Reed Care
So now you have a reed that suits you, and you have invested time to make it as good as possible. Naturally, you want to play on it for as long as possible. The most important thing is to keep the reeds moist, but not too moist. It's also difficult to determine how long a reed will last, as there can be significant differences between reeds from the same pack. Lifespan is measured in playing hours. Below you will find some tips to take good care of your reeds.
Use a Reed Case
A reed case stores the reeds on a flat surface and often maintains an ideal humidity level inside the case. This way, the reeds hardly warp and do not dry out.

Rotate the Reeds You Play
Rotating your reeds does not extend the lifespan of each individual reed, but it allows you to use a set of reeds for a longer period. By spreading out the playing hours, you always have a broken-in reed ready to use.
Save the Best Reeds for Concerts
Especially as you become a more advanced player, you'll notice differences between the reeds in a pack. It's best to save the best reeds for concerts and important rehearsals. This way, you can be sure you have a good reed for the performance.
Use a Mouthpiece Cap
A mouthpiece cap not only protects the reed from damage but also helps retain moisture in the reed, preventing it from drying out too quickly.

Use Water Instead of Saliva
To moisten reeds before playing, it is often recommended to use water instead of saliva, especially when using a reed for the first time. Water allows you to better control the amount of moisture than saliva.
Brush Your Teeth Before Playing
Especially after a meal, you want to avoid having a piece of food stuck between the mouthpiece and the reed during that important solo.