The Geeklet
Get the most out of your reeds with the BetterSax Geeklet. Check out the bonus content below to learn more.
How to use your Geeklet
Watch the video below to learn how to use your BetterSax Geeklet reed adjusting tool to make every reed play better.
Download the Geeklet PDF Guide
3 Crucial Elements for Optimum Reed Performance
Mouthpiece
A good mouthpiece with an even tip, rails, facing and table is essential. Uneveness in your mouthpiece will cause poor reed performance.
Reeds
High quality, French cane reeds will give you the best results. Make sure your choice of reed is a good match for you and your mouthpiece.
Adjustment
Knowing how to perform some simple adjustments with the BetterSax Geeklet will allow you to make every reed in a box play its best.
Leveling the Reed Table
Flatten the table of your reed to get a perfect seal with the mouthpiece. This is the most important adjustment to make and can be done on every reed, every time you use it.
Step 1
Hold the Geeklet in your dominant hand, and the reed in the other with the table facing up.
Step 2
Using any of the four edges of your Geeklet, gently scrape keeping the tool flush against the reed and tilted at about 20 degrees.
Tips
You can scrape in either direction or back and forth. Don't be afraid of removing too much material, you can scrape away here! Do this adjustment before every playing session and especially when switching a reed between mouthpieces.
Balancing the Reed Rails
A reed that is equally flexible on each side will perform best. Check the rails of your reed, and adjust as necessary.
Step 1
Gently flex each reed rail with your fingertips to feel if one side is more resistant than the other. Visually inspect the reed by holding it up to light to see if one rail appears thicker than the other.
Step 2
Using the rounded tip or any edge of the Geeklet, gently scrape the thicker rail until it is balanced with the other.
Step 3
After light adjustments test the reed by flexing it in your fingers again and by playing it. As you learn to use your Geeklet, the more practice you get adjusting reeds, the faster the process gets.
Decongesting the Reed Tip
Sometimes reeds can feel a bit stuffy. With the Geeklet tool, we can fix this very quickly and easily.
Step 1
If your reed feels stuffy, hold it up to light and look for irregularities in the area shown between the tip and the heart of the reed.
Step 2
Use the rounded tip of the Geeklet to gently scrape away cane fibers in this area on either side of the reed heart.
Step 3
After light adjustments inspect visually and play test to see and hear how much the reed has cleared up.
Adjusting the Reed Spine
When you have a reed that feels too resistant or dark, an easy adjustment to the spine with your Geeklet can improve its response or add a bit more brightness to the sound.
Step 1
First balance your reed by performing the adjustments above. If the reed is balanced, decongested and has a level table but still feels overly resistant or dark, adjust the spine.
Step 2
Gently scrape along the center of the reed spine from the heel towards the tip using any of the 4 edges of the Geeklet. After a few scrapes, test. Repeat until you acheive the desired result.
Tips
Be careful to always use light pressure when scraping. The Geeklet tool is very sharp enought that you can let its weight do most of the work. Too much pressure will gouge the reed.
Care and Maintenance
The Geeklet is easy to take care of and will provide many years of service if you follow the steps below.
Step 1
Store your Geeklet in it's case. Don't leave it loose in your saxophone case or it could damage your instrument.
Step 2
Wipe your Geeklet down with a soft cloth after each use. This will help keep the special alloy in top condition for years of use.
Tips
The Geeklet has crisp edges. Be careful when handling it. It is still safe to travel with and passes safely through airport security.
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