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A reed playing too sharp?

Author: JRC
Date: 2010-11-17 13:06

The reed is playing wonderful but playing too sharp for one reason or another; oboe warmed up, tip was cut too much, or another two million three oboist reasons. No reed plays right when pulled out a little bit to make it look longer. The empty space in the socket screws things up acoustically. I used to keep those reed for practice only or try to fix it in some way and destroy it in the process. Usual destination of the reed use to be in trash can.

I learned a trick from Mr. Geoffrey Bridge who suggested a metal ferrule in the reed socket. It was too much work to make metal ferrules, not to mention expensive. I found 1/4" OD 3/16" ID Teflon tubing that come in different color. Cut 1, 2, 3, 4mm pieces in different color. Depending on how sharp it is playing, I pick a piece and drop it in the socket before I place the reed. It is like pulling the reed out but there is no empty space to screw things up.

It works great! One caution however. Low notes will play flatter and high notes will play sharper in general. In my case, lipping up or down is within my usual range with up to 3mm. This takes care of my oboe becoming sharp as it warms up. ...... one less conversation with oboe ...... And a Margaux M2 is off my wish list.

I hope it helps someone.

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A reed playing too sharp? new

JRC

2010-11-17 13:06