in 8 reeds. This is day 5. I am heading that thud in B flat. I do just do not know.

[@ImThePrizeXY]

I'm a beginner do I need to worry about how to store synthetic reeds?

[@taralouise2194]

I can't picture anybody's Reed's getting "swampery" so gross!! We put that in our mouth! I always remove my reed, clean my mouth piece after playing. Sheesh!!!

[@allenotis8863]

I play the Java Red Box By Vandoren 3.5 all my saxophones Soprano, Alto & Tenor.

[@drwallysax]

Those are great reeds, to be sure!

[@peternero6689]

"... Paul Desmond and Stan Getz had a baby." A sound like butta.

[@drwallysax]

It's diapers smell like gin and tonic

[@quickref]

I used to use la voz in the past and since i have some left i started with them again. Although they are now 15 years old they still look fine. And i blame the Bad sound rather to my missing practice. Or do you think i should invest in a pack of new ones?

[@drwallysax]

I'm honestly not sure! If it's not a huge financial hardship (and these days, I'd understand if it is) -I'd buy a fresh box. Let me know how it goes!

[@quickref]

I think i will go for new ones. I anyway have a check of my sax to see if it needs some fixing after this long break. Then i will see if it's only me who' s bad.

[@drwallysax]

@@quickref NEVER, blame the reeds! (happy practicing and keep me updated)

[@SammyNeverEver]

Dunno what the problem is with split reeds. Mine still sounds fine

[@ldever3]

I have a synthetic reed question. After every time I play, I take off my reed and clean my reed and mouthpiece with warm water. Then I wipe my reed dry, and run my sax cleaning cloth through my mouthpiece until dry. My post playing cleaning-routine takes about 30 minutes. So here is my question. After I have cleaned and dried my mouthpiece, reed, and my sax, I attach my synthetic reed back to the mouthpiece, ready for my next practice. Is this a mistake? So far I see no issues. It does not warp or mold.

[@drwallysax]

That's a great question, and I'm not 100% sure of the answer? Being that things are dry, it's probably not a problem. My only concern would be the window of the mouthpiece digging into the table of the reed (creating a slight impression). This is zero help to you, sorry! (I will say, 30 minutes is a long cleaning routine, I think you could probably get that down a bit - unless you don't mind the process)

[@jamescps8799]

My main problem is the Reed Suction Test. Put a relatively new reed, suction test POP ok. After practicing for 15 minutes, suction test failed. Hard to play. Any advice? I play tenor vandoren bluebox 2.5.

[@jarod144]

My favourite reed ever had a giant split!

[@drwallysax]

HERESY!!! Repent, Jarod. REPENT!

[@CarnivoreCurin]

I use Legere Signature Synthetic Reeds. I use 1.75 and 2.5. I can dip then in really hot water and flaten them out a little. It may be time to buy new ones. I don't know.

[@drwallysax]

I know they don't last forever, but not sure how many hours you can log on the Legere. I'll ask around my nerdy professor friends and see what the consensus is. Have a great weekend, Ruth!

[@davidjung1824]

I had a 3.5 for bari that lasted me a semester playing it 3+ hours a week

[@quisick8600]

Where the link tho?

[@drwallysax]

ooooooooops! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXmTm4qsiNJqbrM

[@whatdidhesaysaxophone1253]

Stan Getz & Paul Desmond’s baby......

[@drwallysax]

that thing would be so cute....

[@joseluishinojosa9304]

@@drwallysax 😂

[@whoitisnot]

Where's that reed adjustment video?

[@marcowenzel8889]

I like to play plastic reeds on my teneor sax. What do you think? Are they better in your opinion? Do they last for ever when you have a good one. I prefer Legere reeds.

[@drwallysax]

Hey Marco, I think they’re getting better by the year, and a great option. They don’t last forever, but not sure how long? Legere is quite popular among many pros. Happy practicing!

[@Robyn19fnq]

So Dr Wally, why don't we just use synthetic reeds?

[@drwallysax]

If our reeds are problem free, on WHAT do we blame our deficiencies???!!! (I just don't like the sound/feel as much as cane). Something about the organic material, the tradition, the ceremony of breaking them in. I love it all - no joke.

[@timmao2358]

My favorite reeds are vandoren silver boxes. I find regular rico reeds the worst on the market.

[@drwallysax]

While I love my Vandorens, I don't mind a good orange box Rico (finding a good one is challenging).

[@thomasschneider1785]

After I do all you suggested I feel like 6 7 hrs is the limited Do you agree???tom

[@CarnivoreCurin]

I use synthetic reeds. The still warp and split. sometimes they don't fit well. What should I do to prevent this?

[@drwallysax]

Hi Ruth, afraid I don't have any experience with synthetic maintenance. When I did play Legere, I didn't have that problem. What brand are you using?

[@josephbergstein4550]

What are your thoughts about synthetic reeds?

[@drwallysax]

I'm impressed with how far they've come! If I did musicals or pit orchestras - I'd probably use them. But for me, NOTHING can match the sound, color, and vibrancy of a good cane reed. I have students that love synthetic and sound good, that makes me happy.

[@davidjung1824]

I agree with Dr. Wally. They don't have the same time color and quality of a great cane reed,BUT, they 1) play the same each time till it's time to discard it and get a new one 2) you know it's going to play whether it's below zero and bone dry, pouring down rain and more humid that an amazon rainforest, or anywhere in between 3) are great when switching between instruments and 4) great for less common instruments such as bass sax or contrabass clarinet. My experience is based on the legere signatures and classic in the case of bass sax.

[@Sarastro010267]

😄I use fiberreds on all of my saxes since 15 years😉 and never experienced any of this problems during this period🎶🎵🎷😎

[@drwallysax]

Lot of people love them, (and many of my colleagues)!

[@Sarastro010267]

@@drwallysax It is hard to find the best brand that fits perfect to you...but once you find it - the company shuts down😅my favourite one was made by "Hahn"...two brothers that got so rich by selling the reeds that they bought an own island and never have to work again🤪actually i play the "Fibracell Premier" reeds. They look, sound, feel and even taste as real reeds. (After two weeks without cleaning they also stink like an old fish tank - same as the nature ones)😆

[@bososaclab4715]

I am stuck with a golden reed right now. I play my other reeds just a bit everyday before going back to my good one because my other reeds just feel too hard at the moment. Is this a good way of fixing things?

[@drwallysax]

Try to ween off the golden reeds - do what you're doing and pull off the bandaid! Good luck and keep me posted!

[@rohangore]

I play vandoren blue box 2.5.. @Dr. Wally please suggest good reeds as per your experience.. ZZ or Daddario which is better??

[@drwallysax]

Rohan, they are both great my friend! Just a matter of preference. I'll show how good they both are in the upcoming REED WARS series - either way, you'll get a good reed! Personally, I love the D'addario select jazz unfiled.