Making Average Sax Reeds Play INCREDIBLE

Saxophone players often struggle with reeds that don’t quite feel right, sometimes punishing themselves by playing on a reed that could be vastly improved with just a minute or two of simple adjustments. Mauro from ReedGeek sees this all the time at trade shows. Players hand him their reeds, he makes a few precise changes, and suddenly, they play effortlessly. Today, we’re walking through that same process step by step, showing just how much of a difference a few small tweaks can make.

Flattening the Table

After testing a BetterSax Jazz Cut #2.5 on a Burnin’ 7 mouthpiece, it was clear that the reed played well but had room for improvement. One of the biggest issues with reeds straight out of the box is that they vary slightly after manufacturing. That’s why the first step is flattening the table using the BetterSax Geeklet reed adjustment tool. By letting the tool glide lightly over the reed, it removes tiny bits of pulp and raised pores, making the surface smooth and ensuring better adhesion to the mouthpiece. The difference is immediately noticeable. The attack becomes cleaner, response improves, and the sound projects with greater clarity. In less than 30 seconds, the reed is already playing 15 to 20 percent better.

The Pencil Eraser Technique

While the reed was significantly better after flattening, there was still more potential to unlock. Using the tip of the Geeklet, also known as the Pencil Eraser, the next step is to define the wings of the reed and enhance its flexibility. Similar to erasing on paper, this technique refines the heart of the reed, shaping it into what’s often called the Christmas Tree shape. This step helps remove the softer outer layers of cane and get into the harder, more stable core, improving consistency and longevity. Every time a reed is taken out of storage or played, it can shift slightly, but using the Geeklet keeps it stable. The change is incredible—the reed plays with more ease, clarity, and a stronger sound with less effort.

Adjusting the Spine for Tip Vibration

Some reeds start out stuffy, feeling like they’re blocking airflow. Instead of tossing them aside, this final adjustment can often save them. If a reed still isn’t vibrating enough, it may need a small spine adjustment to allow the tip to vibrate more freely. Using the precise edges of the Geeklet, the spine is gently worked to create more tip vibration. After this adjustment, the reed feels even more responsive, with a buzzier, fuller sound—perfect for a jazzier tone. The difference is immediate. One note in, and it’s clear that the reed now plays effortlessly.

These simple adjustments completely transform the playing experience. It’s like the principle from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People—sharpening the saw before cutting the tree. Spending just a minute refining the reed makes playing smoother, easier, and more enjoyable. Instead of struggling with a bad reed, a little knowledge and the right tool make it possible to unlock the full potential of every reed in the box. With a little practice, anyone can master these adjustments, making every reed play its best.

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