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saxophonist amonn al-mahrouq

How to choose your Saxophone reed tutorial by Amonn AL-Mahrouq

  • New reeds have to be played in, for at least 15 minutes before use.
  • Never play anything important (e.g. exam/concert) on a new reed.

How to break in a new Saxophone Reed

  • Take a new reed, play a long note i.e. Middle G for 5 minutes.
  • Then put that reed away.
  • During your next session, take that reed and play it for 10 minutes.
  • Have 4 reeds warmed up at all times, in a Hygro box.
  • Try to keep all your reeds as flat as possible.
  • You may find after the first 5 minutes that you don’t like that reed, do not bin it! Put it away, and try it again in a few months, chances are it will be fine.
  • How to find the proper strength reed for you.

How to find the correct strength of reed for you

  • The proper strength reed for you is the hardest you can comfortably play on.
  • If your reed is too soft your sound will be weak and reedy. Your high notes will tend to be flat and difficult to play and tonguing will also be more difficult.
  • If your reed is too hard your sound will be breathy, you will run out of air more quickly and exhaust yourself quicker and your embouchure will tire. Your low notes will tend to be more difficult.