Author: jamesoboe
Date: 2010-07-16 13:53
Hi Robin
Yes, your assumptions are correct. It is a hardness tester machine. For me, realistically, it's not really to know the density in order to gouge each piece of cane thicker or thinner, accordingly. That is simply too time-consuming for me, though, presumably, it must be an assist in ones reed-scraping. Instead, it's too discover which types of cane most consistently fall into whatever level of density may best suit me. That way, I could limit my purchases to a narrower choice of preferred cane. I have mostly tended to play on Alliaud for Cor Anglais, but in recent years the quality of it has dipped for me due to it feeling simply too hard. I've had good results with Bonazza and Du Var and Rouche, so tend to mix it up a bit, so as not to become too reliant on one particular make of cane. I have a job in an orchestra and don't really have the time, nor motivation, to experiment that much. Basically, I shape, scrape, play and snap all with in the same week, having a fairly quick turnover of reeds. Blowing reeds in slowly is not an option. I have too many rehearsals, recordings and concerts, all requiring a high level of reed output. Maybe this Density machine may save me some sleepless nights.
By the way, I see you're from Quebec. I have a great mate, Stephane Rancourt, who is from Quebec City, and is also principal Oboe of the Halle Orchestra. He and I studied together in Germany under Thomas Indermuhle. I also know Philippe Magnan who has an Oboe job in Quebec somewhere. Small world, huh!
Best wishes
James
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