What are Saxaphone reeds made of? What are the best way to take care of them?

Answer 1

Most reeds are made from cane, but synthetic reeds made from various substances are used by a small number of clarinetists and saxophonists. Synthetic reeds are generally more durable than their natural counterparts, do not need to be moistened prior to playing, and can be more consistent in quality. Many players consider them to have poor sound, or use them only in a context where tone quality is less important, such as a marching band.

Recent developments in synthetic reed technology have produced reeds made from synthetic polymer compounds[1], and as technology in this area has progressed, synthetic reeds have gained more acceptance. Synthetic reeds are useful when the instrument is played intermittently with long breaks in between, during which time a natural reed might become dry.

The dizi, a Chinese transverse flute, has a distinctive kind of reed (a di mo), which is made from a paper-like bamboo membrane.



Musicians originally crafted reeds from cane using simple tools, a process which was time-consuming and painstaking. Specialized tools for cutting and trimming reeds by hand reduce the time needed to finish a reed.

Today, nearly all players of single-reed instruments buy manufactured reeds, although many players adjust them by shaving or sanding. Some professionals make single reeds from "blanks", but this is time-consuming and can require expensive equipment.

Among double reed players, advanced and professional players typically make their own reeds, while beginners and students often buy reeds either from their teachers or from commercial sources.

Reeds
The most important aspect of playing a musical instrument is the sound you make. On the Saxophone and the Clarinet the sound begins with the reed. You must have a supply of reeds that are in good condition. Reeds can last a very long time if you know how to maintain them. Here are some tips on reed care.


I. Break in your reeds. It may take a week to break in a reed.

Step 1: Soak the new reed in water for 5 minutes

Step 2: Play the reed for 10 minutes

Step 3: Place the reed flat side down on a flat surface (a mirror or a piece of glass) and let it dry completely before playing again. This helps to prevent the reed from warping.

Step 4: Repeat this procedure several times to break in a reed and improve its performance.



II Rotate the use of your reeds. Do not use the same reed every day. You should have 3 playable reeds that have been prepared.
It helps to "name" your reeds. Write the name of the reed on the reed case. For example: "Fred" can be played on Monday and Wednesday. "Wilma" can be played on Tuesday and Thursday. "Barney" can be played on Friday and Sunday.



III. Store you reeds properly. Never leave the reed on the mouthpiece inside the instrument case. When you are finished playing, put the reed in a flat, dry holder.
Leaving the reed on the mouthlpiece can cause it to warp.

Answer 2

Well as with every reed it's primary not to chip it... There's no particular medication that a new reed demands (or that I recognize of)... Most primary factor is to get it damaged in so it does not squeak!