Fun-Fact(s)

Numero uno: many brands of reeds come in quarter sizes!             (Vandoren V12 & Gonzales, more specifically)  

Ziffer zwei: You have so many more reed options now!  Next time you buy a box, try a quarter size stronger.  Experiment and decide what you like! (Broke? Reeds in your stocking this Christmas!)

Saelie (that's number three in High Valyrian): Once you establish a super amazing strength of reed for yourself, consider the weather.  Look outside, do you see a snowy supernova?  If so, it may be wintertime and fun-fact number three is that the feel of resistance in a reed can change from season to season. The general rule is: cold weather season, use a slightly heavier reed.  Summertime, go a quarter size softer.  

For example, I use Gonzales brand reeds.  I have a pretty resistant mouthpiece, so during the summer I use a 3 1/4 strength reed.  Once the weather turns cold consistently (which in Indiana can be anywhere from October to December) I switch to a strength 3 1/2.  

Tailor that method to your own current reed size and you may notice a lot more satisfaction with your reed cycle!