i`m having big problems with reeds at the moment. I can`t seem to make them last more than a few days before the start to sound crap. I`m using Vandoren V12s (3.5) at the moment - they`re not to soft they just don`t last. This morning i practiced for 2 hours on 1 and it sounded great then i practiced again and it sounded like crap from the start. Anyone have any idea what to do about this?

Are you playing on one reed at a time? If so, you should have 4-6 reeds you can use at a time and rotate them. You are probably just over using the one reed.

Also, if they`re new, only play on them for about 10 minutes at a time. And make sure you dry them out properly before you put them away, otherwise they`ll warp.

When you`re done with your reed, make sure you gently squeeze the excess water from the reed, let it dry for a little bit, and carefully place it in a good reed case.