A lot of students will ask me: "Do I Realllllly have to soak my reed in water, or can I just use my mouth?"
The short answer is: Yep. Water is best. Try to get your reed into it before playing.
There are many reasons for this:
1. We carry a ton of enzymes and particles in our saliva. These really do a number on the cane used to make oboe reeds. We even have traces of stomach acid in our saliva, (the stuff that breaks down your food in your system!) just as it breaks down food, it will break down your reed.
2. Soaking your reed in water will actually help create a little barrier between your saliva and the reed. Do you ever notice that licking your lips actually makes them MORE chapped? Same thing with your reeds, they really NEED water just as your lips need chapstick (or my favorite, Chopsaver)
3. If you live in a dry climate like I do, your reeds are constantly drying out. Again, having a little vial of water on hand really helps to rehydrate them quickly.
Just as important as giving your reeds a water dip is letting them dry out in a proper case after playing is over for the day. If moist reeds are not allowed to dry out, they can actually grow mold! Ew.
Go for a ribbon style case as opposed to the coffin cases or vials that many reeds come packaged in. The ribbon style case is very protective, and allows reeds to air out.
There ya go! Hold onto those precious reeds with care! :)
I have played the oboe for 5 years and there were some things on here that were very helpful and I wish that I had known of them when I first started. Thank you very much Fairy Oboe Mother! I will be sure to try some of techniques on here!
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