Author: cjwright
Date: 2008-04-10 20:07
There are several aspects of this discussion which you need to take into consideration:
1. The blade curve has a tremendous effect upon a gouge, perhaps moreso than the actual measurements. What this means is if you evenly space out measurements along the curve of a piece of cane and chart measurements, and have two pieces of cane that have the same thickness readings, they could be entirely different depending on the curve of the blade and what's happening in between those measurements. The blade curve often has a strong effect upon the tonal quality of a gouge, and can make a reed sound "more vibrant" or "brighter", or "more covered" or "darker". The blade curve also must line up with the guide, which is a careful balance of push and pull, but that's a different topic.
2. Thickness of the sides often effects the stability of the reed, the opening size, and can vary according to which shaper you use. Since a wider shape uses more of the cane, the further out you go the thinner the sides will be. Conversely, the more narrower a shape, the thicker your sides will be. Some people like thicker sides for "more stability", while others prefer thinner for "more flexibility". Like Elizabeth, I strive for the thinnest sides, while still giving a full and round sound.
3. I heard Joe Robinson say that Tabuteau was obsessed with gouging machines, and had a bazillion lying around. Mr. Robinson also swore that a good gouge could always compensate for bad quality cane, and to some degree I can believe it. If the gouge is right, it means you have to take less off in the certain places, and can leave more on in others, thus strengthening the overall skeletal structure of a reed.
Finally, good cane will be consistent in the fiber structure from thick to thin, and you can often see the consistency as you gouge. Some cane comes off with more "swiss cheese" holes (in which I throw away) while others come off smooth and clean the entire time. I always know I'll get a cleaner, thinner, better defined reed from the consistent cane. My favorite consistent cane is Glotin (very soft), Grimaud (medium), and Loree (hard), all which vary in "hardness".
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