Reed Soaking

A reed will play more efficiently if it is soaked in water before playing (about two minutes for a new reed, less time for broken-in ones). Both butt and tip should be soaked. A shot glass or empty spice bottle makes a handy container to soak reeds. DO NOT use 35mm film canisters or old prescription drug bottles. The chemicals in the film and residue from medications remain in the container even after washing and will transfer to your reeds. We recommend soaking reeds in water because the sugars in saliva will break down the cellulose in cane. Although the reed will be exposed to saliva while playing, there is no need to hasten the deterioration process. The shot glass enables several reeds to be soaked at a time. In Arizona's dry climate, you may find it necessary to re-soak the reed during a rehearsal. This is fine, but take care not to over soak a reed -- when a reed takes on too much moisture it becomes waterlogged. A few minutes of soaking is sufficient.