Sax Players: Soaking Reeds

[Dads_obsessed]

After many years of not playing, I'd like to get into it again.

I was thinking back to my playing days in HS (and the one year in college) and this kinda struck me as being odd.

We used to soak our new reeds overnight before using, thinking about it, that makes no sense, why waterlog the reed? Wouldn't that make it heavier and harder to vibrate? It seemed to explain why I have always had a hard time getting air through the horn.

So before posting here I did some research online, and now I'm more confused.

Site One:

"Soaking reeds makes them last longer and makes them sound better. With that in mind, when you get a new box of reeds let them soak in water over night. Afterwards, let them dry flat on a piece of glass so they do not warp."

Site Two:

"First, soak the reeds for about ten minutes in tepid water, making sure to soak the entire reed, . After soaking the reeds for ten minutes or so, pull them out and shake off the excess water and place them flat side down on a non-porous, flat piece of glass or plastic. Next, wet your thumb and rub the vamp (cut) portion of the reed towards the tip about ten times."

Site Three:

"A reed will play more efficiently if it is soaked in water before playing (about two minutes for a new reed, less time for broken-in ones). Both butt and tip should be soaked."

Thoughts?

[saxlover]

After many years of not playing, I'd like to get into it again.

I was thinking back to my playing days in HS (and the one year in college) and this kinda struck me as being odd.

We used to soak our new reeds overnight before using, thinking about it, that makes no sense, why waterlog the reed? Wouldn't that make it heavier and harder to vibrate? It seemed to explain why I have always had a hard time getting air through the horn.

So before posting here I did some research online, and now I'm more confused.

Site One:

"Soaking reeds makes them last longer and makes them sound better. With that in mind, when you get a new box of reeds let them soak in water over night. Afterwards, let them dry flat on a piece of glass so they do not warp."

Site Two:

"First, soak the reeds for about ten minutes in tepid water, making sure to soak the entire reed, . After soaking the reeds for ten minutes or so, pull them out and shake off the excess water and place them flat side down on a non-porous, flat piece of glass or plastic. Next, wet your thumb and rub the vamp (cut) portion of the reed towards the tip about ten times."

Site Three:

"A reed will play more efficiently if it is soaked in water before playing (about two minutes for a new reed, less time for broken-in ones). Both butt and tip should be soaked."

Thoughts?
i dont like the site one response.

different people have different preferences on how they do things. how you store your reeds is more important. you want to prevent warping, so keeping your reeds on a flat surface that can be regulated for humidity. lots of reed holders have a little charcoal insert that helps maintain humidity. if your reeds are in a dry environment they will warp more easily. as far as playing. i soak mine for a few minutes (nothing too long 3-10 minutes or so)before i play, sometimes in water, most of the time just in my mouth. back in college my professor had a routine for reeds. he had everyone in the studio do this whenever you got new reeds. its pretty similar to what site 2 states. our professor would have us get a grocery bag, cut a sheet out of the bag. use that paper to rub the back of the reed. helped to smooth out the back of the reed. he would then have us clog the pores coming out on the vamp. we would do this by taking our index finger and then briefly touch your forehead to collect some of your natural oil onto your finger. then you would rub the reed from the middle cut to the tip. the oils collect in the pores and clog them. you can easily test this out with new reeds. wet the reed in your mouth and then place the end of the reed in your mouth and blow into the pores. you will see the air bubble up on the water/saliva on the vamp. when they are clogged you dont see the air coming through. my sax professor was a bit odd, but he knew his shit when it came to the sax. i did immediately notice that my reeds lasted a hell of alot longer and my tone was much more consistent.

[Dads_obsessed]

Thanks so much for the reply.

I was hoping you guys wouldn't like 'Site ones' method seeing as how that really didn't work for me.

As for your professors method, odd sure, but thats what i want to hear, different ideas I can try until I figure out what works for me.

Thanks again.