 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2018-03-24 09:28
I know you're not suppose to cut off the lower end of the staple as it's said to be actually removing a small section of the bore as it were and cause intonation problems. The bottom end of the staple is approx 4.5 mm wide and the top end of the Oboe's bore is approx 4.0 mm. You'd think therefore that by cutting off , say 1/2 to 3/4 cm off the lower end of the staple would match up the Oboe bore diameter with the staple bore diameter. No doubt there is some mysterious acoustical reason why this is not recommended but I've had reeds that I've made that are on the flat side of A440 and have shortened the stable to raise the pitch with no noticeable problems with the Oboe's stability. Or perhaps my ear is more tolerant to pitch problems than what others would hear.
Skyfacer
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Author: Oblique
Date: 2018-03-25 00:00
Thanks for the info. I will try it on a couple of "dodgey" reeds to see if it helps...or hurts. It will be fun either way.
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2018-03-25 01:10
Hi Oblique. Yes. and if you do, listen carefully to the overall 'balance' of the intonation if you have the ear for it. Personally, I think I have a fairly tolerant ear within certain limits.
Skyfacer
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Author: ckoboe777
Date: 2018-03-26 05:26
I know you're not suppose to cut off the lower end of the staple as it's said to be actually removing a small section of the bore as it were and cause intonation problems.
It is indeed OK. This is how staples are offered in different lengths. Cutting from the top would make the throat of the staple fatter, making tying/ staple-shaper tip match different for different staple lengths. Also, (at least here in the States), oboists cut from the bottom when they shorten their staples.
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Author: EaubeauHorn
Date: 2018-03-26 22:21
So, ok, how is it cut, I mean what do you use to cut it? There is both cork and metal and I can't think of a way that would not make a rough edge that I don't want to be shoving down into my instrument.
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Author: ckoboe777
Date: 2018-03-26 23:17
I've heard that many use a bastard file to shorten their staples, and some sort of mild abrasive (fine sandpaper?) to smooth the ends down. Also, there is a tool sold by Weber Reeds, but I'm not sure if it's still sold now... In addition, some staple brands are offered in 46.5mm, like Stevens.
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Author: Barry Vincent
Date: 2018-03-27 04:17
To cut a small section off the lower end of the staple I insert a 4.5 mm metal drill bit (the end that goes in the drill tool) snugly into the tube of the staple. It goes in about 6mm. This will prevent the staple brass/ silver alloy tube from being damaged. Then I use a very fine hacksaw blade, the type used for cutting copper to do the cutting, gradually working all the way around the tube. I use the hacksaw blade by itself, not attached to the hacksaw tool. Then I finish off by inserting the mandrel into the staple to make sure it's not being flattened out of shape and then use a very small file to tidy up the cut and perhaps even slightly beveling the cork a bit.
Stating the obvious. do not use the mandrel for the cutting. It's metal may not be as hard as a drill bit.
Experiment. Just remove , say , 3mm off should be more than enough to bring a flattish reed up to A440. Shorter staples can come in handy on those cold winter days when the ambient temperature of the room is a bit on the low side.
Other than all that, just keep on trying to make nice reeds that play up to pitch.
Skyfacer
Post Edited (2018-03-27 08:43)
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Author: Hotboy
Date: 2018-05-08 19:52
A very easy way to shorten your staple is to use the excellent staple cutter tool from Weber Reeds.
http://webreeds.com/wrstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=112&products_id=554
It's not cheap, but it lasts quite some time. When the cutting blades get dull, the business end of the tool can be replaced.
To use the staple cutter, insert the end into the staple, apply a bit of pressure, and twist so that the blades cut into the metal and remove some. After using the staple cutter, there's usually some cork left over that wasn't removed so I use a coarse emery board to remove any overhanging cork, then I follow it up with a tiny bristle brush or pipe cleaner to remove any particles that got into the staple.
Dane
Dane
Bay Area, California
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