When you get your reed, soak it in room temperature water for 30-60 seconds. Reeds absorb water faster when they are new, so I do not recommend leaving new reeds in the water for long periods of time. This will make them feel too open and waterlogged. Reeds generally play best after a day or two of "breaking them in."
Play the reed with the overlap on the thread facing you. For English horn reeds, the wire should face away from you.
