reeds

[jake]

In the past when I used new reeds, I really didn’t use many from the same box to compare. I would grab one and play. I have read different posts about trying various ones from the same package since they are not all created equal. I had (2) #3 Javas left in my box and opened them both up. The first one didn’t play all that well and I though maybe it didn’t soak enough or it needs to be broken in. I played with it for a few and then went to the next reed. WoW! The next one played beautifully, I couldn’t believe the difference. I wonder if I would have really noticed this difference as a brand new player though?
Here’s my question. Should I just throw out the other reed that isn’t as favorable? Is it worth the time to maybe try and sand it down or do anything else to get it to play like the other reed? They seem a little pricey to throw half away when I get new ones? What’s your take?
Also I am loving these Java’s for the tenor. I have been trying some of the Rico Selects unfiled cuts and I don’t think they come close to the Java’s for my own preference. That’s too bad cause I just bought 3 boxes of the Rico selects too :((
FYI, I started with the Rico 3M and wow, are they hard. If anyone go this route, the rico 2H compares with the Java 3. That was an expensive mistake. Oh well, how else are we gonna find out what works or not right. Thanks for your input Johnny!

[john]

I use Java’s too. Top quality. I never work on my reeds, not bragging either! I think doing a little work on them is great for those that get into it. When I was a kid my teacher worked on em and showed me how etc but I never got into it. I don’t throw them all out. Let’s say out of the 5 one is awesome, one is good, one is not so good but if I play it a bit over time it might end up good and the other 2 I throw out.
One trick I discovered is for those stiff reeds, play em a bit and then while it’s on the piece, push it in with your thumb right on the heart of the reed. I do this over and over and work it in that way…kinda bending it and it does make it a little easier to play after doing this a few times.

[john]

Hey Jake – don’t chuck them, save them mate!
When you start moving up reeds you’ll get a pleasant surprise.
I always keep all the reeds above the strength that i am on.
Reeds of a lower strength i dump, because thats a backward step to
move from a 3 to a 2 – ain’t gonna happen. Unless you change mouthpieces
the lower strength reeds could come in use.

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