 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: JRC
Date: 2010-09-16 17:36
I have a problem with my oboes or reeds not sure which: they want to be a little sharp, especially middle A. I use Brannen X shaper (7mm width at the tip) with 47mm tubes. I tried longer reeds around 73mm. That does not seem to help. 69mm reeds are not that much sharper than 73mm reeds. The same symptom persists in two completely different style of oboes; one half-Laubin and the other Rigoutat classic bore. So, it seems to point the problem to my way of playing; lips, embouchure, ... etc. Still, this is a mystery to me. I want to try wider reeds, 7.5mm (RGD 2), and perhaps 48mm tube to see if that would help.
I hate to spend 100 some dollars for something (new shaper head) that may or may not help my problem. I also worry about relative stability of pitch. Lowering A may raise or lower low D and low C, for instance. Have any one experience in high pitch problem?
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Let me try to restate the problem. I did not do a good job the first time.
When try to produce the correct pitch on middle A, the reed length turns out about 73mm, on the long side in my case. It plays about in tune from low Bb to middle C to about 2nd octave F. From 2nd octave G and up are bit too high. When I make the length about 69-70mm (this my usual length), middle A is bit too sharp but the 2nd octave stays relatively in tune with the middle A. Is there relationship between the length of reed and relative pitch in general?
Post Edited (2010-09-18 15:27)
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Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2010-09-16 19:48
It sounds like one or two possibilities:
an embouchure problem - are you pressing down too firmly on the reed? The reed should rest with comfortable support - just enough to keep it stable in the embouchure. Pressing down on the reed will cause the opening to narrow and raise the ptich.
The second problem might be a reed with a too small/narrow opening - that can also raise the pitch of a note(s). The reed should have a oval opening that is not too narrow.
Mark
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Author: JRC
Date: 2010-09-16 20:14
Why just A, not B? Middle C is usually flat for most oboes.
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Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2010-09-16 20:54
If it occurs on more than one Oboe - the probability that the Oboe is the problem is less. You may be doing something -unknowingly -a habit - for that note.
I once had an Oboe with a "unsettle Octave A" - it caused me to develop all types of compensatory strategies - just for that note - and I would bring those habits to other Oboes.
Fortunately, those habits have long been extinguished after playing Oboes with a better scale.
Mark
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2010-09-17 07:51
I would do the following, to try and isolate the problem:
1. Buy/borrow a good "reference" reed from another player, and try that
2. Borrow another oboe, and try it with both your reference reed and your reeds
This should help you quickly isolate the source of your problem - your reeds, your instruments, or you 
J.
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