The clarinet and saxophone section at my marching have a reed hole. It’s the hole left over from an old sign that was removed, and whenever one of us has a broken reed we put it into the reed hole and we burn it at the end of the year
I still use my the smallest Victorinox swiss knife, been using it for many years and I own a Reed Geek, just knowing what to do with the reed is the most important thing.
I don't play a sax, never watched a sax video and never searched for anything sax related and got this recommended. And I enjoyed it haha. Maybe they show some random things they think you will like every once in a while.
I had lessons 30 yrs. ago and never heard of adjusting reeds. After more than two decades of doing other things than playing alto sax I came along this video and counted all my reeds. almost fifty hidden in a shoe box. Gonna get me this tool, work on reeds and restart playing after all these yrs - thanks!
A really great way to test the balance rather than just trying to feel it, is you can do a playing balance test. While the mouthpiece is in your mouth tip the instrument to the side so that your embouchure is closing off one side of the reed and play. Effectively you will be playing on just one side of the reed because you are closing off the other side with your mouth. Tip the instrument to the other side and you can compare which side of the reed feels more resistant and take off more from there.
Reed Geek arrived a few days ago. I’ve only been studying clarinet for two years. I started with cane and it was a nightmare. So I changed to Legere. I loved Legere but my teachers didn’t especially in the upper register above middle G. So they have requested (strongly) that I change back to cane. I didn’t want to but why take lessons if you don’t pay attention to your teachers. I feared opening a box of cane reeds and testing them and only having one or two I could use. After watching this video (4x) and using the Reed Geek I have many good cane reeds I can play on. I’m still learning and I have some stuffy reeds that need more work and two that I’m challenged with. But having the RG and being able to make cane reeds play well across all registers is indeed a blessing!!! Thanks for making this video and for the Reed Geek!
That’s was so funny when he said, “you might have some old reeds in a box somewhere”. I could build a coliseum with my old bad reeds. Lol I use the ReedGeek and it does work. Love the way I save money.
Great tool! I am going to buy one tonight. I have been doing this to my reeds with three different blades for 25 years... you should have seen me going through several airports with "knives" in my sax case. Thanks for sharing
I use both cane and Legere reeds depending on how lazy I feel. You can use the Reed Geek on both, as the rails on the new Legere will cut into your lower lip after just half and hour of playing. And I have fun trying different scraping and honing techniques. Maybe Jay will do another video on the different Reed Geek techniques, like the American Cut, which I prefer.
I bought a Reed Geek several months ago (online) and had to wait quite a while for delivery. I have only been using step one and find this video extremely helpful. Thanks for this and all your videos!
Funny, I do things so differently. I keep my reeds wet in a jar with 1/4" of Listerine. Mostly I use synthetic reeds which are not adjustable. My reeds last for months and I have no complaints.
Good clear video. I have a Geek and try to use it. I just fixed an old reed that I threw away. One idea for balancing the wings is that you can hold the reed with your fingers onto the MPC which is attached to the neck, blow on one side then the other listening to which side has a bigger sound. Then go back and work on the weaker side.
Just bought the G4 less than 2 weeks ago, and it's a great tool ! I have almost 2/3 of my reeds that are difficult to play, as a complete beginner it's really hard to go over that and it cost me a lot. I already saved 6 reeds that was hard to play and now they are pretty good ! Already saved money since the first day :D (I work only on the back of the reed for now and it's already good for me :))
I have bought a few years back. Will not do miracles,or simply a regular good sharp blade will do the very same,except you ll save 50 dollars or more !! Again,just a saxophone gear that is nt necessary. My opinion,of course.:;-)
Mario M I disagree. I’m a former oboe player and can tell you that adjusting a sax reed is a CAKEWALK compared to a double reed. Something about the 90 degree angle of this tool works great. The reedgeek pays for itself fast.
Alex Jones-Anaya Hi Alexe We all have opinions right. Sure it might help,but there is a lot of myth,and false hope here that this will bring your bad reed to the best reed you have! I have the reed geek ,and again a simple Olfa blade or drywall blade will do the very same. I am not saying that it is a bad product,simply that for the money here ,can t agree.
Thanks a lot, Jay, for another great video! I use a tool by some other quite well known company, but your and your friends explanations on how to fix reeds are really, really helpful.
Great video, thanks! I hadn't had much success with the G4 until I recently simply got more agressive - working the nose and the spine, and what a difference. 3 Rigotti Gold's barely playable suddenly play beautifully. Mauro is correct - there is plenty of material to work with on many reeds.
Thanks Jay, another great video with great info. I was apprehensive in buying the Reed Geek due to the cost but I did buy it. It's amazing! Just yesterday I took a reek that was extremely stuffy - almost unplayable and now it's becoming my favorite of the reeds I'm playing on currently. Great stuff! Please keep the videos coming! Thanks again -
Thanks, Jay, for this great video about the Reed Geek. Each of the three techniques works as well as both of you describe! Thanks for this and all your videos!
Great video! Thanx! I have the reed geek but was a bit shy working on the top. The use of a tool to determine where the facing starts is new to me and I am excited to check this out!
@bettersax This is the third reed geek video I've watched. I still don't understand why your manner of "making the underside flat" works. It looks like you are just making a dip into the center - the very opposite of flat! Before Reed Geek, I used to put light sandpaper on a flat sheet of aluminum, and gently rub the reed to make it flat. But, even that method has flaws. How can I guarantee that I am using equal pressure all over the surface of the reed?
I LOVE my Black Diamond Reed Geek! I totally agree that it we can make reeds which are initially unplayable or as I sometimes call them "kindling", good enough to practice on, and I get many more good to very good reeds per box. Between geeking my reeds and rotating them, they now last me months rather than days or weeks. A Reed Geek is a valuable investment! Although I have heard it in another of his recordings which I am not quickly finding, I am interested in learning how to improve my reeds which become stuffy in the high end (particularly above top line G) on my bari. Thanks again for sharing so much valuable info as well as your talents with us. Hugs from cold 36 degree NW Michigan.
I have a Reed Geek, but the process / tool I use is the ATG Reed Finishing system by Tom Ridenour. The Geek is good to flatten the back, but IMHO it is a clumsy tool to use for adjusting the reed vamp. The ATG system is much better, more precise and easier to use. About the same price as a Black Diamond Reed Geek 🙂. One major point, and this is true no matter how you work on reeds, is that shining light thru the reed or flexing it with your finger will not tell you anything. Instead, test by playing - twist the mouthpiece down on one side, then the other, and work on the side (“wing”) that is heavier, or duller or less responsive. I really think you ought to check out the ATG system; like you, I have no affiliation with the manufacturer, I’m just a very happy customer! FWIW, I use virtually every reed in a box...
Ridenour's ATG system is good, and as described here, and by Tom Ridenour, tooting one side of the reed then the other by turning the mouthpiece can clue you into which "ear" of the reed is more resistant and needs taking down. Ridenour includes a sanding block and advises sanding somewhat diagonally from the ears towards the vamp. I used the ATG system for some years, and it paid for itself in helping me turning many bum reeds into good players. But I finally bought a PerfectaReed gauge, which I found worked even better for me at finding and removing reed asymmetries. Especially when reeds are asymmetric at and near the base of the vamp, they must be evened out and some kind of gauge setup really does the job. And it's quite rewarding when those bum playing reeds become champs. Many of the reeds I failed at with the ATG method are yielding good service.
Play an open C# and turn the mouthpiece on the cork to see which side/rail plays more clearly. Take material off the less responsive side until the two sides are equally responsive. The Geek is probably better than the ATG system for flattening the table or taking down the spine. I am using both systems.
@@stevekeller4814 I just bought the geek Reed. First thing I found out was that none of my reeds worked properly. I got a big improvement just by flattening them but some of them squeak a lot on the upper registry... Any ideas of how to fix that?
I'm using vandoren Reed hydro case and do not travel. I've used the Reed geek for days and it's awesome. Question do I really need to do back of Reed each time I play?
I have it. It saves my time, money, and energy. Reeds are quite expensive. If I calculate how many bad reeds=good money I had discarted over 20 years. BUY IT, IT WORKS
Should someone be an advance player before adjusting reeds like this? Or should it be something people still working on fundamentals should use too? And does taking material off change the reed's number theoretically? For example, if you take a 3 Vandoren, do you turn it into a softer reed, like a something between a 2.5 and a 3?
Good question. The back of the reed can and should be done by everyone at every level every time before you put the reed on. For the other side you don't need to be very advanced, just sensitive enough to feel the difference after adjustments. No the reed doesn't necessarily become softer just more balanced and clear when adjusted correctly.
It's best if you have already wet it, so you're adjusting the reed as it would be played. You can keep adjusting it and trying it out to make adjustments.
I use a synthetic reed. As I was playing a gig the reed seemed to get stuffy. Is this a result of moisture or a bad reed? In the case of the reed would the reed geek help?
How do I know that my mouthpiece is good, in terms of even/level table, rails, etc? Sometimes I get suspicious of the mouthpiece instead of the reeds. Reeds have caused more people to unnecessarily switch mouthpieces probably than anything else.
Can you make a reed make a little bit softer than the original one? So let's say if you are balancing between a 3 and 3,5, you buy a 3,5 which might be a little bit too hard but will become perfectly playable with the adjustments of the reedgeek?
Hi Jay, I got a Reedgeek - Black Diamond. Watching videos and learning how to use it. So far, all my reeds are now playable. All I really have one is flatten the back. I did try to do more on one, and think I've ruined it, but it still plays somewhat. I have a question. I have both 2.5 and 3 Java reeds, and can play them all now. But, I'm finding the 3's play a bit sharp, same solid embouchure. Do harder reeds play sharper? Is pulling the mp out a bit, the right thing to do? It seems to work.
Am I an alien for not knowing what all other saxophonists are talking about? I've always managed to play 10 out of 10 reeds in a box. Yes, some are better than others, some last longer, but I find them all playable
Reading other players saying this definetely makes me feel better... I have been playing sax for more than ten years (not professionally), and almost any reed I buy is playable. Nonetheless, this is not the first place where I've read or heard about frequent bad reeds! Very weird
Love Your alto sound, which mouthpiece did You play on this video? Have e Good New Year, stay healthy and thanks for all Your tipps and work You sharing with us.
I have this really bad Reed which I just got and it was completely unplayable I was gasping for air *every single measure*. Compared to my other Reed, the bad Reed feels like sand paper. I know I need to smooth it out, but to seal the holes can I use chapstick or some oil to seal it?
Yea they reed guy is full of crap with his analogies. He is not even close just saying some sales BS to sale a product. It might work but he is full of crap and sounds ignorant. Also "removing density" density is How dense a volume of material is not how much is there. He should say removing material and mass not density.
I love my ReedGeek SO much, what an incredibly useful tool to perfect such an expensive aspect of our woodwind world. So my question is this: Does Mauro really suggest marking your reed with a lead pencil?
Hey so two big questions: 1. How helpful and how hard is it to adjust synthetic Reeds? I play on both so I'm curious as to how different they are. 2. How long can I expect 1 black diamond reed geek to last? I see no warranty on website, maybe I'm not looking in the right spots but I'd like to know how long I can expect the tool to last since I'll use it on both clarinet and saxophone
Hey I’ve had my first reed geek for over 5 years now and it’s still like day 1. I’ve never heard anyone say it went dull or rusted etc. I don’t play synthetic enough to give a good answer to your first question.
Wow I definitely need one of those ReedGeek! It's amazing every video I watch I learn something new ! By the way I love your neck strap where did you get it?
Hi Jay. I would like to thank you for your book on pentatonic patterns, I play it everyday. I am actually playing a Fibracell #3, I just cannot get a fair sound out of my instrument with normal ones, I gave up. I play with a Jody Jazz HR 6* and I just love it, maybe a little high pitched on high notes, but it can also be me, I have been playing for only 5 years now... I also tried other good mouthpieces like the Ottolink Tonemaster #8 but the sound was thin, maybe if I had stuck with it it could have worked but the Jody Jazz is so much easy and powerful that I didn´t gave it a chance. I asked a couple of teachers I had how could it be that I cannot get a good sound with a setup any different from what I have now but all answers seemed to be vage and biased. None of them liked the sound of fiber reeds and It is funny because they never took the time to really give them a try since it takes sometime to adjust. I have heard that coltrane had a bag full of mouthpieces and Brandford Marsallis sais that no matter what equipment you use, you may find a slight difference at the beggining but you will end up returning to YOUR sound wich by the way was true for Charlie Parker even when he played with pastic saxophones... If you have any clues on why this is happening , please let me know, I have been playing for over two hours for the past three years and everytime time I go back to nomal reeds, carefully picked up and sometimes even sanded, I get a lot of frustration. Please also take into consideration giving a test to Fibracells and sticking to them for a couple of weeks, I would really appreciate your feedback since they are becoming increasingly more popular. Thank you also for your reviews, I can´t live without the sax deflector now! ;-))
Mario, the reedgeek is the thing that got me back into cane reeds. It makes a world of difference. It can also be used to adjust the synthetic reeds. I recommend practicing on lots of old cane reeds first though. I'll try to get some fibracells to try as well.
as far as your sound is concerned, you need to be comfortable with your setup. Sometimes changing reed strength or brand of reed when you go to another mouthpiece will make a big difference.
I’ve had the reed geek for a number of years now but always just used it on the back to flatten. Only in desperate moments have I adjusted the top side for fear of overdoing it. This vid has opened my eyes and mind and greatly improved my investment in this tool. Thank you so much for the in depth look into how to use this tool.
Know how many sax players it takes to change a light bulb? Just one, but he has to go through a whole box of bulbs...
😂
Lmao 😆
Not anymore?
I’m sure dropping them doesn’t help much
That was an attention grabber
Arthur McKelvie it’s a joke
@@perropan1249 I know that thank you
lol
The clarinet and saxophone section at my marching have a reed hole. It’s the hole left over from an old sign that was removed, and whenever one of us has a broken reed we put it into the reed hole and we burn it at the end of the year
What school
My school’s saxophone and partly clarinet section have unofficial reed funeral holes that we put good reeds that no longer work in.
@AJ Hauter This is a creepy statement
Did, did I voluntarily watch a ad?
if you want to watch more volentary ads watch "Vat19"
I've been doing this for 60 years with a scalpel blade. Who needs a Reedgeek?
You could get a lathe tool bit for like 10 bucks that does exactly what the reedgeek does
You won't ever risk cutting yourself with a ReedGeek... and you can get it past airport security with no problems!
I still use my the smallest Victorinox swiss knife, been using it for many years and I own a Reed Geek, just knowing what to do with the reed is the most important thing.
Me too, a Stanley knife blade works for me.
I use a single edge razor blade. But _not_ with the reed on the mouthpiece! You can also flatten a reed with sandpaper on flat glass. Easy does it.
Wtf am I doing here I'm a brass player
You're doing the same as me. You're watching a video about saxophones because you have a desire to play the saxophone deep inside of you.
You know you want to play a saxophone
sir waffle I’m a flute player😂
@@gi3386 Put a sax mouthpiece on the end of your flute. You won't be disappointed!
Same I’m a tuba
Imagine how many customers you just brought to this guy lol.
Turn your 2 1/2 into a 1/2 in no time with the reed geek :-)
Lol
yep
Accurate! XD
I bet if most reed players would go down 1/2 in size most of these problems would disappear
I have never watched a sax video on TH-cam before how did I they know I played one???
^^
Google is listening. Look it up.
youtube is owned by google, you've probably made sax related searches
I don't play a sax, never watched a sax video and never searched for anything sax related and got this recommended. And I enjoyed it haha. Maybe they show some random things they think you will like every once in a while.
I never had a sax never wanted one never searched for any sax videos and now I play one professionally in an English band thanks to this guy
I had lessons 30 yrs. ago and never heard of adjusting reeds. After more than two decades of doing other things than playing alto sax I came along this video and counted all my reeds. almost fifty hidden in a shoe box. Gonna get me this tool, work on reeds and restart playing after all these yrs - thanks!
me: that looks cool, i might get one
*looks up reedgeek*
nevermind
A really great way to test the balance rather than just trying to feel it, is you can do a playing balance test. While the mouthpiece is in your mouth tip the instrument to the side so that your embouchure is closing off one side of the reed and play. Effectively you will be playing on just one side of the reed because you are closing off the other side with your mouth. Tip the instrument to the other side and you can compare which side of the reed feels more resistant and take off more from there.
Reed Geek arrived a few days ago. I’ve only been studying clarinet for two years. I started with cane and it was a nightmare. So I changed to Legere. I loved Legere but my teachers didn’t especially in the upper register above middle G. So they have requested (strongly) that I change back to cane. I didn’t want to but why take lessons if you don’t pay attention to your teachers. I feared opening a box of cane reeds and testing them and only having one or two I could use. After watching this video (4x) and using the Reed Geek I have many good cane reeds I can play on. I’m still learning and I have some stuffy reeds that need more work and two that I’m challenged with. But having the RG and being able to make cane reeds play well across all registers is indeed a blessing!!! Thanks for making this video and for the Reed Geek!
That’s was so funny when he said, “you might have some old reeds in a box somewhere”. I could build a coliseum with my old bad reeds. Lol I use the ReedGeek and it does work. Love the way I save money.
Great tool! I am going to buy one tonight. I have been doing this to my reeds with three different blades for 25 years... you should have seen me going through several airports with "knives" in my sax case. Thanks for sharing
haha, this passes through security no problem.
I use reed rush and the chart in Larry Teal's book "The Art of Saxophone Playing", and I can make most any reed play well.
Me too! Great resources!
Wish I was taught this back in school. Always felt like I was fighting my reeds, especially for lower notes.
Well just came across this little device. Returning Alto Sax player and I just love this little tool. Don't have one... get one... period nuff said.
I use both cane and Legere reeds depending on how lazy I feel. You can use the Reed Geek on both, as the rails on the new Legere will cut into your lower lip after just half and hour of playing. And I have fun trying different scraping and honing techniques. Maybe Jay will do another video on the different Reed Geek techniques, like the American Cut, which I prefer.
Allright: wow! I never imagined such easy adjustments would make such a difference! No more bad reeds!
I've used a high quality razor blade to flatten the reed table for years and the ATG system to adjust the reed itself.
I bought a Reed Geek several months ago (online) and had to wait quite a while for delivery. I have only been using step one and find this video extremely helpful. Thanks for this and all your videos!
Funny, I do things so differently. I keep my reeds wet in a jar with 1/4" of Listerine. Mostly I use synthetic reeds which are not adjustable. My reeds last for months and I have no complaints.
Good clear video. I have a Geek and try to use it. I just fixed an old reed that I threw away. One idea for balancing the wings is that you can hold the reed with your fingers onto the MPC which is attached to the neck, blow on one side then the other listening to which side has a bigger sound. Then go back and work on the weaker side.
Just bought the G4 less than 2 weeks ago, and it's a great tool ! I have almost 2/3 of my reeds that are difficult to play, as a complete beginner it's really hard to go over that and it cost me a lot. I already saved 6 reeds that was hard to play and now they are pretty good ! Already saved money since the first day :D (I work only on the back of the reed for now and it's already good for me :))
great to hear. You'll save money for life with that thing and have more fun playing sax.
I have bought a few years back.
Will not do miracles,or simply a regular good sharp blade will do the very same,except you ll save 50 dollars or more !!
Again,just a saxophone gear that is nt necessary.
My opinion,of course.:;-)
Mario M I disagree. I’m a former oboe player and can tell you that adjusting a sax reed is a CAKEWALK compared to a double reed. Something about the 90 degree angle of this tool works great. The reedgeek pays for itself fast.
Alex Jones-Anaya
Hi Alexe
We all have opinions right.
Sure it might help,but there is a lot of myth,and false hope here that this will bring your bad reed to the best reed you have!
I have the reed geek ,and again a simple Olfa blade or drywall blade will do the very same.
I am not saying that it is a bad product,simply that for the money here ,can t agree.
переводчик уже достал. трость называет чтением.
Thanks a lot, Jay, for another great video! I use a tool by some other quite well known company, but your and your friends explanations on how to fix reeds are really, really helpful.
Thanks! Which tool are you using?
Great video, thanks! I hadn't had much success with the G4 until I recently simply got more agressive - working the nose and the spine, and what a difference. 3 Rigotti Gold's barely playable suddenly play beautifully. Mauro is correct - there is plenty of material to work with on many reeds.
Thanks Jay, another great video with great info. I was apprehensive in buying the Reed Geek due to the cost but I did buy it. It's amazing! Just yesterday I took a reek that was extremely stuffy - almost unplayable and now it's becoming my favorite of the reeds I'm playing on currently. Great stuff! Please keep the videos coming! Thanks again -
Thanks, Jay, for this great video about the Reed Geek. Each of the three techniques works as well as both of you describe! Thanks for this and all your videos!
Thank you so much Colin! Nothing makes me happier than players tackling those reeds and achieving better reed performance!!
Im a trumpet player and im trying to find a reed that suits me any suggestions?
Don’t put a reed on a trumpet.😉
Eddie Harris.
legere viib lmao
Why would you put a reed on a Trumpet? 😂
I suggest Rigotti gold, they will sound great with the trumpet
that first scene felt expensive
Great video! Thanx! I have the reed geek but was a bit shy working on the top. The use of a tool to determine where the facing starts is new to me and I am excited to check this out!
yeah, I've been having fun with my reeds the last couple weeks...
Something I desperately need.
@bettersax This is the third reed geek video I've watched. I still don't understand why your manner of "making the underside flat" works. It looks like you are just making a dip into the center - the very opposite of flat! Before Reed Geek, I used to put light sandpaper on a flat sheet of aluminum, and gently rub the reed to make it flat. But, even that method has flaws. How can I guarantee that I am using equal pressure all over the surface of the reed?
That's a great workflow! I've been adjusting reeds for a long time but always rather randomly. This should speed up the process.
If you are like me a trumpet player this is the place to be
Really needed this, thank you.
Yeah so did I. Getting much more out of this tool now.
Thanks for the detailed instructions and the very helpful interview!
I've been using this for a few years. It is a fab tool..
Yeah, I hope you learned something new from this video...
I LOVE my Black Diamond Reed Geek! I totally agree that it we can make reeds which are initially unplayable or as I sometimes call them "kindling", good enough to practice on, and I get many more good to very good reeds per box. Between geeking my reeds and rotating them, they now last me months rather than days or weeks. A Reed Geek is a valuable investment! Although I have heard it in another of his recordings which I am not quickly finding, I am interested in learning how to improve my reeds which become stuffy in the high end (particularly above top line G) on my bari. Thanks again for sharing so much valuable info as well as your talents with us. Hugs from cold 36 degree NW Michigan.
I’m going to do more videos with the ReedGeek soon.
i wacth this vid till end.. and i not a sax player.. im pianis why? -^-
Can it be used For a oboe and bassoon reeds?
You’re the only person I have found that also uses rigotti gold reeds haha
sometimes. I have been on the RSJ for a while now. Rigotti are very consistent though.
I know dozens of people who use them. Myself included.
I have a Reed Geek, but the process / tool I use is the ATG Reed Finishing system by Tom Ridenour. The Geek is good to flatten the back, but IMHO it is a clumsy tool to use for adjusting the reed vamp. The ATG system is much better, more precise and easier to use. About the same price as a Black Diamond Reed Geek 🙂. One major point, and this is true no matter how you work on reeds, is that shining light thru the reed or flexing it with your finger will not tell you anything. Instead, test by playing - twist the mouthpiece down on one side, then the other, and work on the side (“wing”) that is heavier, or duller or less responsive.
I really think you ought to check out the ATG system; like you, I have no affiliation with the manufacturer, I’m just a very happy customer! FWIW, I use virtually every reed in a box...
Thanks Steve, good to know I'll try to check that out.
Ridenour's ATG system is good, and as described here, and by Tom Ridenour, tooting one side of the reed then the other by turning the mouthpiece can clue you into which "ear" of the reed is more resistant and needs taking down. Ridenour includes a sanding block and advises sanding somewhat diagonally from the ears towards the vamp. I used the ATG system for some years, and it paid for itself in helping me turning many bum reeds into good players.
But I finally bought a PerfectaReed gauge, which I found worked even better for me at finding and removing reed asymmetries. Especially when reeds are asymmetric at and near the base of the vamp, they must be evened out and some kind of gauge setup really does the job. And it's quite rewarding when those bum playing reeds become champs. Many of the reeds I failed at with the ATG method are yielding good service.
Play an open C# and turn the mouthpiece on the cork to see which side/rail plays more clearly. Take material off the less responsive side until the two sides are equally responsive. The Geek is probably better than the ATG system for flattening the table or taking down the spine. I am using both systems.
Jay Lozier For saxophone, except soprano, you can do this with just the mouthpiece and neck. Same is true of bass clarinet.
@@stevekeller4814 I just bought the geek Reed. First thing I found out was that none of my reeds worked properly. I got a big improvement just by flattening them but some of them squeak a lot on the upper registry... Any ideas of how to fix that?
i still have an excuse. these reed geeks are crazy expensive
Hi jay. I,m doing your Pentatonic Foundation Course. I really recomend it. Congrats!!
Thanks Luis, glad it helps!
ReedGeek is a great tool. ❤
Outstanding advice. Love my Reed Geek! Thanks J.
Thank you David.
Or just use synthetic reeds
I can only hear Danny Devito well the other guy talks
I'm using vandoren Reed hydro case and do not travel. I've used the Reed geek for days and it's awesome.
Question do I really need to do back of Reed each time I play?
wait.... that's not how a carb works... that's how your valvetrain works... gawwwsh
I have it. It saves my time, money, and energy. Reeds are quite expensive. If I calculate how many bad reeds=good money I had discarted over 20 years. BUY IT, IT WORKS
Should someone be an advance player before adjusting reeds like this? Or should it be something people still working on fundamentals should use too? And does taking material off change the reed's number theoretically? For example, if you take a 3 Vandoren, do you turn it into a softer reed, like a something between a 2.5 and a 3?
Good question. The back of the reed can and should be done by everyone at every level every time before you put the reed on. For the other side you don't need to be very advanced, just sensitive enough to feel the difference after adjustments. No the reed doesn't necessarily become softer just more balanced and clear when adjusted correctly.
Better Sax Thanks for the quick response. I have a few reeds that I'd love to try then, will look at getting one soon.
Doing it with the reed on the mouthpiece? Never. With my luck, I would scratch the side rail or tip....
Does the reed need to be dry, or can you make adjustments on a reed as you’re playing?
It can be dry or it can be used
It's best if you have already wet it, so you're adjusting the reed as it would be played. You can keep adjusting it and trying it out to make adjustments.
mukoan Many thanks my friend. I appreciate it.
Also, check out Larry Teal's The Art of Saxophone Playing. He has some good tips for adjusting reeds.
I use a synthetic reed. As I was playing a gig the reed seemed to get stuffy. Is this a result of moisture or a bad reed? In the case of the reed would the reed geek help?
Mel Davis synthetic reeds don’t need to be wet
How do I know that my mouthpiece is good, in terms of even/level table, rails, etc? Sometimes I get suspicious of the mouthpiece instead of the reeds. Reeds have caused more people to unnecessarily switch mouthpieces probably than anything else.
Can you make a reed make a little bit softer than the original one? So let's say if you are balancing between a 3 and 3,5, you buy a 3,5 which might be a little bit too hard but will become perfectly playable with the adjustments of the reedgeek?
Hi Jay, I got a Reedgeek - Black Diamond. Watching videos and learning how to use it. So far, all my reeds are now playable. All I really have one is flatten the back. I did try to do more on one, and think I've ruined it, but it still plays somewhat.
I have a question. I have both 2.5 and 3 Java reeds, and can play them all now. But, I'm finding the 3's play a bit sharp, same solid embouchure. Do harder reeds play sharper? Is pulling the mp out a bit, the right thing to do? It seems to work.
I’d say soft reeds play flat. Harder reeds play in tune. Congrats on the ReedGeek
@@bettersax Different perspective, but confirmed. So, I'll pull out my mp for the 3's. Thanks.
hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heh... I'm a trombone ;)
I'm a trumpet
im a flute, tenor sax, bass clarinet, piano, and an electric bass.
Fingernail Buffer & File with 7 Surfaces & Steps @ Walmart, Works just fine. Try it on old reeds first.
Am I an alien for not knowing what all other saxophonists are talking about?
I've always managed to play 10 out of 10 reeds in a box.
Yes, some are better than others, some last longer, but I find them all playable
Reading other players saying this definetely makes me feel better... I have been playing sax for more than ten years (not professionally), and almost any reed I buy is playable. Nonetheless, this is not the first place where I've read or heard about frequent bad reeds! Very weird
The reed geek guy sounds like danny devito
Physics lab 😁👌
Love Your alto sound, which mouthpiece did You play on this video?
Have e Good New Year, stay healthy and thanks for all Your tipps and work You sharing with us.
I have this really bad Reed which I just got and it was completely unplayable I was gasping for air *every single measure*. Compared to my other Reed, the bad Reed feels like sand paper. I know I need to smooth it out, but to seal the holes can I use chapstick or some oil to seal it?
Yea they reed guy is full of crap with his analogies. He is not even close just saying some sales BS to sale a product. It might work but he is full of crap and sounds ignorant. Also "removing density" density is How dense a volume of material is not how much is there. He should say removing material and mass not density.
My reddit brain was waiting for "Wake Up! Grab a brush and put a little make up!"
It works! Thanks for posting this Jay - total beginner here and this has helped a lot
The ideas make sense. So lucky you can use a dime store penknife held vertically to achieve the same, saving many dollars.
This is a commercial? I thought it was real advise.
tucs1973 It’s both commercial and GREAT advise
Omg im ordering this! Ive used sandpaper to waterproof and shape reeds but this looks so much easier! Thanks for the vid!
does anyone has a link to an aliexpress product that does the same but costs $1.39?
Buying my first Alto Sax. What reed number should I start with?
Great video and very informative. Thanks Jay and Mauro
Thank you Nigel!...I hope this video helps players achieve better reed performance and take a bit of the mystique out!!
Sandpaper is a pretty cool tool!
I love my ReedGeek SO much, what an incredibly useful tool to perfect such an expensive aspect of our woodwind world. So my question is this: Does Mauro really suggest marking your reed with a lead pencil?
There isn’t lead in pencils.
Hey so two big questions: 1. How helpful and how hard is it to adjust synthetic Reeds? I play on both so I'm curious as to how different they are. 2. How long can I expect 1 black diamond reed geek to last? I see no warranty on website, maybe I'm not looking in the right spots but I'd like to know how long I can expect the tool to last since I'll use it on both clarinet and saxophone
Hey I’ve had my first reed geek for over 5 years now and it’s still like day 1. I’ve never heard anyone say it went dull or rusted etc. I don’t play synthetic enough to give a good answer to your first question.
Thanks you so much from france... i bought it 😇😇😇
Hi Jay, I have one also but didn’t know how to do the top part of reed. Thank for sharing the other part for reed adjusting!🎶🎶🎷
yeah it's not as tricky as I thought. Hope this video helps you out.
Jay like to see and hear your video on the Klangbogen ! Heard so much about! I see you 👀 have one 🎶🎷
Does the Reed Geek work on all sax reeds, I see you demo the alto reeds, what about the tenor, baritone , bass clarinet, etc..
Anyone else a 11 years old kid that really likes music but does have friends write in the comment below
I’ve always just used my pocket knife
Wow I definitely need one of those ReedGeek! It's amazing every video I watch I learn something new ! By the way I love your neck strap where did you get it?
ReedGeek is great and essential. The new strap from the last few videos is not available to purchase yet. It's the gig strap by Jupiter
I use 24 grit disc on my air grinder for all my reed work.
😜👍
Gets an A while playing D
Uses Reed Geek
Works flawlessly
Carefully just use a razor blade. Works fantastic. Better off removing reed from mouthpiece. Don't want loose bamboo going into mouthpiece and horn
Not good advice
Hi Jay. I would like to thank you for your book on pentatonic patterns, I play it everyday. I am actually playing a Fibracell #3, I just cannot get a fair sound out of my instrument with normal ones, I gave up. I play with a Jody Jazz HR 6* and I just love it, maybe a little high pitched on high notes, but it can also be me, I have been playing for only 5 years now... I also tried other good mouthpieces like the Ottolink Tonemaster #8 but the sound was thin, maybe if I had stuck with it it could have worked but the Jody Jazz is so much easy and powerful that I didn´t gave it a chance. I asked a couple of teachers I had how could it be that I cannot get a good sound with a setup any different from what I have now but all answers seemed to be vage and biased. None of them liked the sound of fiber reeds and It is funny because they never took the time to really give them a try since it takes sometime to adjust. I have heard that coltrane had a bag full of mouthpieces and Brandford Marsallis sais that no matter what equipment you use, you may find a slight difference at the beggining but you will end up returning to YOUR sound wich by the way was true for Charlie Parker even when he played with pastic saxophones... If you have any clues on why this is happening , please let me know, I have been playing for over two hours for the past three years and everytime time I go back to nomal reeds, carefully picked up and sometimes even sanded, I get a lot of frustration. Please also take into consideration giving a test to Fibracells and sticking to them for a couple of weeks, I would really appreciate your feedback since they are becoming increasingly more popular.
Thank you also for your reviews, I can´t live without the sax deflector now! ;-))
Mario, the reedgeek is the thing that got me back into cane reeds. It makes a world of difference. It can also be used to adjust the synthetic reeds. I recommend practicing on lots of old cane reeds first though. I'll try to get some fibracells to try as well.
as far as your sound is concerned, you need to be comfortable with your setup. Sometimes changing reed strength or brand of reed when you go to another mouthpiece will make a big difference.
@@bettersax I just bought it. Thanks!
good but...
70 DOLLARS?!?!?!?
This is basically like reed rush bassoonists have been using for forever
Love the reedgeek! but what do i do if my reed is too soft and flimsy instead of tough or stuffy?
If you have a metal mouthpiece you can use it to do the same.
Is the Reed Greek good tool for Fibracell Reeds.
I’ve had the reed geek for a number of years now but always just used it on the back to flatten. Only in desperate moments have I adjusted the top side for fear of overdoing it. This vid has opened my eyes and mind and greatly improved my investment in this tool. Thank you so much for the in depth look into how to use this tool.
Side note: I may have to change my username now!
Cool ! Back in the day we used Dutch rush (or reed rush) to adjust reeds
I just play the bad reeds, I don’t care lol
I just play the bad reeds, I don’t care lol