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Re: Reed Profiler

Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2019-10-02 13:29

Yes I use a file to start flattening the backs of the reeds once the cane is split, also the sides to get the right shape/angle/contour to fit the mouthpiece, including the saxes which I sometimes play. I don't play the bass clarinet, alto clarinet nor the bari sax. Also the Eb clarinet since it was stolen, I haven't replaced it.

I use something like this below so google it, but I made my own. It holds the reed similar but I use a file or 2, also known as a wood rasp. It's not that hard to do by hand, 2 to 4 minutes. From experience this planer below can splinter the reed so I use files. This planer does work fine though. Everyone has their favorite ways. It's interesting too that with a file/rasp I am able to "Feel," the hardness of the cane, so at this stage I can discard my efforts and dump the reed if it's too soft and not waste anymore time going on to the final steps.

By the way, files get better as they age, maybe after 2000 strokes they come to life and you begin to feel the file work for you, and this planer below requires the need to sharpen the blades often. Cane chews up steel. So you need to get the blade sharpened somewhere professionally. I actually feel an electrical version would be much better and more accurate, with less splits. Again, this is my opinion.

With the exception of curing the cane, once you learn to make a reed, just like oboe players, 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish is about average with making an oboe and a clarinet or sax reed by hand. With QUALITY cane the efforts are well worth your time, because you will spend this time and much more looking through a box of 10 reeds hoping to find that 1 great reed.

https://shop.weinermusic.com/Robert-Dilutis-Reed-Machine-Planer-and-Hand-Plane-for-Bb-Clarinet-and-Alto-Sax/productinfo/XRMP/

Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces

Yamaha Artist 2015

Post Edited (2019-10-02 14:02)

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