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Re: Ready to try reedmaking - staple/cane suggestions?

Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2010-07-21 16:38

In terms of reed-making, different size staples means that you might have to tie the reed shorter or longer (i.e. less cane after the staple). Be mindful that shape, staple size etc. is not only better/worse suited to a given brand of oboe, but also to your personal physiology. Over the years, you'll want to try different ones and find which work best for you.

For knives, its really a matter of your general personal habits. I use a Graf folding and a Pisoni straight, both of which have very hard metal which require expert sharpening.... but I'm a freak about cutting tools so I enjoy the challenge! Softer knives (Vitry) are very useful if you prefer to sharpen often but not spend much time on it.

KNIVES ARE CRITICAL: sharpening requires the best stones PERIOD! My favourite combination is India fine to start off with and ceramic (Spyderco) to finish off. "hollow-ground" is the easiest to sharpen: I've actually hollowed-out my Pisoni because a bad bevel (straight sides at an angle) is murder. Diamond stones are also excellent. If you want the throw-away blade type, go for it. Usually they are too sharp at the beginning (will catch or dig in the cane instead of scrape) and will dull fast.

Start off with everything average, be persistent on every reed and remember that some pieces of cane "just don't want to"! Definitely get someone to make a few reeds with you and help you out on finish reeds later.

Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music

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