What humidity should reeds be stored at?
around 50% humidity
Reed Storage When you store them, try and keep them in a humid environment of around 50% humidity. You will want to experiment with this humidity level based on where you live and how much you play. Some musicians like it a little dryer and some a little more wet, but 50% is a good place to start.
How do you keep reeds from getting moldy in clarinet?
How to Prevent Mold from Happening
- Make sure your reeds are really dry before storing them.
- Use a well-ventilated reed case (I have been using an altoids case with three holes drilled in it for over a decade)
How wet should a clarinet reed be?
When you take a reed out of the box, it has been dry for a long time. So you want to moisten it (in a glass of water – see treatment) for about 3 to 5 Minutes – then the tip is moist inside, too.
How do you keep reed moist?
Fill a plastic jar with warm water and soak the reeds in the jar for 2 hours. Put the reeds back in their plastic covers. Dump the water out of the jar, but leave just a little bit at the bottom to keep in some moisture. Put the reed covers (with the reeds inside them) in the of the plastic jar and seal the jar.
Why do my reeds get moldy so fast?
Registered. Sometimes different kinds of reeds hold moisture better than others, so if you are using different ones then it’s likely mold.
How do you keep reeds from getting moldy?
You can do that with some bleach diluted in water but also vinegar is going to do a good job. Anyway, periodical soaking in water containing some bleach will help. Wash off your reeds after use before you put them away.
Can a clarinet reed be too wet?
Well-Known Member. Soaking the reeed is recommended before playing, so too wet isn’t going to be a problem. If the reed is closing off either you’re using too much pressure with your embouchure and maybe blowing too hard or you need to go up a strength.
Can a reed be too wet?
The short answer here is no – you can’t really make a reed too wet. However, in the same breath, there is no need to drown it in saliva or water either. Perhaps the better phrasing might be that you need to “moisten your saxophone reed” or that you need to “moisten your saxophone reed” before playing.
How often should I wet my reed?
Cane reeds need some moisture, so you have to wet them every time you play. If you don’t, they will squeak, warp, and die faster. You can do it with luke warm water in a glass, or just in your mouth. Some of us will recommend to break-in a couple of reeds in advance, what I used to do.
How long should clarinet reeds last?
2-4 weeks
A good rule of thumb is you should replace your reed every 2-4 weeks, no matter how often you’re playing your instrument. You may want to replace your reeds more frequently if you’re practicing several hours each day. Some reeds also may not last as long as others, every reed plays slightly differently.
Why does my reed turn black?
Black is mold. too much moisture start by leaving your reed case open so you won’t trap humidity. Throw away any reeds in your case, clean it well, and disinfect it… rubbing alcohol soak would do the trick.
How do you dry out reeds?
When you’re finished playing, it’s important to remove any excess moisture. You can do this by rinsing the reed thoroughly in water until clean, and then wiping it dry. Finish this process by placing the reed in a “Reed gard” to dry completely. Whatever you do, don’t keep your reeds in a sealed plastic bag.
How do you keep reeds moist?
Can you over wet a reed?
How wet should a reed be?
Reeds are meant to work wet so wetting them well in the mouth work. a lick or two isn’t enough to wet them properly, but some people don’t even do that. They just play until it’s working well. One of the reed reps said it didn’t really matter so long as the reed got to be wet enough.