Author: cjwright
Date: 2010-05-30 17:22
I know I'm jumping in here late, but I'd just like to state a perspective.
I've made reeds for 16 years now.
In the past four years I've played on a Loree Royal, Loree DM bore, Howarth XL, Loree CI, Loree MP, Hiniker, Laubin, and Marigaux full time. And for short stints. I've also spent time with Gordets, Rigoutats, Buffets, and Chauvets. Needless to say, I've been looking for the "magic oboe" that will play the Silvestrini etudes for me.
During these four years, I've also been averaging about 1200 reeds a year, so I'm close to 5000 reeds in the past four years, for oboes of pretty much every brand. During this time, I've learned a few truths about reeds.
1. One reed which works in one oboe won't necessarily work in another, even if they're they the same brand, vintage, etc.
2. One reed in the same oboe might be perfect for one player, and terrible for another. It all depends on tonal concept, embouchure, air support, etc.
3. The best anyone can expect from a reed not made by themselves is something that is responsive, stable (in pitch, and to some degree in tone), and plays with limited or little "sizzle".
Robin, your perspective sounds like it works for your oboe, your physical setup, and your tonal concept, but I think it's pretty darn hard to presume that a lot of your ideas, which are not necessarily "traditional" in other parts of the world, work across the board.
You state that "making reeds is easy", and that might be true for your oboe, and what you demand out of a reed. However, whether we're the amateur player playing every other day or a professional playing 5 hours a day, I don't think it's fair to assume that making reeds is "easy" for everyone. Heck, after 5000 reeds, I still struggle with matching the ability of my reeds to the demands of whatever I'm playing, be it solo, chamber, or orchestral.
Just my two cents.
Cooper
Note: I've since gone back to older Lorees. CU and DX.
Blog, An Oboe In Paradise
Solo Oboe, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra
Post Edited (2010-05-30 17:40)
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