Author: GMac
Date: 2007-04-25 22:06
A couple of thoughts that I don't think have been said...
- Some people go for a crow that is only the one 'C', with no bottom octave(s). I actually have found that some of my best reeds either have very little bottom octave or no bottom octave at all! The reeds are stable, they respond really well in the low register, and have a great sound (they don't sound skinny and high as you might think they would!). I actually find that reeds with much lower octave tend to be unstable/'wild'.
- A lot really does depend on your oboe and embouchure. For example, Elaine Douvas plays with more reed in her mouth than most players, which raises the general pitch, she also makes reeds that crow a C#, and to balance this out she plays an oboe that many people would consider flat. By contrast, my teacher plays really far on the tip which lowers the pitch (especially in the higher register), and he looks for an oboe that sits up in the left hand notes to balance it out. It's all a big balance! That being said, I think that the C is a good pitch to aim for for most people.
- Often, if you make a reed that crows a C, it will end up being sharp because as the reed is played in, the opening closes and the sides get tighter which raises the pitch. I try to make my reeds play and crow a bit flat so that they will come up to pitch and end up at a C crow and up to pitch
- Often, a bit of rattle or a lot of lower octave in the crow will go away as the reed is played in
- When I crow, I put my lips right where the thread and the cane meet. However, it's definitely good to also 'crow' it in the playing position
Food for thought!
Graham
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