Author: cjwright
Date: 2011-12-05 18:01
My best advice is if you're re-starting to learn how to make reeds, pick a shape, pick a staple, pick the same darn cane gouged off the same darn gouging machine, tied at the same darn length, and work with it for at least 100 reeds. There's so many variables that can change even if you're using the same shape/staple/cane/gouge that the fewer things that will change, the better your reedmaking will get more quickly. Then, once you feel like you can consistently make 4/5 decent reeds on this setup, start changing ONE variable at a time, such as the shape but same staple/gouge/cane.
When you do make a change, be intentional with your analysis, and be deliberate. If it's a hair sharp, pull your tip up to start at the 65mm rather than 64. If it sags in the upper register, try tying a mm longer but using the same dimensions measurements (i.e. not making the reed longer).
John's recommendation of Stevens staples is a very good one. I use #2 thin wall, not pro, as they're $1 cheaper, and don't seem to make any difference to the sound. Meanwhile, the 1B is a very narrow shape, and with gouges that are often pretty hefty on the side, I find the Weber 1C gives a bit more width, and depth. An RDG -1 is also a good starting place.
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