Author: mjbrekke
Date: 2012-01-02 17:31
Thanks, all, for your responses.
Susan, I've thought about making the transition to the long-scrape reed, but there are several reasons why I'm going with short-scrape:
1. I have tried long-scrape reeds, both late in my playing days as they came into favor and occasionally during my 30-year break, and they have been impossible. In contrast, the one reed I still have from my playing days still works for me, though it doesn't have much life left. I was frequently complimented for my tone when I played, and I don't have the time to devote to relearning the instrument to that degree.
2. (I don't want this to incite any kind of forum war, but...) My concept of ideal tone developed back in the 1960's and 70's listening to the French School of soloists--Pierre Pierlot with Rampal and Andre--and, honestly, I don't hear that sound from American oboists right now. I'll only be playing for my own enjoyment and the occasional public performance, so I'll die happy if I can simply find that tone again.
3. With today's communication, we are a world economy and I don't view the boundaries of the U.S. as a limitation to finding reeds.
4. Assuming my foray back into playing is successful, I'll start making my own reeds again. I still have all my tools and even some old cane. I just need to get positive reinforcement from playing right now; reed-making can follow later.
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