 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2008-04-09 19:27
http://www.reedgeek.com/
A Sponsor, so I shouldn't trash it, but really -- $31 + S/H for a scraper that does the work of a 50ยข sheet of sandpaper? With a serrated edge that cuts grooves into what should be a perfectly flat surface?!
Anybody tried it?
Ken Shaw
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-04-09 20:42
It seems that you can accomplish the same thing (and much more) using just a regular reed knife ...GBK
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2008-04-09 20:55
I was going to ask about this too, you beat me to it. I looked at the web page and went "Huh...?"
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-04-09 21:16
I find this unbelievable! I use sand paper or a bastard file to fatten the back if it needs flattening and a reed knife to balance. I use the back of the sand paper to "seal" the reed and I suspect they work a lot better than the "Reed Geek". ESP
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2008-04-09 22:32
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> Maybe they think that it's a swiss army reed knife......
Ahem. A good and properly sharpened Army knife is all you need...
--
Ben
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Author: Bassie
Date: 2008-04-10 10:27
The 'serrations' just look like pixellation in the image to me... I 'spect it's actually a flat scraper.
I guess the idea is that the cutting edge has a very different 'rake' angle than a knife... more like a lathe tool. In general this can radically change the way a cutting tool behaves. But who knows... anyone got one?
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2008-04-10 13:05
From my understanding it is indeed a flat scraper. Actually, if the edge is properly machined, and if it is sharp, this little tool will work exceptionally well for the intended purpose. I know this because I spent a lot of time in a tool room as young man and knew a number of tool makers and engineers.
In pursuit of a flat surface, there's potentially a vast difference in results between a file, a piece of sandpaper, and precision scraper or plane. As a matter of fact, files and sandpaper, though commonly used, are very imprecise tools for flattening the back of a reed. More often than not, the result is anything but a flat surface.
The Website notes that the tool also incorporates an end scraper with a gentle radius. This too might a very good thing, superior to a standard reed knife, in that it would enable you make pinpoint adjustments to the vamp.
It might be an idea not to trash something that one has never tried. It never hurts to keep an open mind as these guys may be on to something that could make life easier for us all.
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2008-04-10 13:19
I suspect it's a properly machined edge along the lines of Mr. Armato's device that will remain sharp.
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2008-04-10 15:10
I understand the concept he is doing there.
basically using a metal tool, that won't bend to flatten a reed.
The sandpaper - really fine sandpaper, is also really flat. BUT what is most important is the surface you put sandpaper on. which *has* to be flat - no regular table tops (the same holds for mpc refacers)
I've used reed knives etc in the same method he has. his tool should last a bit longer but what about wear ? At some point i would think it stops "shaving" and pushes flat the fibers (requiring more input)
He also has a couple other "designs" on his tool which assist in the cut from the thinner part of the reed to the back part; rails etc. But - without really using it - i wonder how it accomodates the differing reed designs and a nice flexy reed.
of course, holding a reed, it will flex in all ways too given enough pressure. Thus the reason I think Vandoren etc use a flat surface. You put a reed on a flat surface then scrap using the reed structure itself to less flex versus this method.
It's an interesting tool .. any takers ?
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Author: Paul Globus
Date: 2008-04-10 16:17
I would think that the problem with using reed knives to flatten the back of a reed is three fold. First, reed knives seldom have a true straight edge. Close perhaps, but rarely true. Second, they're seldom as sharp as a good machine tool. Third, knives have much less heft, so that when pushed or pulled across the back of a reed, they won't of their own accord "find" the high spots and remove them. In short, the design of the Reed Geek tool is based on some solid logic from a mechanical point of view. How well it works would have to assessed by trying it. Everything else is speculation.
Incidentally, assuming it's well made, $30 dollars does not to me seem like a high price. What does a box of reeds cost these days?
Post Edited (2008-04-10 16:18)
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Author: ReedGeek
Date: 2008-04-15 16:11
There are no serrated edges on the tool.
The long edges are very, very straight. The flat sides are precision ground an order of magnitude (or two) flatter than files. The other blades are hand-ground to precise tolerances for specific uses (see www.reedgeek.com).
There are a couple of issues with sandpaper:
1) flatness of the supporting surface - this can be overcome by using a precision surface block underneath
2) sandpaper loads up very fast - there's no way around this besides not using the surface twice
Using sandpaper on a surface block, with a new area for every stroke is exactly the way mouthpiece refacers work on mouthpiece tables.
Incidentally, the VanDoren plate glass tool has problem 2 as well.
With abrasives, it's very hard to do more than make the bottom of the reed _smooth_ . Flat is another thing altogether.
We'll do a more complete discussion of this on our web site. We'll post when it's ready.
Also, one or more of my colleagues may chime in here.
Thanks for posting.
Tom Briggs
www.ReedGeek.com
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2008-04-15 16:20
ReedGeek wrote:
>
> We'll do a more complete discussion of this on our web site.
> We'll post when it's ready.
>
Post a link only, please.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-04-15 18:15
I ordered one. When I consider what I've spent on gadgets it isn't much to spend and I will know pretty soon whether it's good for me. The ATG system was the same. One doesn't know until you have it. I use the ATG and don't use the Reed Wizard much. Then again I've had the Wizard forever and the ATG for only months so maybe all gadgets will become ornaments for me.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-04-15 19:21
If you have the old version of the Reed Wizard you (to me) don't have a good one. He greatly improved what it did and the method of cutting with the update about 3-4 years ago.
I just ordered a reed geek too. Worth a shot - gadget guy too.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
Post Edited (2008-04-15 19:24)
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-04-20 02:49
4-19 (4 days later) and the Reed Geek just arrived - quick service!! The blade is much like the Reed Wizard in that it's very high quality and similarly shaped. The whole tool is very, very small so would easily fit in any case or even a shirt pocket.
For flattening the bottom of the reed I could use my reed wizard blade come to think of it.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-04-23 04:36
Yes, Delivery on my order was very quick also. I will work with it for awhile and then report back.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-06-11 13:07
OK, so I am curious. For those who ordered this, what is the verdict? Have you used it? What is the result? Has it worked as advertised? Are you satisfied with the results? Let's see a review.
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2008-06-11 13:32
The verdict for me is no. It basically sits around not being used. The tooling involved in manufacturing makes this item priced right but for me the results are as many have speculated not worth it.
Freelance woodwind performer
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2011-12-24 14:24
Sorry for reviving a thread, but anyone else want to give a quick review of the ReedGeek? I'm considering buying it because glass and sandpaper is getting a little annoying to use for various reasons. Does it flatten well is my main concern.
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Author: sdr
Date: 2011-12-24 19:12
I love mine and use it all the time. Sometimes I'll touch up with #600 or #800 sandpaper after, because I like the top surface of the vamp very smooth, but I've tried ATG, Reed Wizard, a good reed knife, and I like the Reed Geek best.
-sdr
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Author: Clarimeister
Date: 2011-12-25 02:16
I also really like the ReedGeek as well. I don't use my reed knife anymore because this tool is exactly what it's called - "universal". Has special designed edges on the front of the tool for balance work and then the big straight edges are for flattening the back. Works extremely well.
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2011-12-25 05:03
I use it. it takes the little window off the back of the reed with less trauma then the knife. And my students won't get expelled if they use it in school. If functions way better than reed rush. My gig kits for cane reeds consist of an ATG and a reed geek, my duplicate mouthpiece with my Legere Signature reed on it. That always works.
Tom Puwalski
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2011-12-25 20:53
Thanks for the replies everyone. I've decided to order one, and maybe I'll post my impressions of it later once I test it out.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-12-25 21:48
Quote:
My gig kits for cane reeds consist of an ATG and a reed geek, my duplicate mouthpiece with my Legere Signature reed on it. That always works. That's the route I've decided to take. Carry around about 6 Legere Sig reeds, and they play. Every time. And it's SO nice not to worry about squeaks or squawks. I need to play a note, and it plays. Every time. Has made playing much less frustrating, much easier, and it's nice to worry about the music and my technique instead of my equipment.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: cxgreen48
Date: 2011-12-26 17:10
I've tried the Legere Signatures but in general, they just require too much biting for me. I'm suspecting that I need to try other mouthpieces that work better with the Legeres, so until then, I'll stick with cane reeds.
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Author: A Brady
Date: 2011-12-26 17:30
I am pleased with the Reed Geek, I've had it for over a year now. I have never cared for the sound of reeds polished on sandpaper (or white paper for that matter), as I find a certain hardness/grit in the tone, but the RG very efficiently and quickly removes the warp from the table without affecting other areas or leaving residue behind. It is also part of my standard reed kit, along with the ATG, Jende knife, Reed Wizard, and the Uhl Technik to create my own reeds, as well as the commercial reeds I use. Recommended!
AB
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Author: Clarnetamaphone
Date: 2013-06-12 22:21
reedgeek wrote: "2) sandpaper loads up very fast - there's no way around this besides not using the surface twice
Using sandpaper on a surface block, with a new area for every stroke is exactly the way mouthpiece refacers work on mouthpiece tables."
While this is true for some of the abrasives you routinely find in most hardware stores and other places (e.g.. 3m, etc) there is a class of abrasives called "wet/dry no-load."
Two companies that make these are Norton (Norton tufbak) and Klingspor. Working on mouthpieces with these abrasives means you can use the same abrasive sheet for hundreds of mouthpieces, because when the paper loads up the mouthpiece dust it's simply wiped away with a denim cloth or a slightly damp sponge in seconds and you're back to finishing mouthpieces. I use the same abrasive sheet for month.
When reeds are worked of the abrasives with a few drops of water placed on the abrasives and rubbing with the fingers--in seconds the abrasive is clear and ready to finish more reeds. No-load wet/dry abrasives can finish several hundred reeds before having to be replaced.
As a mouthpiece maker of 40 years experience and a developer of reed finishing methods I can tell you this is the fact. Just don't get the cheap 3M stuff on the shelves of local stores. Find a machinist's Supply place or a source on line for Norton or Klingspor. You can always get these at Sandpaper of Texas in Plano Texas if all else fails.
Ridenour Clarinet Products
1-888-AKUSTIK
ridenourclarinetproducts.com
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Author: Taras12
Date: 2013-06-14 19:03
I have the Reed Geek. It's small, handy, fits nicely in your gig bag. The edges are honed surgical steel, which is very similar to woodworkers scrapers. This leaves an almost mirror like surface on the reed. It also flattens the reed tubules, thus, less water absorbtion.
I also have the Ridenour ATG reed finisher. It's also a nice piece of equipment, but not as convenient. The materials sent with it are substantial. The finish, however, even using finer sandpapers (320 grit is included, though I step up to 400 and 600) the finish is not as smooth.
Personally, I use both to finish my reeds. The Reed Geek (RG) is great for leveling the back of the reed. The ATG is great for very fine adjustments to the tip and wings of the reed. Finishing is then accomplished with the RG to give a mirror finish to the reed on both side...no more splinters in your lips and tongue.
Tristan
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Author: babrinka77
Date: 2013-06-27 11:24
My reed adjustement equipment consists in a Reed Geek for flattening the back of the reed and a ATG reed finishing system for the tip and shoulders of the reed.
Honestly, i was a disaster when it came to adjuste reeds, since i purchased those two systems and some practice it all works very better.
In my opinion, the Reed Geek is a bit expensive but i prefer a lot the result of using it for the back of the reed to sanding it with sandpaper.
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Author: clarinet2656
Date: 2013-06-30 21:00
I've used the reed geek almost 2 years. I think it's well worth the price. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in spending the time to get more reeds to play in a box.
Steve Litwiller
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Author: Wes
Date: 2013-06-30 21:06
At the IDRS meeting in Redlands, CA this week, I saw and tried the Reed Geek. It is made from a piece of tool steel that is perfectly square and about 3 inches long. It is a real tool for scraping reeds, single or double, that allows a very controlled removal of the cane as well as surface grime.
A great addition to anyone's arsenal of reed tools, one could get addicted to using it for fine adjustments to reeds. The price is fine.
I've mostly used a very sharp reed knife or silicon carbide abrasive paper for my reed work. When I got home, I found some tool steel similar to that of a Reed Geek in my tool chest and used it very successfully on some oboe reeds. From other tool steel, I had made some mouthpiece scraping tools for the late Glen Johnston, the "mouthpiece man".
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Author: vrufino
Date: 2013-12-26 17:38
I have been playing clarinet for over 50 years and was lucky to have studied with Joe Allard for 10 years. During that time, I took many lessons on adjusting reeds from Joe, because he was a master. I still have the knife he chose for me from Ponte's on 46th St. in Manhattan. Mr. Allard's many talents included a thumb that easily detected the slightest variations in the reed. Something I never could do.
Using the Reed Geek for about 5 months, I have found that it is indeed a very useful tool. It is easier to use than my reed knife and for quick adjustments, I only need it and not reed rush, water or sandpaper. There is less gouging of the cane. I have been able to get some 40 year old Morre reeds that were too thick to use, playable, and I rediscovered what a beautiful reed the Morre is. As far as the cost, if you make several reeds playable that would have been thrown away, the tool will pay for itself over your playing career.
Dr. Vincent J. Rufino
Professor of clarinet and saxophone
St. Elizabeth University
Morristown, NJ
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-12-26 22:49
There's an interview with the maker in the new issue of The Clarinet. All I can say is that once you learn to use a reed knife, you can do everything the Reed Geek does quickly, easily and in my opinion more precisely.
If the maker wants to send me a Reed Geek, I'll be happy to try it and write about it, but I ain't spendin' no $48.95. I might buy the baseball cap, though http://reedgeekwear.bigcartel.com/product/reedgeek-baseball-cap.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Ed
Date: 2013-12-27 06:09
I have to say that I agree with Ken. I did buy one of these some time ago and ended up selling it.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2013-12-27 21:21
There's nothing "wrong" with this product but a simple tool steel tool bit for a few bucks will do as well. In my experience reed knives and razor blades work too except I find them too flexible compared to a tool bit. Sandpapers work too.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Wind, Woman, and Song
Date: 2014-06-28 02:15
I had the opportunity to try this out the other night when it was introduced to me by a monster alto player. My tenor reed proceeded to become saturated due to all the water I had drank, meds I was taking, and a hot, stuffy reh. hall. By the end of the reh. I could barely get piano, let alone pianissimo. After having the "reed geek" adjust my reed, it was like new again! (v-16 #3) I'm sold. Less messy, and more accurate than sandpaper - imo. I'm especially looking forward to extending the life of my $9 bari reeds!
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