Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-03-28 04:00
I want BOTH. Have had to make adjustments (reed) over the years; lately a physical illness pushes me to compromise tone for response.
It takes me FOREVER to finish a reed. While I can get one playing in 2 sessions, I make myriad adjustments over the next few weeks (yes, weeks) during variable weather conditions. When one is playable, I may take it to a rehearsal, but find that it is not 'finished' until I've played it (and maybe made a few tweaks) at 3 or 4 rehearsals.
That's why I could NEVER make it as a professional reed-builder.
I do not use 'fat' rails, or really thin windows in the back. My reeds tend to taper quite gradually (except at the blend which is more abrupt) between back and heart. The tips are fairly even, that is I don't extend the spine up into the tip, and if it's much thicker there it's not noticeable in a back-lit scenario. To increase response, I thin the most lateral parts of the reed, tips first, but then at the top corners of the heart as well.
I aim for a finished length of 70-71 mm but some end up as short as 68 (rare). I use a brass staple (Stevens #2) and Glotin shaped/folded cane, 'medium' width. Have had success with others too but only because I was taught to 'work with it and make it play' rather than to take measurements (thus frustrating some of you more detailed craftsman).
I don't have a decent camera or I'd send a photo.
I find that changes in the weather/humidity affect both tone and response quite a bit.
GoodWinds
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