No one will buy used reeds. No one.

Over the 22 years that I have been a member of eBay, I have seen some pretty weird saxophone stuff get sold on the auction site. For me the strangest is always used reeds. Like: what the actual f*!?

A few weeks ago I noticed these 2 little gems on eBay for the first time. For some inexplicable reason I followed the auction. Today I was clearing out my emails and decided to see if these babies had sold… They had not. Surprised? Me not either. However, they seller was not perturbed by this. They just decided to re-list these vintage beauties…

used reeds, Vibrator saxophone reed with lipstick, dirty Paramount saxophone reed — Source: nickelsndiamonds1013 on eBay.com

Nickels-n-Diamonds has an eBay store that specializes in vintage collectibles. I checked out the rest of their stuff. They do have some interesting items, but they really missed the mark on these. The store describes these lovelies like this:

Pair or vintage Reeds
Paramount made in France
Chiron Vibrator 2-1/2
Both appear in good condition
Ships quick from USA

Now I get it that the owners of this shop likely don’t play a woodwind instrument, but all it takes is a modicum of common sense. Owners of antique and collectibles shops do research all day long. If they don’t know what a reed is for, they would find out pretty quick. Then they should ask themselves: Would I put this into my mouth?

Forget the fact that reeds are generally not shared among players, and are only used a limited time before they are discarded. Why would anyone want to buy a disposable item to use that is covered in another player’s lipstick? Or one that is growing the particular kind of fungus/bacteria that grows on natural fibers once they get wet and is allowed to sit for decades?

Source: nickelsndiamonds1013 on eBay.com

What is Nickels-n-Diamonds asking for these two, bottom-of-the-case finds you ask? Well, they were originally listed for $29.99 US. However, they are now on sale for 17% off. They can be yours for the low price of only $24.89 US. 😆 😆

New rules for eBay sellers thinking of selling used reeds they found in a used instrument case—or anywhere else for that matter

Just don’t.
Reeds that have been used are never vintage. They are always used.
No one wants to buy used reeds.
It doesn’t matter what brand of used cane or synthetic reed it is. It can be stamped: Vibrator, Brilhart, Vandoren, Rico, Pierret, B&S, or yes, even Selmer. Players don’t care. No one wants to buy a used reed.
Reeds with lipstick on them are used.
Reeds with water stains on them are used.
Reeds with black/brown/or other coloured stains on them are used.
Reeds with chips in them are used.
Reeds with cracks on the edges are used.
Reeds that look like a dog chewed on them are used.
Reeds that are shredded are used.
Reeds not in their original packaging are used.
Reeds in unsealed boxes are considered possibly used. (Never will unsealed boxes sell for as much as sealed boxes.)
Reeds go directly in a player’s mouth. Ask yourself: Would I put this in my mouth?
And to repeat #1: Just don’t.