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Re: Spread vs. Focus in Sound

Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2010-04-02 16:21

Hi Cooper,

I like your question since a reed will have a more focused tone or more spread as you pointed out. In my Loree playing days I was very cognizant of this dynamic in reed production and I worked very diligently to make reeds that were focused and resonant.

In the case I am presenting here - it is the instrument itself - independent of reeds that is creating the variation in sound production. By spread I am suggesting a less defined "focused" "core" tone. The first Marigaux had a less focused tone but also a warm one.

For example, my teacher and I played the same reeds (his and mine) on all three instruments - the two on trial and my own Marigaux. Each instrument had a different "quality" Lucky, for me - my Marigaux had both qualities warmth/resonance and a very focused core sound.

The point I am making is that the instrument - especially the the lower joint and bell has a great impact on the core sound - in this case the reed is secondary to the process.

I am also suggesting that players might bemefit from investing in other instruments and/or bells and/or adjustments to improve the playing experience.

Some people on the BBoard have already played with different Oboe combinations!

On a personal note and in hindsight - I struggled too long with reeds in the attempt to create a specific sound and response - "A WASTE OF TIME" - not because I didn't become a good reed maker - which I am - because it was more fruitful to explore the characteristics of new/different Oboes. My present playing experience is just so different now and wonderful.

So if their are others who have modified their oboes with different bells etc... I would love hear your stories ....................

Mark

PS: don't misinterpet my observations - the need for good reeds still exists -however, the emphasis now is on nuance, response, flexibility, projection, pitch stability etc. ...... rather than on tone production.

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