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Which is better buy reeds in singles or in a box?

Author: CharmOne
Date: 2003-04-26 07:03

I keep hearing that many wanted to buy reeds in boxes. But, wouldn't it be better to buy a single reed perfectly chosen within a box instead? Comments anyone?

Thanks.

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Re: Which is better buy reeds in singles or in a box?

Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-04-26 07:09

I don't fully understand the question, but if it's asking what I think it's asking, here's my thoughts . . .

Who gets to choose the reed? It may work better on their mouthpiece than on yours. Then you wouldn't be getting a great reed would you?

Or what about the costs of paying people to choose the best reed?

Or how about the environment they choose it in? If they live in a humid environment (coastline, swamps, etc) that reed will be great for them there, but what about the person who buys it that lives in Nevada, Arizona, Gobi desert, etc?

Or even if you choose the perfect reed etc, and it's wonderful. What's to say that during a weather change it doesn't act up where another reed would now be "perfect", but you didn't choose it!

I just think there are too many variables.

Alexi

US Army Japan Band

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Re: Which is better buy reeds in singles or in a box?

Author: icecoke12
Date: 2003-04-26 08:43

I think CharmOne means choosing a reed by visually inspecting the reed. Lots of shops allow you do buy individual reeds from a box.

I suppose the chances of getting a better reed may be higher when it passes the visual inspection (eg. nice consistent grain etc) but there is no guarantee of it working I guess. Anyway people normally buy in boxes as its supposed to be cheaper.

That reminds me of Zonda reeds packaging which allows you to look at it since it has a transparent covering on the box.

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Re: Which is better buy reeds in singles or in a box?

Author: Dee
Date: 2003-04-26 11:43

It's simply impossible to pick a perfect reed by visual inspection. I've had reeds that met every visual criteria (grain, aging color, etc) that played like dogs and reeds that look terrible but played like a dream.

It is bets to buy them buy the box. Then learn the little mounting tricks that help each reed play its best. i.e. You can't mount every reed exactly the same. Some need to be mounted higher, others lower, and some very slightly off center. If the mounting tricks don't do it, then a little reed adjustment is in order. Doing these things will get you 8 to 10 good to great reeds out of every box.

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Re: Which is better buy reeds in singles or in a box?

Author: BobD
Date: 2003-04-26 12:19

Ach, choosing the perfect reed is like choosing the perfect wife.

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Re: Which is better buy reeds in singles or in a box?

Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2003-04-26 13:58

Hi:
Although I'm certainly no reed expert, I think the general wisdom is that how a reed looks and how it plays are somewhat mutually exclusive. My experience certainly supports that view, since I've had some nasty looking reeds play really well. I'll just buy a box and go from there. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don't.

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Re: Which is better buy reeds in singles or in a box?

Author: Bob A
Date: 2003-04-26 14:26

Oh BobD how wrong you are. I've got the perfect wife (56 years) but have yet to find a perfect reed. Bob A

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