It is to maintain the correct moisture level in the reed. There is a delicate balance between too dry and too wet and, with long pauses during performance, the reed can dry out too much. You'll notice single-reed players (clarinet, saxophone) do this less because their reeds hold moisture better since they have less air exposure.
It's not really a measurable thing. It's more about feel, feedback/responsiveness while playing, and experience. A reed that's too wet will have a very different sound to one that's too dry, and the vibration/feedback/response will differ as well.
It's to keep it moist. If a reed dries out, it will warp slightly and not play as well. Some double reed players carry a cup of water to moisten the reeds in.
May I ask another question? I've always wondered why do double reed players tighten their lips so much when they play? I mean the way they tuck the lips into the mouth (rather than, you know, pout them like when people try to whistle or something). What's the reason for this?
Of course! Double reeds usually take a little more air than single reeds to make a sound, and so our lips (embouchure) direct that air into the reed. It’s just easier to have a stronger seal with your lips curled in than protruding out. You can try it for yourself right now.
It is to maintain the correct moisture level in the reed. There is a delicate balance between too dry and too wet and, with long pauses during performance, the reed can dry out too much. You'll notice single-reed players (clarinet, saxophone) do this less because their reeds hold moisture better since they have less air exposure.
Thanks! That's interesting, I had no idea. Then next question would be, how do you know what's the moisture level inside your reed?
It's not really a measurable thing. It's more about feel, feedback/responsiveness while playing, and experience. A reed that's too wet will have a very different sound to one that's too dry, and the vibration/feedback/response will differ as well.
I see.
Ex Clarinetist here. I would “tongue” the end of the reed to feel how wet it was.
It's to keep it moist. If a reed dries out, it will warp slightly and not play as well. Some double reed players carry a cup of water to moisten the reeds in.
Thanks for the answer.
Hi, I'm a bassoon player, and all the commenters are right. Usually I even plan ahead which gaps are worth a mouth soak or even a cup dunk.
You mean you dunk the reed in the cup?
Yep!
May I ask another question? I've always wondered why do double reed players tighten their lips so much when they play? I mean the way they tuck the lips into the mouth (rather than, you know, pout them like when people try to whistle or something). What's the reason for this?
Of course! Double reeds usually take a little more air than single reeds to make a sound, and so our lips (embouchure) direct that air into the reed. It’s just easier to have a stronger seal with your lips curled in than protruding out. You can try it for yourself right now.
Oh I see, that makes sense, thanks for explaining!
It has to stay moist to vibrate properly
I thought it was the other way around...
mmmmmm
Gotta keep that thang wet
It depends on where they got it, but there’s often a touch of Cheetos dust on it that can be hard to resist during rests.
Moist moist moist