How to Store Saxophone Reeds (DIY Saxophone Reed Storage Instructions)

Alanna Hawley
Mar 31, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Nov 5

Playing saxophone well is all about making it as easy as possible, and that includes keeping your reeds in great shape.

Key Takeaways

Improperly stored reeds can create issues with playability, including starting the note, tone, and squeaking.
You can create your own reed storage system for a fraction of the price (see kit instructions below).

Keep reading below to learn more about how to store saxophone reeds.

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Your Checklist For a DIY Saxophone Reed Storage Box

An airtight food storage container.
- I like Snapware or similar (like this one - you could use whatever size you prefer, as long as the reeds fit inside).
- Although I use glass containers in day-to-day life, I prefer plastic for reed storage to avoid breakage.
A D'Addario reed vitalizer pack, 72% humidity (only around $3) - shop here.
Optional but highly recommended: flat reed case/reed holder, like the Key Leaves Reed Guard.

Why should you use a flat reed holder? Because in order to prevent warping, the reed needs to dry evenly on a flat surface. Although you can get away with using the plastic sleeve the reed came in (I did this for years), you will have the best results when using a flat reed storage option like the Reed Guard. Especially if you live in a dry environment or already have issues with reeds warping, I would go for the Reed Guard, which is only around $15 at this time.

Why This DIY Reed Storage System Works

The Key: Keeping Humidity as Consistent as Possible

Have you ever started playing on a reed and noticed that the tip of the reed was wavy? This is a warped reed. Much like other wood, reed cane can become warped if it goes from dry to moist and vice versa too quickly. This happens because moisture absorbs or evaporates unevenly, leaving the cane wavy (and really difficult to play). Changing weather can often be the culprit, but the transition from its case to a warm, saliva-filled mouth can also warp the reed.

Proper saxophone reed storage is key to preventing reeds from warping. If you store your saxophone reeds in a slightly humid environment, then they won’t be as shocked when they enter your mouth.

*Note that all of these saxophone reed storage options apply to cane reeds and aren't necessary for Legere plastic reeds. If you'll be playing outdoors or in a very dry environment, I recommend considering a Legere reed (although I do recommend my beginner saxophone students start on cane reeds).

Purchasable Option: Pre-Made Humidity-Controlled Cases

D'Addario makes a pre-made version of the DIY reed box/case here. I personally owned one for many years (and clumsily dropped it one day- the reeds were fine, but the case was not). Even though I loved that case, I ultimately stuck with the air-tight container because I could keep more reeds in it.

Other Option: Utilize Glass

This option isn’t so much about keeping them in a humid environment, but rather it mitigates how the moisture is managed when you put the reed away. When a reed is placed on glass, the relationship of the glass to the cane allows moisture to evaporate evenly across the reed which prevents the waves/warping. So while we aren’t directly controlling the humidity, we are keeping the moisture from absorbing or evaporating unevenly, which prevents warping. You can buy a piece of glass at a hardware store for a few dollars and go the homemade route, or you can buy pre-made glass reed storage boxes. Selmer used to make a popular one, but I haven’t seen that for sale recently.

I hope you found this article about how to store saxophone reeds to be helpful!

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