 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2008-09-15 20:59
I've seen two specifically mentioned on here: the one in the Ridenour video(where his "blindfold" looks like the hood of a shameful organization...) and another finishing system that I can't name off the top of my head.
Please tell me about these systems. What exactly is the Ridenour one? Is it "his" methodology of working a reed or is it some kind of contraption? How does it work?
I'm from the old "take-'em-and-scrape-'em" school of reed fixing: a rectangle of thick, clear glass, sandpaper, and reed rushes.
(After reading the threads, I think new clarinets need only be accompanied by these simple instructions inside the case: 1. Assemble 2. Press buttons 3. Blow )
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Author: GBK
Date: 2008-09-15 21:05
Have you searched for past threads on Ridenour's ATG System?
There have been MANY discussions, some very recently ...GBK
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Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2008-09-15 21:09
Actually, GBK, I have but haven't found out much about the system itself--only that it's very effective and worth every penny. I've learned that it's a money-saver in the long run. I've learned that Ridenour can do it blindfolded.
What I want to know is what "it" actually is.
If there's a specific thread that you're thinking of that can answer my questions, by all means, point me to it.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-09-15 22:19
FWIW Clair Annette
In the threads in which I have commented on the ATG reed system I have specifically NOT given any insight into how Tom's system works. The tools you receive are not the source of the price...it is Tom's method and insight that are (for me) worth the money.
Going into depth on how the method works would provide others a means to profit from the knowledge without paying Tom his $$$$'s. I believe that many of the other posters who use and support Tom's ATG system are also deliberately vague for this reason.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Tony Pay ★2017
Date: 2008-09-15 23:08
James wrote:
>> Going into depth on how the method works would provide others a means to profit from the knowledge without paying Tom his $$$$'s. I believe that many of the other posters who use and support Tom's ATG system are also deliberately vague for this reason.>>
Every post I (and many others) make here endeavours to adopt exactly the contrary philosophy.
The basic idea, which is nothing more than common sense, is that if you use sandpaper on a reed, you remove fibre and soft material more equally if you sand against rather than with the grain.
You're still 'rightly confused' about where and how much to do it;-)
Tony
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-09-15 23:17
Hello Tony,
Not saying that I've read every available thread on reed adjustment or the ATG, but I don't recall anyone restating exactly what Tom discusses. I will also add that I haven't watched the youtube with the objectionable comments/props.
I also don't know how you can assume that I'm "rightly confused" when I have made a point of not saying what I know.
This is also the only topic upon which I have not explained specifically what I know, and so I don't believe that I'm creating clutter with my contributions.
Hope all is going well with you,
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Tony Pay ★2017
Date: 2008-09-15 23:28
You read me completely wrongly.
I do oppose the philosophy of concealing helpful general information in the interests of profit, and I think that you do too, since you customarily post what you know for the benefit of others.
The bit about "rightly confused" was a reference to a past thread I started, in which I explained that the sort of information we can give here cannot give ultimate answers, which need to be discovered in practice by the individuals concerned. In just this way, what I said about the ATG system says what can be said 'in general' about it, but in no way captures any other deep secrets about reed adjustment -- which indeed are probably not available in any such written form. The 'you' in the final sentence is the same 'you' in the previous sentence, not 'you, James'.
I make it a point of principle to be as helpful as I can here, and I just did. Anyone who wants to find out more about the ATG system can apply to Tom, and wait for his response.
Tony
Post Edited (2008-09-15 23:32)
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2008-09-15 23:38
My apologies for misreading your intent, Tony! Your recent threads are on my "to do" list, so I missed the reference entirely.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-09-16 00:08
Claire asked, Please tell me about these systems. What exactly is the Ridenour one? Is it "his" methodology of working a reed or is it some kind of contraption? How does it work?
It's sand paper on a plastic designed block. I own one but only use it once in a while because I'm pretty good with a reed knife. The design allows you to go over the tip without doing damage to it. Is it worth the price? Many people seem to think so but others say that the real value is in the CD. If I didn't know how to fix reeds already I'd probably find it more valuable. For sure what it can't do is make a reed harder, you know, clip it, or make the quality of the cane better. My problem with any reed tool is that it is only as good as the person using it and the quality of the cane. ESP www.peabody.jhu.edu/457 Listen to a little Mozart
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Author: JMR
Date: 2008-09-16 16:01
I've been curious about this system as well but haven't had the time to search all the previous posts. Is there anything about the ATG system that must be replaced such as sandpaper? Or, is it something that doesn't wear with use?
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Author: Old Geezer
Date: 2008-09-16 16:52
I think everyone who is serious about reed preparation, (aren't we all ), should buy and try an ATG system. I've never read a single valid negative comment about it here.
Used correctly, it will make any reed playable, and some outstanding.
You can go through a box of reeds and determine the most likely very quickly. The Video and booklet are really helpful. Tom's a long winded old guy but he hit on something with this system. It's not that cheap but once you start working with it you'll think it cheap at any price....
Clarinet Redux
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2008-09-16 20:42
The tools are simple (reed, glass, sandpaper, something to hold the sandpaper) but the concept is the twist. The DVD you get has Tom, in his inimitable way, explaining how to do "it." His explanation of the process and the trouble-shooting to achieve the desired results is what you really are paying for. It's really a reed-adjustment lesson; figure what you'd pay for that as the real cost.
"Sandpaper is cheap but knowing what to do with it is the true value of the ATG purchase" (Lehrer, 2008).
HRL
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Author: Chris J
Date: 2008-09-16 21:12
I bought the ATG "system" a few months ago. I tried it and was amazed. No hype. I was amazed. I have not thrown a reed away from the box since. This is quite important to me, as I enjoy playing SATB (and C mel) sax as well as sop and bass clarinet. You can believe it was always with trepidation I used to get a box of reeds, wondering how many I play, how many I throw and how many I compromise and use for practice at a pinch.
Now I adjust every reed that go into my reed case. Sometime it takes 15 seconds. Sometimes it takes as long as a minute to get a reed playing just as I want.
The secret is not just in the method of adjustment. It is also (and critically) in the diagnostics of the problem. A few quick tests tell you where, who and how much to sand.
I mentioned it to my teacher how has played professionally sax, clari and flute for 30 years. He was sceptical. Very. He has fiddled with knives and the like in the "nothing to loose" school of reed finishing. Sometimes its better, often its into the bin. Best he could hope for would be to salvage a reed to practice with.
I asked him to get out his duffest reed for next lesson. After 30 seconds working on the reed he tried it and looked at me like I had turned salt water to gold. I left him the system. He gave me a bottle of wine next lesson. His next gig, he asked his colleague to bring a really duff reed - he had something to show him.
The story will continue, I am sure.....
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