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Re: Thinning End Of Reed

Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-10-19 12:19

It's complicated buddy. It can take several months, perhaps a year to really learn how to do this, because the cane is all different.

You first have to learn to blow on one side of the mouthpiece, then the other to get the one side of the reed to respond then the other side. You WILL hear and feel a difference. Which side is easier to play? Which side is harder. Well you take a bit of wood off of the harder side, but where?

Most of the reeds today measure very well from side to side. But the problem is the fibers. Some fibers are stronger, thus more resistant.

I always try to avoid the actual tip. This is often the area where articulation can be so vital.

First off a great book to study is by Fred Ormand. I think it is the very best reed book written. You can google him. If you have issues let me know. I have his information, but I don't want to freely give it out.

You can start softening the reeds when wet. The first place to remove wood would be behind the tip about 0.18" or maybe 3/8" roughly using 400 grit, wet/dry sandpaper. After 5 to 7 strokes see if the reed is any better. If not then test the rails that feel harder and take the same amount off, again behind the tip area.

The learning process takes time, and Fred's book is so helpful in so many ways. For example, if you take off too much wood in any area you will surely screw up the sound quality. You won't be able to hit the high notes and if you mess with the tip, mainly the rails you will often squeak.

So reed adjusting IS a science, but also a FEEL. You have to learn both. Sorry if I sound negative, I surely hope I'm not. I'm trying to gain your trust and take your time learning this ART. Everyone should get Fred's book.

When I was at Rico they always had horrible cane for us to try and make reeds from. I wish all of the cane came from the Var region of France as the Steuer reeds do. But that cannot happen. When I left Rico now D'Addario they produced about 25 million reeds a year. I worked there for 15 year so do the math. Please trust me here about learning to feel how the reed plays. If it's too hard, you have to find that spot by blowing into one side of the mouthpiece then the other. If the rails sound even well remove just a tiny bit behind the tip area.

I could write a book on this, but Fred already did and it's a great book.

Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces

Yamaha Artist 2015

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