Problem What May Be Wrong Possible Solution

High notes dont speak.

Tip of reed too closed. Squeeze sides of 1
st
wire to open
tip. Tip of reed should be open
the width of a dime.

Reed too thin. Squeeze the sides of the 2
nd
wire
and adjust tip with the 1
st
wire.

Reed too thin. Clip the tip of the reed.

Overall poor response. Reed is too dry. Dip in reed water.

Poor balance. Turn the reed upside down on
the bocal.

Poor balance. If the tip has a smile, the curved
side is thicker than the flat side.
You need to scrape thick side.


Poor balance. Check for and scrape thick spots.

Tip too thick. Scrape the tip or use sandpaper.

Reed is not sealing. Round out the back of the reed
with a mandrel.

Poor low response. Reed is too stiff. Flatten 2
nd
wire and adjust tip of
reed with the 1
st
wire.

Too heavy on the back of the
reed.
Scrape the back of the reed.
Poor balance. Turn the reed upside down on
the bocal.

Poor balance. If the tip has a smile, the curved
side is thicker than the flat side.
You need to play with the flat
side down or scrape thick side.

Poor balance. Check for and scrape thick spots.

Inflexible, or hard to slur. Poor balance. Check for and scrape thick spots
in the hinge area.

Mid-section of reed too thick. Scrape the hinge area.

Es and C#s dropping. Reed too thin or old. Squeeze sides of 2
nd
wire and
adjust tip with 1
st
wire.

Reed too thin or old. Clip the tip.