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Re: Oboe Reed Shape, Tube diameter and binding length

Author: d-oboe
Date: 2006-07-21 15:27

Shape: A wider shape gives a more closed, but wider opening. Wider shapes are naturally more vibrant. It also tends to make the high register more unstable. Most often, people who live in high altitudes will use a wider shape because reeds are naturally very unvibrant there.

Diameter: any change in diameter will affect intonation. Again, larger=more potential vibration. Sometimes, more vibration is what's needed, but sometimes, it will leave one with reeds that are too raucous.

Tying length: Tying longer gives a narrower, but a rounder, more sturdy opening. (at finished length, not when first clipped open) Tying longer reduces vibration, and thus raises the basic pitch level of the reed. It reduces response in the lower register, but makes the high register more stable.
Tying shorter gives a wider, but more closed opening. (again, at finished length, not when first opened) It increases response in the low register, but destabilizes the upper register. Tying shorter lowers the basic pitch level.

In general, unless you have a very narrow shape to begin with, or you are doing a lot of 2nd oboe low register playing, or if you are high above sea level, it is probably best to tie longer rather than shorter. I always find it easier to have a reed that is stable throughout the range, and then carefully adjust so that the low notes respond. It's much easier than having a reed with easy low notes, but then all other registers are flat and unstable.

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