My Légère reed developed lines / looks cracked – what should I do?Updated 2 months ago

First, inspect closely: Légère reeds have a faint pattern in them from manufacturing, which can sometimes be mistaken for cracks.  

Fine vertical lines down the vamp can also appear after long use, but these usually do not affect the sound.  

However, actual cracks (which are rare) can happen if the reed is mishandled or if it underwent some stress. If the reed truly cracked (e.g., a split starting at the tip), unfortunately it’s not repairable – you would need a replacement. If it cracked within 30 days of purchase under normal use, please contact us – it could be covered by our warranty or exchange policy. 

To avoid cracking: handle by the heel, don’t clamp the ligature too tight, and rotate reeds to prevent overplaying one to failure.  

Cracks in Légère reeds are uncommon if the reed is cared for properly. Many “it cracked!” reports turn out to just be the cosmetic grain lines which don’t impact play. When in doubt, play-test: if it still plays well, it’s likely fine. If it suddenly won’t play or responds drastically differently, then a structural issue might have occurred.