 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: ptarmiganfeather
Date: 2014-09-12 08:02
Hello. I have many questions.
I was wondering what causes a reed to be buzzy? I have an otherwise playable reed I made but it makes a noticeable buzz sound when I use it. Like there's an extra piece vibrating around. Is the reed tip too long? If it's not the reed, then is the buzzing caused by me? Maybe there's an easy cure like just chucking the thing in the garbage.
Is there an official term for when you are playing a fast staccato passage and your tonguing doesn't keep up with your fingering? Like you hit the first few notes and the rest get out of sync. I have been trying to improve my speed.
Thanks for any replies in advance.
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Author: heckelmaniac
Date: 2014-09-12 11:25
Hi Faith,
Sometimes a thin sliver of the edge of the reed (sort of like a long hangnail) will end up inside the reed. Having a sliver of cane inside the reed can cause a buzz. Sometimes you can use the edge of a plaque inside the reed cavity to force the sliver back outside the reed then cut it off carefully...
With good cheer,
Peter
Oboes.us
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-09-12 13:08
I was planning to ask this same question...I made three reeds in a row recently (from the same batch of cane with the same staples) that were beautiful but I can't stand the buzzing, and I can't detect a leak. I will try your suggestion, Peter.
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Author: oboesage
Date: 2014-09-12 16:38
Try thinning the sides of the tip and the rails and see if that helps. I find making a clearer definition of the tip seems to remove the buzz.
G
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Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2014-09-12 18:19
If the reed is not balanced overall and in the tip - you could get that result. Do you have too much in the heart and a long thin tip? And maybe a poor tip/blend? There could be many reasons ................. if the reed is not in good proportion and depth. Try clipping the tip and refine it in relation to the heart and back.
Mark
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2014-09-12 18:47
As Mark says, it is often about balance. Sharpen your knife!
If there is an area on the tip that is either significantly thinner or thicker than the rest of the tip it can cause a section to vibrate separately from the rest, giving the buzz you describe.
Using a hard light and looking with both backlit and raked lighting, see if you can spot an area of unevenness in the tip?
I find that by feathering the whole tip with the lightest possible strokes, from blend to tip corner, in all four quadrants, can really even out the sound. One or two strokes in each quadrant, and crow, rinse and repeat. You will probably need to clip the tip up to pitch - all goodness. Sharpen your knife first!! This is really delicate work, but gives great results quickly.
REALLY light strokes. Remove only dust.
J.
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Author: robertargoe
Date: 2014-09-12 22:26
I am a 73-year-old who hasn't played in 40+years. Back then I managed to make half-decent reeds with the long scrape.
This time I gave up on the long scrape after about 50 attempts using several manuals and DVDs. I am at least 100 miles from any teacher.
Using the short scrape, I produced 69 mm reeds that peeped a "C", crowed a "C", and played a "C" in tune in the oboe, with good dynamics and sound.
However, at the first band rehearsal, after sustained playing, the reeds all gave in and went embarrassingly flat. I used both 47 and 46 1/2 mm staples and tied on at 73mm. There were no leaks.
Any observations would be appreciated.
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Author: ptarmiganfeather
Date: 2014-09-13 00:00
Thanks Peter. Will try dislodging any loose fibers with a good plaque. Oboesage and Mark and J. - The reed does have a long tip. Upon closer inspection there is a bump halfway through the tip on one side. That combination is probably making the buzz. Will try to refine tip and blend, balance the reed, clipping as necessary. Probably clipping a lot. After sharpening my knife. Thank you.
I hate to let go of a reed that is otherwise playable. But that buzz is too much to inflict on ears outside of my house.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-09-13 12:41
I tried Peter's suggestion on a cor reed that is beautiful but has an appalling buzz. I used a flat plaque and used it to move the blades apart slightly. There was some excess cane between the blades (as though someone shaped it without a sharp blade, a fuzzy finish to the shape), but not enough to cut off. I am going to attempt to run a thin piece of sand paper between the blades. If I kill the reed, I don't think it will be a problem as I refuse to play it at this point in time! Will let you know how I go.
I don't think mine is a balancing issue because I can actually feel the buzz on the side of the reed as I play it. I suspected a leak but I can't see one, so hopefully this will do the trick.
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Author: ptarmiganfeather
Date: 2014-09-14 21:32
Hey guys! I tried all of the advice and my buzzy reed now plays nice! I scraped that bump off, clipped the tip, dusted around the tip a little more just in case, and it crows a C, is very playable and not too bright.
Thank you very much.
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Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2014-09-14 22:54
Post Edited (2014-09-14 22:55)
Please delete.
Post Edited (2014-09-14 22:56)
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Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2014-09-14 22:55
I am glad it all worked out~!
Personally, I enjoy reed making; however, please realize that this is after many years of trying out different Oboes, Cane, Shaper tips (and shape machines) - different gouge settings, different curves on by gouger blade, various tube lengths and openings - shall I go on?
But in the end it has been worth all the expense and trouble. My reeds are custom made for me ... and it makes my playing that much easier, effective and my studies that much more enjoyable.
So if you find success - I encourage you to keep on scraping.
Enjoy.
Mark
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-09-15 07:47
Mark, I feel the same way. I really enjoy reedmaking even though I have only been playing on my own reeds for three years, but I am also a craftsperson who enjoys working with my hands, so it is an ideal hobby for me. It has enhanced my playing a huge degree, not least because I simply understand the reeds.
I find myself marvelling at the fact that I am going pretty well with my reeds and my playing, then I think back even 6 months ago, when I also thought I was doing pretty well, but can see how much I have improved since that point. One of the things I am enjoying about this process as an adult is that I can actually see progress, whereas as a youngster you tend to be a little more oblivious and focus on the now.
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