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RE: F-O-F's--where's the beef???

Author: GBK
Date: 2002-10-01 18:54

Doug...The cane quality of the Gonzalez reed is (at this present time) far superior to the other major manufacturers. Combine that with the cut, slope, tip shape, etc... and you have a far different product than the V-12's you may be used to.

After a box or two you may feel more comfortable in their inherent feel, as well as the specific reed prep and adjustment techniques which work for you.

In my experience, (and I've used Gonzalez exclusively for more than a year), I have found that the most basic of reed break in procedures works the best. Break them in slowly and give them at least a good 3 days to settle in before making any minor adjustments. Since the cane is dense, it will take additional time (more than I had to with V-12's).

Since I find the profile/cut much to my liking I do very little balancing - as I find most are fine. However, the most important adjustment is to make sure the back of the reed is absolutely flat and sealed after the first 3 days of breaking in. I use plain white paper and a flat file to insure that the back of the reed has no high spots. This for me is the critical adjustment.

I feel that a common mistake that many make in breaking in all types of reeds (Gonzalez, as well as Vandoren) is to let them sit too long in water during the first 3 days. I think that too much early soaking (and playing) degrades any reed and weakens it.

Go slow - always have some reeds in prep stages as you are using your finished concert reeds. Just like a farmer "harvest, but don't forget to replant"...GBK

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