InstantForum.NET v4.1.4The Player's Loungehttp://www.daddario.com/Discuss/DiscussionBoards@daddario.comFri, 29 Aug 2008 15:30:02 GMT20http://www.daddario.com/Discuss/Topic33289-16-1.aspxSuggestion: try purchasing a Cordier or other reed trimmer of the appropriate size for your saxophone. Don't try a tenor trimmer for alto reeds-BIG MISTAKE!!!! This trimmer should allow you "fix" the reed upon a flat surface, then very gradually increment the reed tip exposure about a 1/32nd of an inch; or smaller, at a time for each trim of one reed. Triple check the exposure BEFORE YOU TRIM!! Trim, then audition the reed. Some "flabby"/soft reeds can be improved but be very, very shy when you trim. Little pieces at a time. Big trimming can ruin a reed! <br><br>Charlie Parker was fabeled to take a reed and expose it over a quarter dollar coin and then use a match or lighter to "burn" off the expsoure. He then "flicked" the ashes off with his finger and used an emory board to slope the reed from the main body of the reed to the tip. Until you have mastered the art of "reading" a reed then making small minor adjustments, take a suspicious approach. Use an old reed that is nearly had it and use it as a guinnea pig to get experience (unless you are made of money :-'} ). OK?<br><br>B.T.W. you cannot trim fibercell or Plasticover reeds. Not a viable choice. Straight plastic reeds are really difficult to get even from rail to rail if done incorrectly the first time (there goes $15-20 into the waste receptacle!).Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:02:14 GMTsaxplayer1951http://www.daddario.com/Discuss/Topic33289-16-1.aspxIs it possible to cut the reed if this one is too soft ? And how much is to cut when needs a 3 in case of an 2.5 ? ThanksThu, 04 Oct 2007 07:28:34 GMTdepthtune