Some of my current reeds (Robert's, Rigotti's, Van Doren) are well past 6 months old and performing great. There are other threads that touch on reed preservation but it will be useful to have a discussion clearly labeled and focused on extending the life of reeds. What works for you? Here's what works for me:
1. Store reeds in a jar with a vodka layer on the bottom. For many years I struggled with warped, blackened, fungal-involved reeds. I tried many solutions and ultimately found a jar with a layer of vodka on the bottom keeps them moist but not waterlogged, prevents warping and fungal growth, and keeps them ready to be played at a moment's notice. The vodka has to be changed every few weeks to maintain potency.
2. Start with hard reeds and break them in. My reeds can take 2 weeks or longer to soften up, but after that the softening rate slows to a crawl. My theory is the alcohol acts as a preservative.
3. Rotate reeds. I have 2 jars with 6 reeds each. I change reeds every practice session so 2 to 3 times daily. In my mind, it's like rotating running shoes to extend their life - I have no idea if this helps but it's easy enough so why not?
By far, I noticed the biggest improvement in reed longevity after starting the vokda jar system. After doing this for a few years I realized my reeds were lasting months longer. I have a reed I gigged on in January that is still going strong. It is not synthetic but lasting as long.
I realize this is simply my anecdotal experience and YMMV. What works for you?
1. Store reeds in a jar with a vodka layer on the bottom. For many years I struggled with warped, blackened, fungal-involved reeds. I tried many solutions and ultimately found a jar with a layer of vodka on the bottom keeps them moist but not waterlogged, prevents warping and fungal growth, and keeps them ready to be played at a moment's notice. The vodka has to be changed every few weeks to maintain potency.
2. Start with hard reeds and break them in. My reeds can take 2 weeks or longer to soften up, but after that the softening rate slows to a crawl. My theory is the alcohol acts as a preservative.
3. Rotate reeds. I have 2 jars with 6 reeds each. I change reeds every practice session so 2 to 3 times daily. In my mind, it's like rotating running shoes to extend their life - I have no idea if this helps but it's easy enough so why not?
By far, I noticed the biggest improvement in reed longevity after starting the vokda jar system. After doing this for a few years I realized my reeds were lasting months longer. I have a reed I gigged on in January that is still going strong. It is not synthetic but lasting as long.
I realize this is simply my anecdotal experience and YMMV. What works for you?
