 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bill_D
Date: 2021-08-06 20:06
Many years ago, I purchased a Reed Wizard directly from Ben Amato. He personally showed me how to use it. It was the original version with a file for a "blade". I gave up playing clarinet, and sold the Reed Wizard.
Now I'm playing the clarinet again. I purchased a used, current version, Reed Wizard. This one has the new style honing blade.
Problem: I've tried it on a bunch of clarinet reeds, and a few alto sax reeds. It does not remove any material. I wonder if the blade needs replacement or sharpening, or have reeds gotten thinner, or something else? Any thoughts?
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Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2021-08-07 02:44
Bill, how close to the end are you lining up the reed tip? Maybe move it more toward the end so a thicker part of the reed is in the cutting area.
If the blade were dull, I would think you'd feel it chattering or just getting stuck. Is there any height adjustment on the blade? I'll look at mine later and see if there's anything that could be lifting the blade too high.
Karl
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Author: Bill_D
Date: 2021-08-07 03:30
I've tried it with the tip of the reed at the metal guide and at the end of the base. Also, no material is removed with the reed in position for the heart area (side of reed against base beam & tip at end of base).
There is no height adjustment for the blade.
Blade moves smoothly above the reed.
I'm working on Vandoren 2 1/2 and Rico 3.0 reeds.
Could it be all the reeds I've tried have "good" profile? Does yours remove material for most reeds or just a few?
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Author: gwie
Date: 2021-08-07 09:12
I had the original one with the file, and currently have the new version with the hone.
For me, it's never removed that much material from the Vandoren V12's that I primarily used it on. Just a little bit on both sides, and the heart on both sides as well using the technique I learned from Ben when I had the chance to hang out with him at ClarinetFest many years ago.
Which direction do you have the carriage facing?
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Author: Bill_D
Date: 2021-08-07 13:14
The carriage faces with the blade toward the tip of the reed.
The cutting edge of the blade doesn't feel sharp. Maybe this is normal. How does your edge feel?
Post Edited (2021-08-07 13:51)
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