![]() Speaking of reed petals…beginning with the VForce3 we no longer use different "outer" and "inner" reed petals. An added benefit of a screw free design is that it also always for super quick reed petal changes. ![]() The VForce3 also incorporates a completely screw free design eliminating any worries of loose screws, or worse engine damage caused by a screw going through your engine. While a VForce reed valve system offers increased bottom end, stronger mid-range and longer top-end, it also allows more airflow which means more horsepower. Since the petals are only traveling half the distance, they generally last longer as they receive less wear than the reed petals on a conventional reed valve design. ![]() This fact, sheds light on another VForce advantage. Consider this, an engine operating at 8,000 RPM results in a reed petal opening and closing 133 times in one second. A reed petal never truly "closes" in a classic sense, as it is always in movement. 2) Because the reed petals only need to travel half the distance of that on a conventional reed valve design, there is a greater chance of them being fully opened as well as a better chance of sealing when they are "closed". This has two major benefits: 1) The reed petals only travel half the distance as a conventional reed valve design to get the same airflow. To find how their strength scale compares to your current reeds, check out my interactive reed comparison chart.THE VFORCE3 REED VALVE SYSTEMThe unique design of the VForce reed valve system features double the reed tip surface over a conventional reed valve design. Legere is a leading manufacturer of synthetic reeds. Individual synthetic reeds are expensive, but the investment can be worth it since they can last months instead of weeks. Synthetic reeds are more durable, resist warping, and have antimicrobial properties that prevent mold growth. They generally have a significantly longer life than cane reeds, although eventually they also wear out. Synthetic reeds can be a great alternative to traditional cane (wood) reeds. If I absolutely have to give an answer, I would say that in general, a reed will last around 2 weeks if you are playing on it every day. Some players find that rotating among a few different reeds, playing only one each day, can help extend the life of their reeds overall. High humidity or dry air can accelerate the aging process. There are additional environmental factors that can affect the life of a reed. It’s best to monitor your reeds for any of the above signs that indicate your reed is ready to be cast into a tiny bonfire. Additionally, you should never play on a reed with any kind of crack or chunk missing. If you observe any of these signs, it’s probably time to send your reed to that big cane field in the sky. Check out my post Should I change my reed strength? (How to tell when to move up or down a strength) to learn what a soft reed feels like. If you see this, discard immediately! Mold is gross and can make you sick if you ingest it.ĭifficulty playing notes, especially high notes Reed has dark specs or streaks, indicating mold growth. Reed has crinkles at the tip or other warping How do you know if your reed is past its prime? Here are some telltale signs: Reeds deteriorate over time due to stress from playing and the environment. Signs that your reed is ready for retirement You’ll probably find that it’s much easier to play once you do! ![]() If your answer to any of the above is “yes”, then it’s probably well past time to break out a new reed. Have you been playing on the same reed for a while? Maybe a few weeks? A few months?ĭo you notice that it’s getting more difficult to play certain notes? Maybe there are some black or green marks on the bottom of your reed? Is the brand stamp no longer legible?
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