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Help! Reed Slump

Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2009-09-23 03:43

This is my problem and I need help trying to understand the causation of my slump.

I never had problems making reeds; however, last spring I exhausted my supply of cane I used for the last ten years. Since then my ability to make successful reeds has dropped to a pitiful success rate. I have tried at least 9 different batches of cane. All my old reeds play well. Although, the are numbering fewer and fewer! I examined the scrapes - and I am making the reeds in the same manner.

I did have some problems with my gouger last spring. I had it serviced at least three times. I do have a micrometer and I do measure each piece of gouged cane for consistency. Could the blade curve be different? Or something else? It is Ross gouger. I had no problems though with the gouger for the last 12 years.

I cannot understand why I am having such difficulty. Could the cane be so different? It the past I could whip up a good reed in one sitting.

Now don't get me wrong I can make a somewhat playable reed - but they are not up to performance quality. They have a very poor tone and flexibility.

Here's some information: I play with a relaxed embouchure and the reed has to sit freely. Pitch adjustment is made with a light embouchure adjustment and air support.

The reeds now are too stiff, hard, poor vibrations and an at times be more open than I care for.. I have attempted to adjust them by holding them close - scraping off more wood - all with no success. It is a nightmare -

The reeds initially sound good in the lower register - however, play poorly in the upper register. Very difficult to adjust them to be freer and maintain a good tone in the upper register. They also need a firmer embouchure. They are very difficult to play in my relaxed style. Poor pitch stability in the upper register too .................... most likely due to the stiffness etc....... If I play relaxed the reed goes flat - if I play with a firm embouchure - it will go sharp. I know these are all the signs of a reed with either too much wood - too much opening - however, reeds with small openings have a stiffness too.

I have tried all my tricks and strategies which have been very successful in the past. I have tons of reeds books and manuals ................ and the advice has always worked for me - not now. I even tried different proportions.

Could my oboe be the problem? I don't think so because old reeds still play well!

It is a mystery that is driving me NUTS!

I know the adage - if it is hard and flat throw it out.

I am not over tying .......

The irony is that if you hold up the old reeds and the new reeds together under a back light - they look pretty much identical!

Mark

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Help! Reed Slump new

mjfoboe

2009-09-23 03:43