Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-11-16 16:25
Wiring is supposed to let you control the opening as you like. I gave up the technique before I learned to master it, so I really can't help there.
In his book, Jay Light actually describes a process of controlling what he calls "slipping" (sideways overlapping). For me, regardless of the scraping technique, this has always spelled doom. The sound is usually warmer when it slips (nice) and stability is usually better on those infamous 1st 8va key notes. But choking happens much more and the reed just won't take my air pressure.
Leaks can be caused by improper shaping, but they are more often caused by tying too long. To say X mm length on a Y mm staple with a Z shaper is just a guideline. I see more and more stores on the internet emphasizing what I had always been taught (and have confirmed through experimentation): tie the cane so the blades close 1 or 2 thread winds before it reaches the end of the staple. This means a lot of "eye-balling" and using a sharp pencil to mark the staple's end so you don't tie past it (not even half a turn - better stop before than past).
Shaping cane is really easy, but it must be done carefully. Chances are, most producers just don't have time to ensure full quality control. Gouging cane is more difficult, but when the machine is set, your producer is more likely to give consistent results (consistently good or consistently bad!).
If you have been making your reeds for some time, I do recommend buying a shaper - some stores sell them 2nd hand and there should be no quality loss. Choosing a shape is done in 2 steps:
1. your first shaper: get the most average one you can find. I had been happily using my RDG -1 for over 20 years. Loud-mouths like me (very strong voice means lots of air pressure) might be better advised with an RDG -2 (wider). Your teacher might recommend something more suited you your particular needs.
2. moving on: get a few stores to send you samples and experiment until you know for sure.
There are LOTS of EXCELLENT shaper makers in the U.S. and Canada. You can't really go wrong with a big name (Adam's, RDG, Westwinds, Webber, etc.). I would stay away from the "straight shapers" where you don't have to fold the cane. The fold flattens the cane which changes the end-resulting silouhette. This silouhette is more important than any specific measurement. In fact, my favourite shaper of all is the Kunibert Michel (EXTREMELY hard to find - I just got 3 from oboe-shop in Germany): it is much thicker than the others (less flattening) and looks ugly, but WOW, what a wonderful end-result! I have purchased samples from Weber: not had time to try them yet but just looking at them seems to indicate the same characteristics as the KM, though narrower.
Best of luck!
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
|
|
The Oboe BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
