Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2011-04-05 21:55
I'm thinking that you are referring to that tricky part of the reed we call the 'blend', between heart and tip. It's a very personalized matter, and you will likely have to find your own 'slope'. I don't do well at all playing on reeds with a sharp 'slope', or a 'step', a sudden change of density between heart and tip; other players prefer this.
I know other reed makers who practically blend the lay (back, windows) right through the heart into the tip and have fabulous sound.
For me, somewhere between the two extremes works. On back-lighting, I have a pretty sharp definition showing between heart and tip on my reeds; however, if I look at the PROFILE I want to see a roundish slope between the two parts of the reed. Not a sudden step, and not a pure inclined plane. THIS is the part of the reed that can show such dramatic change, if you adjust it tiny bit by tiny bit. If it is too sharp a 'slope', I get a squeak/buzz; if too gentle, then the dynamics and stability suffer.
How do you DO this? Well, a sharp knife helps. So does Craig's suggestions, of doing a light scrape (rid the bark, except spine and rails) all the way through, then setting out to define each area.
Using a diagonal scrape (center of reed outward) helps too.
I'm sure with time you'll find the JUST RIGHT that works for you.
mary
GoodWinds
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