My reeds wear out way too fast. They are the best when they are straight out of the box, they are okay the second play, by the third play, they're limp and squeak and are crap. I've attempted sanding, but that didn't help. Besides, my sax buddies never sand their reeds and they don't wear out nearly as quick. I even stepped up from 3 to 3.5 reeds but that didn't seem to help. I keep my reeds in the Lavoz plastic thing which is cleaned regularly. I have multiple mouthpieces, so that's not the problem. Yes, I rotate 4 to five reeds at a time. This is getting way too expensive! I'm using reeds like crazy. Any suggestions? I, as well as my friends, use Rico Royal 3 and 3.5's, by the way.