[jcjames]

i bought a box of javas for my tenor for the first time, and i soaked each read for 5 mins, let them dry, and then rubbed the bottoms of them about 3 times on sandpaper on glass. one of the reeds playes really well, but the other 4 are completely different, they're hard to play, and they sound alot quieter and stuffier, did i mess these reeds up?

happy thanksgiving

 

[daigle65]

I find that Vandorens have a much longer breaking in period than other reeds.
I go through a 6 step process of gradually extending the playing time, after step #6 they have played for a total of an hour, then I find that they have stabilised.
Try your reeds again tomorrow, they will probably play a bit softer and more open. Repeat that for a couple more days.

I don't recommend sanding them again.

 

[jcjames]

thanks for the advice,
when you break in your reeds, how do you soak them?

 

[daigle65]

I use the plastic holder that the reed comes in to hold it by the but end and I put it in a glass of water for 20, 30 minutes or more depending on how dry the climate is. By doing it this way the reed is completely submerged.

 

[jcjames]

i've always heard about reeds becoming water logged as a result of too much soaking, but it's never happened to me. does soaking the reeds that long ever give you any problems? I actually dont even know what happens when you water log a reed.....

 

[Sigmund451]

One of five plays....sounds about right!

Just try what has been suggested. Also spend a little time learning a bit about altering your reeds to get more playable ones. Once you do I find that most are playable. Some are certainly superior to others but I rarely completely toss a new reed. Its just one of those things. You didnt do anything wrong.

 

[daigle65]

i've always heard about reeds becoming water logged as a result of too much soaking, but it's never happened to me. does soaking the reeds that long ever give you any problems? I actually dont even know what happens when you water log a reed.....

A water logged reed is one that is so saturated with water that it sounds dull (lacking harmonics) and lacks projection. This happens when the soaking time exceeds an hour.
There is no permanent damage, just let it dry on a flat surface.

 

[jcjames]

thank you for the replys daigle and sigmund,

i'm going to learn how to alter my reeds now that i've had this big of a problem, but hey i have 4 reeds to practice on