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Re: english horn staples

Author: Craig Matovich
Date: 2007-08-15 19:17

Bobo,

I think any obvious visual gouges are not a good thing.

On a previous post I did write about micro-grooves forming between the cor reed staple and the outer bocal tube. I learned this from trumpet players and find it works great with english horn:

(They call it keying the mouthpiece to the trumpet. They just twist a little as the mouth piece is inserted into the lead pipe. We go the other way and twist as the staple encompasses the bocal tip.)

When placing the reed and staple on the bocal, use a slight twisting motion.
Mine is perhap a 30 degree twist from the moment the staple touches the bocal. And I prefer to play with reed slightly right-twisted in my embouchure.

Always do it with the same motion and pressure.

And this is REALLY important... remove it using the opposiite twisting motion.

(So, its not jammed on then twisted. Rather, its a 'screwing' motion as the staple encounters the bocal.)

In doing this for over 20 years now the reeds never leak or slip off the bocal.

Try it a few times then put the reed on this way and try with slight effort to remove the reed pulling it straight away from the bocal. I think you will be surprized how well it wants to stay on there.

I don't sell reeds so have used the same staples several cycles and they are now well mated to my bocals.

I don't like the rubber tube approach because it takes too long to configure and when doubling, the reed needs come off for soaking and inspection fairly frequently...

Good question!

BTW, I think sanding or filing off small internal staple irregularities, provided they are very slight and on the largest and roundest part of the staple's aperture, is not a bad idea,... but do be careful not to alter the interrior dimensions of the staple or introduce other irregularities in the process.

Post Edited (2007-08-15 19:21)

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