How Long Can I Play on the Same Reed? (Probably Not as Long as You Think…)
Have you been playing on the same reed for a while? Maybe a few weeks? A few months?
And some related questions…
Do you notice that it’s getting more difficult to play certain notes? Maybe there are some black or green marks on the bottom of your reed? Is the brand stamp no longer legible?
If your answer to any of the above is “yes”, then it’s probably well past time to break out a new reed. You’ll probably find that it’s much easier to play once you do!
Signs that your reed is ready for retirement
Reeds deteriorate over time due to stress from playing and the environment. How do you know if your reed is past its prime? Here are some telltale signs:
Visual Indicators:
Reed has crinkles at the tip or other warping
Brand stamp is faded
Reed has dark specs or streaks, indicating mold growth. If you see this, discard immediately! Mold is gross and can make you sick if you ingest it.
Sound/Feel Indicators:
Difficulty playing notes, especially high notes
Dull, muted, and/or thin sound overall
Reed feels soft. Check out my post Should I change my reed strength? (How to tell when to move up or down a strength) to learn what a soft reed feels like.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s probably time to send your reed to that big cane field in the sky. Additionally, you should never play on a reed with any kind of crack or chunk missing.
So how long should I play on a reed?
There’s no easy answer to this question. It’s best to monitor your reeds for any of the above signs that indicate your reed is ready to be cast into a tiny bonfire.
There are additional environmental factors that can affect the life of a reed. High humidity or dry air can accelerate the aging process.
Some players find that rotating among a few different reeds, playing only one each day, can help extend the life of their reeds overall.
If I absolutely have to give an answer, I would say that in general, a reed will last around 2 weeks if you are playing on it every day.
What about synthetic reeds?
Synthetic reeds can be a great alternative to traditional cane (wood) reeds. They generally have a significantly longer life than cane reeds, although eventually they also wear out. Synthetic reeds are more durable, resist warping, and have antimicrobial properties that prevent mold growth. Individual synthetic reeds are expensive, but the investment can be worth it since they can last months instead of weeks. Legere is a leading manufacturer of synthetic reeds. To find how their strength scale compares to your current reeds, check out my interactive reed comparison chart.