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Re: Reeds with wire

Author: kroboe
Date: 2005-08-23 07:52

hi Eric,
The wire is supposed to stabilise the reed and countereffect its tendency to close during playing sessions. A closing reed can be opened by pulling the wire slightly towards the scrape. The negative side to this is the danger of leaks, lowering of pitch an general shortening of reed-life due to the fairly brutal treatment of pulling at the wire to open the reed. I have discarded this method for my own reeds. What I do now is, if a reed generally needs opening up I squeeze it very, very gently with a pair of thin pliers at the upper end of the binding, near the cork. This makes the reed pivot around its middle to open slightly at the scrape-end. If I find I have overdone the operation things can be brought back to start by inserting the mandrel. Now, if the reed closes on you say during a concert, there is no time for elaborate adjusments. I instead pull the reed out of the instrument and suck at it vigourosly. The fresh air will dry out the inside of the reed causing the wood to shrink, and the reed will momentarily regain its curvature. This method is effective, works quickly, and serves as first aid when you are counting down for a solo.
Well, this was perhaps a bit more than you asked for, but these are very usefull tricks, so be my guest.
kroboe

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