How to prepare new reeds

[*TheEdge*]

OK. I'm a beginner sax player. I used to play alto years and years ago in school. Now I just bought a soprano sax.

Can someone tell me the best way(s) to prepare a new reed for use? Soaking? Wetting? Drying? Etc.

Is there a chart that shows a pic (not illustration) of proper reed alignment on a mouthpiece?

What's the best (Not Too expensive- $100 or less) soprano mouthpiece and reed brand and size for a beginner soprano sax player?

Thanks

[sadist]

I'm just an intermediate player but i received several advices

for classical music
mouthpiece would be c* or c** selmer s80. They're quite good and produce a whole nice sound. c* or c** or wadever the letter is depends on how bright the sound you want it to be or to your preferences i guess
reeds would be vandorean classic or supreme classique

for jazz music
get runyon customs or wait my comp is going down again!!!!!!!!![/u]

[Perfect Pitch]

Try as many mpcs as possible (using an electronic tuner) to find the best intonation match with your sax. The Bari Esprit is very cheap and I have seen good reviews on it here.
Soprano saxes are more difficult to play with good intonation and I personally would not recommend them as beginner saxes as embouchure development is more critical than the larger horns. You definitely need a lesson or ten to point you away from years of frustration!

[jazzbluescat]

Can someone tell me the best way(s) to prepare a new reed for use? Soaking? Wetting? Drying? Etc.


I soak a new reed in a glass of water for 20 minutes. Lay it on a flat surface bottom down, massage/rub the reed from the U to the tip 12-15 times. Play moderately on it for about 15 minutes. Wash it off, put it in the reed holder.
Repeat the procedure the next day.
The third day it's usually a little tight but ready to play on, normally.

[As per Tom Alexander's (reed manufacturer) idea/instructions; works on all brands of reeds.]

Actually, I massage the bottom/flat side of the reed, also, just for the hell of it. 8)

[*TheEdge*]

Thanks all.

[SelmerSaksMan]

Dont get the reed wet, first polish the reed with some paper rub it around a hundred times. Wet it and play test it. If the low end is too hard, sand just before the bark starts. If the high end is too stif, sand it around the vamp. If the reed in general is too stiff, sand it right in the middle. The S-80 sucks, I dont see how Selmer sells a single one. The solist is without a doubt THE classical piece for sop, but they are very expensive. The rouseeasu R is probably second best.

[colibri]

The S-80 sucks, I dont see how Selmer sells a single one

I love dogmatic comments.