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: Soaking Reeds

Author: KMahy
Date: 2004-04-02 03:31

Hello,

I almost disagree with some points from GMac...
I don't periodically test my reeds while they soak, for if they are still too dry, they can actually crack. Playing on a dry reed causes too much pressure on the reed, causing it to crack. You also will not have a very good sound, as well as having the reed really hard to blow through and the reed would be very closed. Even if the reed is open before playing on it (when it is dry), it will close down on you while you are playing, yet again causing too much trouble. If you soak your reeds, you can use whatever temperature water suits you best. I like to use warm water myself, but sometimes I use room temperature water as well. Depends on if I am near a source of warm water or not. I don't really time the length I soak my reeds, I just check them to make sure that they are still open. One other thing that I really like to do, is to make sure of the suction of the reed. This will also determine if the reed is soaked enough. Put part of one finger on the bottom of the tube and suck on the reed...this will create suction at the end where your finger is closing the tube. There will be a noise of a "pop" sound as the suction releases. You will be able to tell by the feel of the cane of the reed if it is soaked long enough.
Hope I didn't say anything too confusing...it's late and I am almost seeing two pages at once!!
KMahy

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics