Quick tip: rotate between 3 or 4 reeds every time you play. That will Keep them fresh for a LONG time. I've had mine for about 3 months and they are still good.
I have gone to using Legere synthetic reeds on my tenor. Got tired of buying a box and only having only a couple work. The Legere work great and sound great.
Jay, Thank You for the great video and I am so happy to have you 'Geekin'! The ReedGeek tools and teaching reed profiling are a labor of love for me. All 'Geeks are made completely from scratch using the top US Aerospace "wear alloys" and machining techniques so we can produce a tool that can "truly" flatten the reed and adjust it properly, with a very long edge-life. Ciao Mauro , RG
I bought a Reed Geek months ago based on your recommendation and demo on your sight. I love it and have been learning how to use it correctly and regularly. An interesting side note is that have I been using Legere Amering Cut synthetic reeds on my tenor and alto and am very satisfied with them. Again, learned about them on your site. One more thing. I started using a Jody Jazz "Jet" on my tenors, They let me try 2 and return one and keep one. I tried Jody Jazz after reading that Joey DeFrancesco uses them when he plays sax. He is truly a great musician. Organ, Trumpet, and now Sax. I should also tell you that. once again based on your endorsement, I purchase a Jean-Paul TS 400 tenor for church. I play there every week and leave it there. It is a terrific playing budget horn. Great tip. My main horn is a Yamaha YTS63, silver plated. Believe it or not, I sold my Mark 6 (in the "70s) in order to buy the Yamaha. Man, I really like your site. Thanks for the info, advice, and credibility. Stay well, stay safe.
Jay I just subscribed. I've watched several videos and referred you to a buddy of mine how plays both Tenor and Alto. You do a great job. I played from 5th to 10th grade including marching band and during that period played the Alto, Tenor, and Bari Sax. Now several years later I am joining a local community band and you are my mentor!
I have this problem! I bring my sax to the next class and clean it when I have time, and if you do this you can keep some of the cleaning supplies In your back pack.
Thanks for the swab recommendation. I absolutely love my reed geek. Worth every $, for anyone who questions the price... I know I did till a friend demonstrated to me in a moment of desperation.
Great video and solid advice! Thanks for getting the word out about ReedGeek - what a great tool! It's cut reed costs a LOT! An alternate swab I like a lot is the Draggin' Swab by Cannonball, but the important thing is to use it regularly!
I love my signature series. I've bought 3 in the last 4 years, and I tried going back to cane reeds for a solid month. Finally found the perfect Reed and a flute girl broke it when we were talking by accident. Decided to go back to signature series last week and it's been perfectly consistent every single day.
Always keep a small flashlight in all cases (no mater the instrument) every once in a while it really comes in handy. I also have a small jewelers screwdriver in each sax case.
Hi Jay, it's nice to hear from you again. As always, I enjoyed your video and all the tips you shared on it . Thank you so much for this last one that confirmed my wonders about the "Reed Geek" I once heard David Samborns promoting it on youtube, but then I thought it was just another marketing scam to make you buy this product. Now that you say it somehow it is easier for me to believe in the effectiveness of this product, so I will most likely buy it through the link you left in the description. Keep up the good work you've been doing to help us all become better saxophone players. Greetings from México!!!!
If you take a piece of glass and use contact cement to adhere high grit wet and dry sandpaper (600-800 grit), you can create a sanding board to take warps off of the tables of reeds for less money than a Reed Geek. This has been working well for me for close to a year now.
Reed storage inexpensive solution: Wet your reed using a 50% water, 50% mouth wash solution. Use a regular plastic LaVoz reed guard. Store in a zip lock lunch baggie w/a Rico Humidity control pack in the bag. I use the 70% bag. Leave the baggie open about a 1/4 inch. This will keep your reeds moist and your reeds will not get moldy. Cleaning the sax: A regular clarinet swab either silk or cloth will work for the body of the horn and the neck. These are 2 inexpensive ways to care for your stuff. Reed Geek: I watched the video and I haven't been able to get it to work as good as my reed knives and Bootman's Reed Drilling technique. S if it works for you use it, if not look into Bootmans Reed Drilling bit. It works and frees up the vibrations of the reed. Bootman is an Aussie sax player. He used to have YT's up.
Instead of a Reed Geek, I use a three-sided scraper. Much much easier to use. Music Medic sells one for about $15. Having said that, I do have a Reed Geek, and if I were a traveling musician again, I’d take that along. TSA would confiscate the scraper ....
A tip: the Reed Geek is simply a high speed steel lathe tool blank that has been shaped a little and the shaping is not necessary for the function. I have used a 3/8" tool blank to scrape reeds (though these days I mostly just use a Fibracell) for years, they cost a few euros/dollars a piece and are available where machining supplies are sold, even some hardware stores.
If you had a reed geek you would know that this is not true. I thought the same thing before I used one. Better to actually try something first then offer an opinion.
@@bettersax so I guess you have tried a tool blank? What's the difference, aside from the bevels at one end that can be created in a couple of minutes on a bench grinder? Yes, I don't have a reed geek and I'm not a professional saxophone player, I'm a professional mechanic and avid hobby machinist and I have an engineering degree so I know a lathe tool blank when I see one.
All of the stuff in video are so fucking important to have and I realized them so late. I am much much more happier with these stuff, specially the reed accessories made my life so easier and happier. When you don't have a good reed, your sound sucks and you will physically become sick and tired of playing the saxophone. With a good reed you sound well and will feel both physically and mentally better and more willing to play the saxophone. You're the real king bro, I love you and your videos
I've never run a cleaning swab through my mouthpiece. Over time the swab can start to "sand down" the inside of a hard rubber mouthpiece. Instead, I just wash it occasionally with soap and warm water. Thanks Jay for all your great videos. I'm definitely getting a ReedGeek!
I remember hearing that everything breaks down rubber. There is just no way to clean a wetsuit, except maybe plain tap water. The soap and all chemical cleaners are hard on neoprene. Maybe hard rubber is different:
Let's get more detail in the reed case. What is the optimum humidity, and what device accurately indicates the humidity, but small enough to put in the reed case?
I’ve used the ReedGeek reed tool for about a year and I don’t find it that fantastic...I find that they can help playability on reeds that are just a little too stiff, but sort of ok. Then they can be s really good reed.But for the, let’s say, 3 “worst” (read:stiff-dull-muffled) reeds in a box of 10 I don’t find that the ReedGeek tool is of any help.. I scrape and scrape, but they are still bad reeds. And of course, if the reed is just a little too soft it would get even worse by removing more material. Right? Well that’s just my experience and I respect others. I do agree that the B&G swans are really good and worth the money. And so is a good reedcase.
Mats, I hear you. Those worst 3 reeds in the box of 10 I'm still not going to play on a gig probably, but I can get them to play well enough to use in the practice room rather than just throwing them away. Certainly some reeds are beyond saving though.
Thanks! We have a swab kit on the bettersax.com website that includes a body swab, a neck/mouthpiece swab and a pad drier. This is what I recommend you get. The Vandoren Hygrocase is still a great choice, you'll find another hand made wood reed case on the BetterSax website as well that is a bit fancier if you like the look of it. Ultimate Saxophone Swab Kit - bettersax.com/product/bettersax-ultimate-sax-swab-kit/ Ultimate Reed Case - bettersax.com/product/bettersax-deluxe-wooden-reed-case/
Sir ji, you have a good understanding about saxophone and I like you very much, I request you to write music ke nots ko kese and make videos on how to play it too plzzzz
wait but I am confused why does the link to the reed case in the description bring me to a different reed case than in the video? I want the vandoren one with the sponge that tells you when to add water
Hey Jay, love your videos, a week ago I've just picked up my alto saxophone and I'm amazed that I can still make sounds. Regarding the reed case: Can't I just put the reed into little plastic container after play time? I first dry it a little using the swab.
Noah Tortilla ReedGeek is probably more accurate for shaving a reed, and it’s probably much faster and more efficient, but sandpaper or a reed knife works fine if you don’t have the money for a reedgeek.
I like the content of your videos. I do have a question about how you use the ReedGeek. Are your reeds wet when you use make the adjustment in the video?
Hello Jay. It's important to say that,before to play sax,to wash the mouth and brush the teeth or denture very carefully.It's obvious... but very necessary...
So, am I to understand that if I place a wet reed in the case, I don't need to add water to the sponge, is that correct? I just got the hygro reed case and put a wet reed in the holder without adding water to the sponge. I only need to add water when the indicator turns blue? Or do I add the water when I open the case for the first time? Tks!
I just got a Legere-Signature reed for my alto, but I made the mistake of not checking the numbers, how they correspond to other reed brands. Be sure to check their site of how they compare to other reed strengths.
Legere signature reeds are fantastic. Just buy a softer grade than when buying a wood reed. Great for tenor, alto and clarinet. No problems at all. Very consistent, reliable and sound sound as good as a wood reed. I have been playing Legere Signature reeds for 5 years and could not be happier.
Can you be more pacific on how to make softer and how to bring back for high F. Like on Soparno with the reed geek I have problems with high F on Soparno. New reed if perfect after 6 to 7 hrs not strong note after that. We’re on reed Would I shave the reed? Thanks. Tom
Hi there! Nice video!... I've seen a thing called REEDCURE made by Silverstein. Have you tried that? Seems to me very expensive, but like the Reed Geek, maybe it is worth in the long term... I hope you can help me out.... Thanks for all your videos, i'm a big fan.
Mel I do not like the cleaning brushes. They are pretty useless actually. They don't remove the water from where it accumulates and just hold the moisture inside the saxophone which is counterproductive. They also leave bits of colored fluff everywhere which gets stuck to the sludge.
Hi, I like your Video's, keep up the good work. I just took a look at the "BG Body Swab Alto" but it had one review that apparently they do not sent the same gear as on the photo. Maybe better to check if this is true or not. Thanks!
I wouldn't pay attention to that review. I have purchased additional swabs online recently and they are exactly the same as the ones I bought a while back. Anyway if for any reason it's not, you can just return it to amazon no problem.
For those who have the Vandoren reed case for Tenor sax and play th Alto too: is the opening snug enough to hold also alto sax reeds? Thanks. And thanks, Jay.
This was helpful but I have to ask. I keep seeing guides my sax has another key next to the side F# no where can I find what that is for. Any guesses? Also what does the front F key do? I did not see that in the fingering chart at all.
The key I assume you’re talking about (is it on the bottom of the high f# key?) is the chromatic F key. I forget the purpose for it, but if I am thinking about the same key, it’s the chromatic F. The front F key helps with the higher octave F and F#. Instead of using the palm keys for your left hand, you can use that for (I think) Eb, F, and F#. Maybe no Eb, I don’t know the fingerings. I use the palm keys.
Hi Jay, I saw you using your body swab by putting it through the bell of the horn, and taking it out where the neck tenon connects. I’ve been doing it the other way around. Is it a big difference, or does it not matter?
I have the BG A31 mouthpiece/neck swab which is good for both tasks. However, I have no idea why they put a kink/fold in the flat black cord. The cord folds when the end contacts the internal octave vent on some makes of saxophone; making it very difficult to feed through. I don't use their body swab, I use a HW Padsaver to mop out the body.
Practice Everyday why would you pull from the top? Seems like the swab would be more “proofed” out for the bell if you don’t squeeze it initially by pulling it through the most narrow part first.
Mary Dunn hey, my repair technician (who is one of the best in NA) told me. I also thought bell to top was the way to go because it was easier but he explained that think how the air flows and how the moisture forms, it all starts from the top to bottom. So logically it doesn’t make any sense to bring all the liquid back to the top. Lol, as what I said, not a big deal.
This is not true whatsoever. People have been spreading this myth forever but no one has ever seen a mouthpiece damaged by a swab. I swab my mouthpieces daily for years and there has never been the slightest alteration. They aren’t made out of tissue paper.
Quick tip: rotate between 3 or 4 reeds every time you play. That will Keep them fresh for a LONG time. I've had mine for about 3 months and they are still good.
Your tutorials are always enlightening. Thank you so much.
Thanks Dapo!
Can't afford a Reed Geek, so have been using a box cutter blade -- hard steel and straight edged. It also makes good reeds out of bad ones.
I have gone to using Legere synthetic reeds on my tenor. Got tired of buying a box and only having only a couple work. The Legere work great and sound great.
Thanks for the comment. They are the best synthetic reeds I think.
Jay, Thank You for the great video and I am so happy to have you 'Geekin'! The ReedGeek tools and teaching reed profiling are a labor of love for me. All 'Geeks are made completely from scratch using the top US Aerospace "wear alloys" and machining techniques so we can produce a tool that can "truly" flatten the reed and adjust it properly, with a very long edge-life. Ciao Mauro , RG
Glad you like the video Mauro. ReedGeek has greatly improved my sax life. Thanks a lot.
I bought a Reed Geek months ago based on your recommendation and demo on your sight. I love it and have been learning how to use it correctly and regularly. An interesting side note is that have I been using Legere Amering Cut synthetic reeds on my tenor and alto and am very satisfied with them. Again, learned about them on your site. One more thing. I started using a Jody Jazz "Jet" on my tenors, They let me try 2 and return one and keep one. I tried Jody Jazz after reading that Joey DeFrancesco uses them when he plays sax. He is truly a great musician. Organ, Trumpet, and now Sax. I should also tell you that. once again based on your endorsement, I purchase a Jean-Paul TS 400 tenor for church. I play there every week and leave it there. It is a terrific playing budget horn. Great tip. My main horn is a Yamaha YTS63, silver plated. Believe it or not, I sold my Mark 6 (in the "70s) in order to buy the Yamaha. Man, I really like your site. Thanks for the info, advice, and credibility. Stay well, stay safe.
Thank you!
Jay I just subscribed. I've watched several videos and referred you to a buddy of mine how plays both Tenor and Alto. You do a great job. I played from 5th to 10th grade including marching band and during that period played the Alto, Tenor, and Bari Sax. Now several years later I am joining a local community band and you are my mentor!
I went on the internet and bought myself a reedgeek, instantly. Thanks for the advise!
I would clean my sax if I had more than half a minute to put my instrument away before the end of the period. :/
I know band directors don’t understand how time consuming sax cleaning is!
WhyattCooter ask ur director to give you more time
I have this problem! I bring my sax to the next class and clean it when I have time, and if you do this you can keep some of the cleaning supplies In your back pack.
i personally just resort to just quickly swabbing everything once and wait till i get home
@@AndrewSmith-ks9xi They don’t listen, that’s the big problem. And by the time you can ask them, the bell rings for next period.
Thanks for the swab recommendation. I absolutely love my reed geek. Worth every $, for anyone who questions the price... I know I did till a friend demonstrated to me in a moment of desperation.
Yeah, it changed my reeds from the first minute and I haven't played a reed without using it since.
Great video and solid advice!
Thanks for getting the word out about ReedGeek - what a great tool! It's cut reed costs a LOT!
An alternate swab I like a lot is the Draggin' Swab by Cannonball, but the important thing is to use it regularly!
Glad you are enjoying the reedgeek
mine did not come with one, so i tied a shoe string to a sham wow. im cheap.
Thanks for the idea bra...🥰😅😅
get a Legeré reed and now you only need 1 out of the 3 items
Good point. You have to like that sound though.
I love my signature series. I've bought 3 in the last 4 years, and I tried going back to cane reeds for a solid month. Finally found the perfect Reed and a flute girl broke it when we were talking by accident. Decided to go back to signature series last week and it's been perfectly consistent every single day.
I use your swabs. They work great
Always keep a small flashlight in all cases (no mater the instrument) every once in a while it really comes in handy. I also have a small jewelers screwdriver in each sax case.
Hi Jay, it's nice to hear from you again. As always, I enjoyed your video and all the tips you shared on it . Thank you so much for this last one that confirmed my wonders about the "Reed Geek" I once heard David Samborns promoting it on youtube, but then I thought it was just another marketing scam to make you buy this product. Now that you say it somehow it is easier for me to believe in the effectiveness of this product, so I will most likely buy it through the link you left in the description. Keep up the good work you've been doing to help us all become better saxophone players. Greetings from México!!!!
Thanks a lot Fernando
As an oboist, we bring a reed lab everywhere we go
Jazzlab harness !🤗
Yeah, I already made a video on that one.
Hi Jay. Thanks for super helpful post. Great review. Great items. Excellent swab and geek. Will have to try the case soon. Thanks again.
Thanks!
If you take a piece of glass and use contact cement to adhere high grit wet and dry sandpaper (600-800 grit), you can create a sanding board to take warps off of the tables of reeds for less money than a Reed Geek. This has been working well for me for close to a year now.
Reed storage inexpensive solution: Wet your reed using a 50% water, 50% mouth wash solution. Use a regular plastic LaVoz reed guard. Store in a zip lock lunch baggie w/a Rico Humidity control pack in the bag. I use the 70% bag. Leave the baggie open about a 1/4 inch. This will keep your reeds moist and your reeds will not get moldy. Cleaning the sax: A regular clarinet swab either silk or cloth will work for the body of the horn and the neck. These are 2 inexpensive ways to care for your stuff. Reed Geek: I watched the video and I haven't been able to get it to work as good as my reed knives and Bootman's Reed Drilling technique. S if it works for you use it, if not look into Bootmans Reed Drilling bit. It works and frees up the vibrations of the reed. Bootman is an Aussie sax player. He used to have YT's up.
Instead of a Reed Geek, I use a three-sided scraper. Much much easier to use. Music Medic sells one for about $15. Having said that, I do have a Reed Geek, and if I were a traveling musician again, I’d take that along. TSA would confiscate the scraper ....
Thanks for the comment Steve.
A tip: the Reed Geek is simply a high speed steel lathe tool blank that has been shaped a little and the shaping is not necessary for the function. I have used a 3/8" tool blank to scrape reeds (though these days I mostly just use a Fibracell) for years, they cost a few euros/dollars a piece and are available where machining supplies are sold, even some hardware stores.
If you had a reed geek you would know that this is not true. I thought the same thing before I used one. Better to actually try something first then offer an opinion.
@@bettersax so I guess you have tried a tool blank? What's the difference, aside from the bevels at one end that can be created in a couple of minutes on a bench grinder?
Yes, I don't have a reed geek and I'm not a professional saxophone player, I'm a professional mechanic and avid hobby machinist and I have an engineering degree so I know a lathe tool blank when I see one.
Talked me into all three!
You won't be sorry.
thank you for your wisdom!! I bought them all!
had your coffee this morning...
Have 2 of those 3 accessories xD (And really don't regret it, those swaps are great !!) ... Next step : ReedGeek :)
All of the stuff in video are so fucking important to have and I realized them so late. I am much much more happier with these stuff, specially the reed accessories made my life so easier and happier. When you don't have a good reed, your sound sucks and you will physically become sick and tired of playing the saxophone. With a good reed you sound well and will feel both physically and mentally better and more willing to play the saxophone. You're the real king bro, I love you and your videos
You should review the new Dickerson Resonator ligature on Reverb & ebay - wow
I've never run a cleaning swab through my mouthpiece. Over time the swab can start to "sand down" the inside of a hard rubber mouthpiece. Instead, I just wash it occasionally with soap and warm water. Thanks Jay for all your great videos. I'm definitely getting a ReedGeek!
Warm water is way worse than any swab for your mp
I remember hearing that everything breaks down rubber. There is just no way to clean a wetsuit, except maybe plain tap water. The soap and all chemical cleaners are hard on neoprene. Maybe hard rubber is different:
Let's get more detail in the reed case. What is the optimum humidity, and what device accurately indicates the humidity, but small enough to put in the reed case?
I have 5 reeds cycling with eachother for over 10 months, since november 2017!
Are you using the Reed Geek or something else?
nah... just rico royal 2 1/2's, but maybe they are just cheaper and less sounding great, maybe that's why, idreallyk but yeah I guess its a good thing
Thanks, I might get that stick then
Check the description below. there's a code for 10% off that's been added.
Amazing sir, your the best. This information is invaluable
I’ve used the ReedGeek reed tool for about a year and I don’t find it that fantastic...I find that they can help playability on reeds that are just a little too stiff, but sort of ok. Then they can be s really good reed.But for the, let’s say, 3 “worst” (read:stiff-dull-muffled) reeds in a box of 10 I don’t find that the ReedGeek tool is of any help.. I scrape and scrape, but they are still bad reeds. And of course, if the reed is just a little too soft it would get even worse by removing more material. Right? Well that’s just my experience and I respect others. I do agree that the B&G swans are really good and worth the money. And so is a good reedcase.
Mats, I hear you. Those worst 3 reeds in the box of 10 I'm still not going to play on a gig probably, but I can get them to play well enough to use in the practice room rather than just throwing them away. Certainly some reeds are beyond saving though.
Looking for a reed case that hold tenor and alto and soprano all in one case.
I have a dumb question ... to clean the sax swabs you can put them in the washing machine?
Thanks! Noticed this video is 4 years old. Just bought a Reed Geek, so I know that is current. The other 2?
Thanks! We have a swab kit on the bettersax.com website that includes a body swab, a neck/mouthpiece swab and a pad drier. This is what I recommend you get. The Vandoren Hygrocase is still a great choice, you'll find another hand made wood reed case on the BetterSax website as well that is a bit fancier if you like the look of it.
Ultimate Saxophone Swab Kit - bettersax.com/product/bettersax-ultimate-sax-swab-kit/
Ultimate Reed Case - bettersax.com/product/bettersax-deluxe-wooden-reed-case/
Very useful tips but helpful👍🏼
Hi Jay, could you tell me the difference between the Classic and Black Diamond Reed Geek? Thanks
Check their website here for an explanation: www.reedgeek.com/product/reedgeek-black-reed-tool/
I have an older version I guess.
Jay: Great video; your opinion: Sax "pad saver" thingie to stick/store in your horn between playing - Yes or No?
Jay Metcalf for Supreme Saxophone Overlord of The Universe 2024
Sir ji, you have a good understanding about saxophone and I like you very much, I request you to write music ke nots ko kese and make videos on how to play it too plzzzz
wait but I am confused why does the link to the reed case in the description bring me to a different reed case than in the video? I want the vandoren one with the sponge that tells you when to add water
Can i just use a scalpel to scrape off some bits off the reeds?
I have a small fan that I use after passing the swab on my sax. Cheap little fan not the expensive fan for sax.
Hey Jay, love your videos, a week ago I've just picked up my alto saxophone and I'm amazed that I can still make sounds.
Regarding the reed case: Can't I just put the reed into little plastic container after play time? I first dry it a little using the swab.
You could just use sandpaper instead of a reed geek, it works for me
Noah Tortilla ReedGeek is probably more accurate for shaving a reed, and it’s probably much faster and more efficient, but sandpaper or a reed knife works fine if you don’t have the money for a reedgeek.
Maybe when you do video on Geek he shows a diagram of a reed very persevere
That would be great for your demo
Is there an updated version or are these still the three best accessories out there?
What about washing the neck and the mouthpiece with water and then let it dry?
I actually have a better solution for the Reed geek, a nail file. Works just as good, just need a little more work
I like the content of your videos. I do have a question about how you use the ReedGeek. Are your reeds wet when you use make the adjustment in the video?
Hi Jay, thank you very much for your videos. Would you tell us what neck strap are you using on this video? Cheers from Buenos Aires!
will a reed geek actually improve the reed? like is it actually worth the money
Will the tenor swab work for a bari?
Thank you!
How do I know if a reed is too hard. I’m in seventh grade band should I use a reed geek.
Hello Jay. It's important to say that,before to play sax,to wash the mouth and brush the teeth or denture very carefully.It's obvious... but very necessary...
Carlos, yes this is very true. Thanks for adding that.
80 bucks for the ReedGeek is pretty hefty in my opinion
Can you use ReedGeek on Légère’s reeds. .??
Yes, the newer models are made for this. I'm in the process of making a video about this.
What do you recommend for a Bari-Sax for a swab that works well?
okay I bought a reed case. I hope you got a kickback . Ksaxman (its a good product)
Thanks Keith
Is it possible to use talkbox pedal with saxophone?! Does anybody know I can't find answer anywhere
So, am I to understand that if I place a wet reed in the case, I don't need to add water to the sponge, is that correct? I just got the hygro reed case and put a wet reed in the holder without adding water to the sponge. I only need to add water when the indicator turns blue? Or do I add the water when I open the case for the first time? Tks!
I’ve never added water to mine.
@@bettersax Ok, thanks~ BTW, Im also a Queens College grad! Best Jazz program! :)
So when you take the reed out its already wet?
Can you do a video on legere reeds, my band director who literally is a brass player and knows little about woodwind, says they suck.
Lot's of people are asking about these, so I will make a video about them soon. They don't suck in my opinion.
I just got a Legere-Signature reed for my alto, but I made the mistake of not checking the numbers, how they correspond to other reed brands. Be sure to check their site of how they compare to other reed strengths.
Legere signature reeds are fantastic. Just buy a softer grade than when buying a wood reed. Great for tenor, alto and clarinet. No problems at all. Very consistent, reliable and sound sound as good as a wood reed. I have been playing Legere Signature reeds for 5 years and could not be happier.
How bad is it if I haven't cleaned my sax since 6 grade and I'm in 9 grade now I have no problems and it all looks clean
Do you still need the reed geek if you're using synthetic reeds?
Probably don't "need" it, but it can help correct any imperfections...
What I need is a Player Geek tool that removes the imperfections on the other end of the reed...😁
Nice
Can you be more pacific on how to make softer and how to bring back for high F. Like on Soparno with the reed geek
I have problems with high F on Soparno. New reed if perfect after 6 to 7 hrs not strong note after that. We’re on reed
Would I shave the reed? Thanks. Tom
Thomas, I just met with the maker of ReedGeek. I'll be putting out a video with some more specific information soon...
Hi there! Nice video!... I've seen a thing called REEDCURE made by Silverstein. Have you tried that? Seems to me very expensive, but like the Reed Geek, maybe it is worth in the long term... I hope you can help me out.... Thanks for all your videos, i'm a big fan.
Great video. Buying the reed geek thingy. Do you have an opinion on sax cleaning brushes (stick)
Mel I do not like the cleaning brushes. They are pretty useless actually. They don't remove the water from where it accumulates and just hold the moisture inside the saxophone which is counterproductive. They also leave bits of colored fluff everywhere which gets stuck to the sludge.
He uses a weighted stick thingie...
Hi,
I like your Video's, keep up the good work. I just took a look at the "BG Body Swab Alto" but it had one review that apparently they do not sent the same gear as on the photo. Maybe better to check if this is true or not. Thanks!
I wouldn't pay attention to that review. I have purchased additional swabs online recently and they are exactly the same as the ones I bought a while back. Anyway if for any reason it's not, you can just return it to amazon no problem.
Is their a bari case for the reeds?
For those who have the Vandoren reed case for Tenor sax and play th Alto too: is the opening snug enough to hold also alto sax reeds? Thanks. And thanks, Jay.
There is a separate video on the reed case I think
This was helpful but I have to ask. I keep seeing guides my sax has another key next to the side F# no where can I find what that is for. Any guesses? Also what does the front F key do? I did not see that in the fingering chart at all.
The key I assume you’re talking about (is it on the bottom of the high f# key?) is the chromatic F key. I forget the purpose for it, but if I am thinking about the same key, it’s the chromatic F. The front F key helps with the higher octave F and F#. Instead of using the palm keys for your left hand, you can use that for (I think) Eb, F, and F#. Maybe no Eb, I don’t know the fingerings. I use the palm keys.
I hate to ask a dumb question... but how do you store and clean your sax swabs?
The ones I use can be washed and I store them in my case.
how do you clean your swabs? throw them in the washing machine?
Adam,
I haven't ever cleaned them. Probably should though. I think a hand wash with a small amount of soap would work well.
Do you flatten the table before you wet the reed, or after?
After will get you better results
I found something similar on Musicians Friend but not that one, Jay ... what is the name of it, exactly?
which one are you referring to? try the links in the description...
Hi Jay, I saw you using your body swab by putting it through the bell of the horn, and taking it out where the neck tenon connects. I’ve been doing it the other way around. Is it a big difference, or does it not matter?
Probably get the same result either way but it’s easier to get the weight in the bigger hole and pull the swab through large diameter to smaller
Better Sax Got it, thanks. Huge fan of yours!
What swab should I use for my soprano
The one for a clarinet fits.
great content. I just subscribed
Thanks!
I got the BG tenor swab (round) and noticed sometimes it gets kinda hung up on the body octave pip. Anyone else experience this?
Yes, same with the alto. Pull it to the other side of the tube. ;-)
UNTIL I SAW YOUR REVIEW
Hay
i clicked the BG swab link and when i saw the reviews ( they were terrible btw) i did not know who to trust
I have the BG A31 mouthpiece/neck swab which is good for both tasks. However, I have no idea why they put a kink/fold in the flat black cord. The cord folds when the end contacts the internal octave vent on some makes of saxophone; making it very difficult to feed through. I don't use their body swab, I use a HW Padsaver to mop out the body.
no bari stuff :(
....and that's why I play Fibracell Premier synthetic reeds. Just sayin.
they are shite
You put the body swap from the top to bell not bell to top, not a big deal though.
Practice Everyday why would you pull from the top? Seems like the swab would be more “proofed” out for the bell if you don’t squeeze it initially by pulling it through the most narrow part first.
Mary Dunn hey, my repair technician (who is one of the best in NA) told me. I also thought bell to top was the way to go because it was easier but he explained that think how the air flows and how the moisture forms, it all starts from the top to bottom. So logically it doesn’t make any sense to bring all the liquid back to the top. Lol, as what I said, not a big deal.
Can you send me a email when you make the new video and are the new Geeks for
Légère’s reeds??? Thanks Tom
Never saw a swap like your tenor one what is the name of it???? Tom
Are bari sax swabs a thing
It's a bit expensive
the only accesory you need is a leather swab to dry the tube out
Never put a swab in your mouthpiece !!!!
You will sratch the inside...just blow in when finish and let it dry
This is not true whatsoever. People have been spreading this myth forever but no one has ever seen a mouthpiece damaged by a swab. I swab my mouthpieces daily for years and there has never been the slightest alteration. They aren’t made out of tissue paper.
Plastic reeds = better sound and no trouble
Some can be great, not for everyone though.
Like how he didn't mention bari
"Moldy jars of water with green reeds in them"?
Seriously?
Some people put water and mouth wash to soffen reed and im serious ive seen like 5 player do it
some sax players are like fishermen buying all kinds of shite accessories ,the old school players would have laughed there heads off