Topmusicanswers
Yes, reeds do need breaking in. It's only after breaking a reed in that you can decide if it is up to the job or not. Normally you end up with a number of broken in reeds so you can choose which one is best to use.
- Do you have to break in reeds?
- How long does it take to break in a saxophone reed?
- How do you break in a clarinet reed?
- How long are clarinet reeds supposed to last?
Do you have to break in reeds?
When you first play a reed, it's very important that you break it in. Breaking in a reed allows the reed to last longer, to play longer in a single sitting, and to be more stable/reliable.
How long does it take to break in a saxophone reed?
4-5 days of adjustments is plenty of time to tell if a reed can be made good. I can usually tell after 2 to 3 sessions (with adjustments). Most can be made into great players, but some just don't seem to be worth the effort.
How do you break in a clarinet reed?
We suggest that you break the reeds in by first soaking them for about 2-4 minutes in lukewarm to warm water, and making sure that the whole vamp, and not just the tip alone, gets wet (a reed that is too dry or only wet at the very tip might tend to squeak).
How long are clarinet reeds supposed to last?
For those just starting out, reeds can last up to six months. Once you play and practice more frequently, this “cycle” can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Once you become more comfortable with the clarinet, you'll have a general idea of when you should be replacing your reeds.
