Author: heckelmaniac
Date: 2012-01-01 23:01
I apply the paper clip clamps to the reeds after every stage of scraping.
Once a reed is finished, and still hovering around the reed desk, I still put the clamps ("keepers") on the reeds. After I am finished playing, I dunk the reed in H2O2 for about 40 seconds, then apply the clamp. If I play a concert, I simply put take the clamp off the reed, and stick it in a three reed case.
Once back home, I usually take reeds out of the case, then dunk in H2O2 and clamp and set out to dry. If you have a six reed case, you can usually transit three reeds with the clip still in place. One good aspect about a clamped reed- it does not roll off the desk onto the floor! And the surface of a clamped reed does not rest on the surface of the desk. I often sterilize the clamps as well.
I do not use the paper clips "as is." I bend the small prong upwards,
and then bend it back at a point about 1/8 of in inch high along the wire.
The clamp then is in two planes and can be infinitely adjusted to choose just the exact amount of pressure desired. For English horn reeds I use a larger pattern paper clip, having heavier gauge wire.
About the Chudnow staples- I am still new to this style, still experimenting with shapes and scrapes to suit. So far, I am tending to prefer the usual style natural cork/silver staples that will fit perfectly (exactly) on a recent Loree mandrel. Tom Hiniker is just completed a re-design of the usual staples having a much more "squashed" shape in the last few mm at the small aperture.
There is a new European (?) invention to keep reeds open instead of wire-
I believe it is called "Le Crab," though I am not sure. I will chase down the reference. Looks like Rube Goldberg may have had some influence in the design. I wonder whether so much extra weight and mechanism added to a tiny reed may have adverse affects though.
With best wishes to all,
Peter
Oboes.us
|
|
The Oboe BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
