Bad Reeds | causes and simple solutions

Summary

In this video, Dr. Wally Wallace explores common problems saxophonists face with reeds, from poor tone and intonation to swampy, deteriorated reeds. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains how moisture, improper storage, and overuse can damage reeds, and why letting them dry out completely is often best. He emphasizes the dangers of the 'golden reed' trap, where overplaying a perfect reed can decondition your embouchure. Dr. Wallace recommends reed rotation, proper storage, and avoiding soaking reeds in liquids. With practical tips and humorous anecdotes, he guides players toward better reed management, improved tone, and longer-lasting performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moisture is a major issue for reeds, causing them to break down and sound dull if left wet for too long.
• 😀 Swamp reeds, which are moist and left too long on the mouthpiece, lose their vibrancy, causing poor tone and intonation.
• 😀 Proper reed care involves drying them completely after use, rather than trying to keep them moist with humidity-controlled cases.
• 😀 While experimenting with humidity control is common, it can lead to mold and mushy reeds if not managed carefully.
• 😀 Reeds that are allowed to dry completely tend to last longer and maintain better tonal quality compared to those kept moist.
• 😀 The 'golden reed' is a trap — it feels great initially but will degrade over time, making it harder to play when rotated with other reeds.
• 😀 It's important to rotate reeds regularly to prevent embouchure and airstream laziness, which happens when you use a single reed for too long.
• 😀 Avoid sticking reeds in bottles or any kind of liquid solution, as this can lead to bacterial growth and worse reed performance.
• 😀 Using reed cases to store reeds securely is essential, as they protect from moisture, damage, and contamination while keeping them dry.
• 😀 A simple reed rotation system with four to ten reeds at a time is recommended to prevent reeds from softening too quickly and to maintain consistent sound quality.

Q & A

Why do saxophonists often blame reeds for poor tone or intonation?

Many saxophonists assume that problems with tone quality or intonation are caused by the reed, but sometimes the issue lies with the player’s technique or how the reed is maintained.

What is a 'swamp reed' and what causes it?

A swamp reed is a reed that has become overly moist and degraded, usually from being left on a mouthpiece or stored in a closed, humid environment. The fibers break down, resulting in a dull tone and poor response.

How does moisture affect the longevity and sound of a reed?

Excess moisture breaks down the reed fibers, leading to mushiness, dull sound, reduced projection, and poor low-end response. Controlled drying helps maintain tone and prolong reed life.

What are the potential problems with trying to maintain constant humidity for reeds?

If humidity is not perfectly maintained, reeds can quickly develop mold or become mushy. Devices like hygro cases, wet packs, or homemade humidors can fail if not managed carefully.

Why is allowing reeds to dry completely sometimes preferable?

Drying reeds completely prevents mold and fiber breakdown. When re-wetted for playing, the reeds return to playable condition and tend to last longer while maintaining their tone quality.

What is the 'golden reed' phenomenon and why can it be problematic?

A golden reed is one that feels perfect to play, with great tone and response. However, repeatedly playing the same reed can decondition the player’s embouchure, making subsequent reeds feel too hard and causing frustration.

What is reed rotation and why is it important?

Reed rotation involves breaking in multiple reeds at once and alternating them during practice and performance. This prevents overuse of a single reed, maintains embouchure strength, and prolongs the lifespan of each reed.

Why is submerging reeds in water or other solutions discouraged?

Submerging reeds in water or liquids can cause them to become waterlogged, soggy, and degrade rapidly. It may also promote bacterial growth, negatively affecting sound quality and reed durability.

What is the recommended way to store reeds when not in use?

Reeds should be stored in a dry reed case that protects them from damage and allows them to dry out. Numbering the reeds helps keep track of rotation.

What are some common mistakes beginners make with reed care?

Beginners often leave reeds on the mouthpiece after playing, store them in closed, warm cases, or try to maintain constant humidity improperly. These mistakes lead to swamp reeds, mold, or premature deterioration.

How does the breakdown of reed fibers affect playing?

As fibers break down, the reed becomes softer, easier to play, and less resistant. While this might feel comfortable, it deconditions the embouchure and reduces control, making new reeds feel overly stiff.

What tips does Dr. Wally Wallace offer for maintaining reeds in top condition?

He recommends letting reeds dry completely, rotating multiple reeds, avoiding submersion in liquids, using a protective reed case, and re-wetting only before playing. These practices help sustain tone, response, and longevity.