I get asked about my reed storage regularly – probably because I’m usually carrying three or four instruments, so I thought that I would share. This is no new idea by any means, I’ve seen Michael Lowenstern, and Richie Hawley use similar or explain similar methods on reed storage.

In the winter of 2021, I couldn’t keep my reeds from getting mouldy. It seemed like I was throwing out a set of reeds a week, and cleaning my cases – in the dishwasher, letting it sit in different solutions, and I even replaced a few of the cases.

I had tried other cases in the past, but I’ve seemed to have fought mouldy reeds since I moved to Ottawa (humid summers, and dry winters). When I decided to rethink my reed storage, hoping that I would be able to fix the problem, I went back to Rico reed bag storage idea (which they don’t make anymore).

Here’s my version.

It’s simple, and I haven’t had mouldy reeds since.

Here’s what it is –

D’Addario Reed Guard – colour coded for each instrument and either jazz or classical reeds.

Boveda Humidity Packs – I like the 72%.

Ziploc Power Shield Bags – I wanted the slider on the bag, so I knew that it was sealed.

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I am happy to say that since I have switched from my old reed cases, that I used for years, I have had no friends growing on my reeds. I also notice that with only four reeds ready to go at a time, as opposed to eight or ten, I’m much better at keeping track of where they are in the process – I tend to rotate them out a little earlier than I used to, which keeps them sounding where I want them, and keeps my face used to fresh reeds.

What reed storage do you use?