The Oboe BBoard

The Oboe BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Re: Predicting Reed Behavior...

Author: jhoyla
Date: 2018-05-07 15:42

You sound very experienced so I hesitate to give playing advice! If this is all trivial stuff for you just ignore it. However from your description it may be an embouchure problem, or a combination of nerves and embouchure.

A data point - even on old reeds I don't have pitch problems. Attack problems? Sure. Volume? of course - but almost never problems of pitch.

There is often an unconcious tendency to bite when we are nervous. with an older reed, this can be enough to deform the reed cavity significantly, and I believe that the volume of air in the reed cavity is extremely important for intonation. Older reeds don't have the reslilience to return to their regular play-state.

Also, closing up the tip can make it much harder for the reed to vibrate. We compensate with more air, and more compression - and there you have it. 60 cents sharp and puffing for all you're worth.

Start with reed exercises. hold the reed using only your lips, and practice rolling the reed in and out while peeping the reed. Corners tight, centre cushioning and supporting, but not sqeezing the reed. Practice changing pitch using only your air-speed/support - can you do a siren?

Practice playing the oboe with a light embouchure as close to the tip of your reed as you can. How close? Well, if you roll the reed out the tiniest bit you choke the reed. That is too far, so roll back in until it speaks easily. There. That is where you should be playing.

Now, any time you start clamping down you will immediately choke the reed! But you will also realize it immediately, and relax your embouchure. This is great training, and you will rapidly get used to the new feeling. The only time you will need to roll the reed in further is to keep your 2nd Octave key notes in tune. Do it gently!

Hope this helps,
J.

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics