How can you tell if your reed is rotten?

Question:i play clarinet and well the reed smells funny...should i get a new 1??

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: i play clarinet and well the reed smells funny...should i get a new 1??

Are you taking your reeds off at the end of each session? Do this, and put them away. Once a week or so, rinse the mouthpiece with warm (not hot) water.

Sorry if I'm insulting your intelligence.

More than likely. Also if it turns color its probably best to get a new one. My step dad just buys his kid a pack of them so if one gets old he can just replace it right then.

When in doubt, throw it out.

i used to play too, whenever your reed is jagged, discolored or smells....its time to replace it!! always keep a spare one in the case just incase of a split reed happens!!

they get rotten fast, especially if you play for a long time. i played the alto saxophone and my reeds got chipped bad...i changed my reeds like every 1 and a half weeks, or plain a week.you can tell its bad when it smells bad, its chipped or bent, if maybe it like sticks to ur mouthpiece strongly....that stuff