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Is breaking in reeds actually more about hydration than playing?

Author: nellsonic
Date: 2024-01-10 12:54

Over the past few years I've found my reeds lasting much longer. I've gone from having a reed typically last a few months to having them last pretty consistently for a couple of years!

The only significant variable I can come up with is that I've been breaking in reeds VERY slowly, but also in a very lazy way. Once I've briefly played a reed four times it can go into my regular rotation. However, it often takes several months or even a year for me to do this. Once I play a reed for the first time it will usually sit in a humidity controlled case (72%) for a long time before I get around to playing it again. Because I retire reeds so rarely I've always have a bunch of them waiting their turn.

Other factors that I believe help: I use Steuer Exclusive reeds (very good consistent cane), have a relatively low-resistance set-up (no biting required), rotate reeds after about 30-60 minutes of playing, and carefully and quickly balance and rebalance (and flatten) each reed as needed.

I only have 8 reeds on my A-team at a time and I play for several hours most days, so the reeds get plenty of play each week.

All of this has been consistent for much longer than just the last couple of years, and I am picky about my reeds - they get tossed as soon as they loose any color, response, or hold.

I'm curious if anyone else has found that long hydration, rather than many short playing sessions, might be the key to a great break-in process.

Anders

Post Edited (2024-01-10 14:46)

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