[Michael Foster]

Hello

I recently decided to grab the ATG System after years of being a devoted/obsessed ReedGeek user and I'm looking for some advice. I've read the book, watched the videos, and it seems like a fantastic method, however I'm sure not everyone who uses the system follows his instructions to a T. Here's what I've previously been doing for reed prep, curious to hear everyone's thoughts and how to implement the ATG system.

My process, breaking in:
-Soak reed in warm to slightly hot water for 10-20mins
-ReedGeek or sandpaper the flat side so it's flat (this is a bulk of the work)
-Use ReedGeek to balance out the sides of the reed, particularly the back sides and the middle areas. I follow the Larry Teal guide to address specific issues on the top side of the reed.
-seal the fibers on the flat side of the reed by rubbing it on blank white printer paper until smooth.

this method has typically worked for me, however I still find myself having to flatten out the flat side of the reed, and tinker a little with the sides using the ReedGeek.

As for the ATG System: I can't really play a reed that hasn't been soaked for a bit, nor one that hasn't been flattened out a bit, however the system suggests doing the side-to-side reed test on NEW reeds, which makes it hard for me to determine what the issues are when the reed isn't flattened. That being said, this method seems fantastic for evening out the sides of the reed, which can be a real chore on the reedgeek, however typically I never work on the tip of the reed with the reedgeek.... am I missing out???

in short: How have YOU been using the ATG system? Do you use new reeds or soak them a bit first?

would appreciate any and all tips!!

 

[Michael Foster]

My biggest frustration with the Reed geek (one that the ATG seems great at addressing) is fully balancing the sides from the middle to the back of the Reed. Often time the Reedgeek is great for the very edges of the sides but not much further in.

I actually just tried adjusting a Reed that’d been soaking for 10mins and seemed ok to me, and the ATG definitely made some improvements

 

[Michael Foster]

"Balancing the sides from the middle to the back"?

I don't understand this.

Do you mean making the stiffness of the reed even from side to side? You'll mostly be working near the tip. Back up the vamp the effectiveness will be less and less, and of course whatever you do in parts of the reed that are on the flat table of the mouthpiece won't do anything.

Seriously, why not just buy a little penknife at the hardware store, a box of Ricos, and practice balancing, softening, clipping and reshaping, etc., till you've got it? Seems a lot easier and more universal than relying on special "systems" and specific tools.

Basically my reeds last till the vamp's too short to keep clipping and reshaping, or I finally get a split, or I chip them. Sometimes I throw new reeds into the mix just because I start worrying that I'm getting used to softer and softer ones, so I introduce a few new ones just to make sure things are staying stable.

i work primarily towards the vamp (or back end of the reed) to make the lower register less resistant as per the Larry Teal guide, which works great for me when i get it down to where i want it. I've been using the Reedgeek+soaking method for like 5 years and it's been great albeit a little time consuming. My reeds do last a while though, however maintaining them takes too much time.
Either way, my question is specific to the ATG system, so if you don't use it then that's fine but not what im looking for

 

[Michael Foster]

been doing some more experimenting today with the ATG and finding some definite improvements when it comes to balancing the sides of the reed. I'm finding the ReedGeek is great for addressing very specific spots of the reed, however the ATG balances the reed well enough for now I can't imagine using the ReedGeek for much outside of flattening them out.

 

[Michael Foster]

yes, the price is high, you get the following: 4 small pieces of sandpaper, the block (i tried to find a DIY alternative but ultimately gave up), glass piece, the book, and the dvd. That being said, the instructions are excellent and easy to follow. His book is also remarkably well written for what it is. so yes, when the package arrives you'll probably go "this is IT?!?!?" as i did. That being said, having stuck with it and re-reading the materials it seems like a worthwhile investment.

of course, if anyone has tips for a DIY alternative to the sanding block I'm all ears! I thought maybe a chalkboard eraser with a thin layer of rubber on either side might do the trick but I chose to bite the bullet and order before giving it a go.

 

[Michael Foster]

Here’s my method:

1) attach reed to mouthpiece
2) play saxophone

good for you! I’m asking about something specific, not for you to posture.
Has anyone ever found that kind of comment valuable on this website? No. Take your weird fragile attitude somewhere else

 

[Michael Foster]

No, I’m asking if people can remain on topic, which is tips for using the ATG system, not if you think it’s baloney or not. I like it a lot so far and would appreciate relevant advice from those who are more experienced with it.