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Step 1
Check the reed while it is dry and after you wet it. Note any differences between the stiff, dry reed and the moist, flexible version. Check every reed, even if you always buy reeds from the same manufacturer. No two reeds are exactly alike.
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Step 2
Hold the thin tip of the reed up to the light and look for any chips, cracks or uneven edges. This is where the vibrations are made that create the music and the tip must be free of defects. The reed should be smooth with no burrs or rough edges.
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Step 3
Examine the middle of the reed for wear or cracks what may have occurred where your lips press to the reed. Reeds with residue, like lipstick or lip balm, should be checked often to ensure that the reed is vibrating properly. This part of the reed should be flat and smooth.
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Step 4
Clean the back of the reed for mold or mildew that may have grown in between uses. Not only is the mold unsanitary, but it can break down the wood of your reed. Keep the reed in a reed holder, not the casing you buy it in.
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Step 5
Turn the reed so you can examine it from the side. Look for warping on and near the tip of the reed. Since the wood is thin at the top of the reed, it can warp and bend after each use. Moisten the reed and flatten it against a smooth surface, like glass, to reduce warping.
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Step 6
Track how long you use the reeds. Most reeds should be discarded after three months. Throw out any reed that does not play well.
