Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-06-09 17:07
No, American style reeds are quite special and take a lot of experience getting right. Choose the American scrape if you feel that it is right for your lungs, mouth and any/all physical considerations you can think of... in other words, choose this scrape if you find it easier to play, not (just) for the instrument.
Many will disagree with me, but I consider that anything you can get with the American scrape, you can achieve by some variety of the European scrape.
The short American reeds do not play higher for the same reason that a European reed cut short might not: the final look is not the only thing in play! The quality of the cane, the proportions between cane length, staple length and a plethora of scraping issues. This is why French reeds can be 74mm and still play too high!
I'm sorry this news is not more encouraging, but that's why oboists make their own reeds when they get serious about it. There are just too many variables and nothing can substitute for lots of experience.
If you want to buy reeds, I'm afraid there's no other way then to try makers until you find the one best suited to you. Best it be someone you can see in person.
Chris J wrote:
> They sell an American reed that is 69 or 70 mm long - it is not
> wired.
>
> How come they don't play sharp if they are shorter?
>
> As the 68mm reed worked, do I need an American style reed?
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
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