- It is important not to consistently play on a reed which is too hard or too soft. This will limit the capabilities of the mouthpiece you have chosen.

- Play-in new reeds: play them for a few minutes each day before normal use to break them in.

- Reed Rotation: Do not get used to one "good reed." It will become progressively weaker and so will your lip muscles! All subsequently used reeds of the same strength will seem too hard.

- Choose your reed to suit the place where you are :

a) A softer reed in a resonant, dry, air-conditioned venue.
b) A harder reed in an accoustically "dull" room, outdoors, or in a damp place.

For example, an experienced musician who normally uses a strength 3-1/2 may use a strength 3 for an air-conditioned location. Conversely he may select strength 4, if he were to play a concert in a humid environment.