 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2014-01-25 20:27
Hi,
I don't if there has been a discussion on cane hardness/softness in relation to reed making.
So here it goes.
I noticed during this winter period that my reeds made with a harder cane are performing better than those made with a more fibrous softer cane.
What is your experience with the hardness - softness continuum? on reed success? In general or specific to a particular problem/need.
Mark
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Author: darryoboe
Date: 2014-01-25 22:56
I've had a couple of people tell me they have a "summer gouge" and a "winter gouge", the winter one being thicker.
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Author: cjwright
Date: 2014-01-26 02:15
That would make sense, since winter being drier and the cold air producing more brittle results and a more brittle sound, you'd have problems with reeds closing down and not enough warmth in the sound. You'd probably need something thicker in the sides and perhaps thicker in the channels as well.
Blog, An Oboe In Paradise
Solo Oboe, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-01-26 02:16
Mr Dee advocates changing diameter in winter in the Midwest - larger diameter in winter compared to summer (I think).
Oh so happy to not have to stress about such things anymore!
Just wondering why you would use a thinker gouge/harder cane in winter? My experience has definitely been the opposite. It is because it is heated so much inside over there in winter? Reeds made with the same cane will be 'harder' in winter and 'softer' in summer for me here. We don't tend to use constant AC or heat in most buildings unless it is extreme temperatures.
Rachel
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Author: cjwright
Date: 2014-01-26 08:12
It depends on where you are in the US, but let's say in a typical place where you have cold dry climate in the winter, your openings are going to shrink up and you'll need thicker sides on the gouge to help with keeping them open. A larger diameter (which makes smaller openings) seems counter to what I'd recommend, but hey, everyone has their own preferences. Coldness also tends to make reeds and tone a bit more brittle. Ever soak a reed in ice cold water and play it? Then dip it in warmish water and play it? Tone difference, also is affected by weather.
Blog, An Oboe In Paradise
Solo Oboe, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-01-26 11:54
I guess that's why it is different here...no forced heat inside and winter=wet, summer=dry.
Damn weather.
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Author: darryoboe
Date: 2014-02-02 17:58
I generally like cane to be on the hard side. Most of the time I buy Alliaud. I personally have no interest in switching between gouges to accommodate the weather.
I've noticed that lighter-colored and finer-grained cane seems to result in reeds that handle changes in climate somewhat better than "yellower" and coarser canes.
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