 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: PipeTobacco
Date: 2021-05-16 04:19
I was wondering if anyone has had experience and/or advice on cutting the tail end of cane reeds in a way that is smooth and attractive looking? I have found it easier to procure baritone saxophone reeds for my contra alto clarinet and they fit well on the mouthpiece for playing.... but they extend farther back on the mouthpiece so there is a good 3/8 in or perhaps even a bit more that runs into the neck joint and puts a bit of torsional pressure on that joint when the ligature is tightened.
I was thinking of using a simple coping saw, but with the delicate nature of cane and the tongue end of the reed itself, I was seeking advice. I think I would typically like to cut off the tail end about 1/2 inch.... and would like it to not look like a ragged, crooked mess.
PipeTobacco
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Author: Ken Lagace
Date: 2021-05-16 06:37
Cut off a bit less than 1/2 inch, then sand the end pretty as you like.
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Author: Ed
Date: 2021-05-16 06:38
A coping saw works well. I have also used pruning shears, but that may look a little less refined than you desire. You can always even it out on a file or sandpaper once you cut it.
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Author: Simon Aldrich
Date: 2021-05-16 07:13
Hello Ben, When I cut off the bottom of cane reeds (eg. when they are too long for classical-period mpcs) I do so with wire cutters, the bigger the better for more cutting energy.
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Author: shmuelyosef
Date: 2021-05-16 09:48
I use Japanese pull saws for this (because I have them). A Dozuki has a very thin crosscut blade with a 'spine' that stiffens it, and takes about 5 strokes to cut through even a baritone sax reed.
The Ryoba has a similar crosscut blade on one edge and a ripping blade on the other and the crosscut blade is fine for this.
With both of these there is virtually no cleanup necessary...perhaps just a couple swipes with an emery board.
A Dozuki from Amazon (search on "SUIZAN Japanese Dozuki Dovetail") would be perfectly adequate for about $30 and you will find many other uses
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