Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2011-10-15 04:33
I see!
It is very difficult to describe my whole method here...but basically...the principles should in theory be the same. The differences then come in the proportions as well as the way of playing. In general, most short scrape reed systems produce lower pitch and long scrape reeds higher pitch when played with the same way. This is a generalization of course. What i was taught is a kind of compromise. The way a reed responds is also different, thus the way to play has to be different. Measurements are a matter of ratios and common sense. For example, a reed measuring 74mm can work as well as one that measures 68mm (what i do) if the shaper and staple correspond to such a formula. Take Martin Schuring's advise:
"Consider the effects of tying the reed on at different lengths (while maintaining the same finished length). While it's best to keep the length fairly consistent, this presumes that you're using the same cane, shape, and type of tube for each reed. Tying the reed on shorter gives a smaller opening and a wider "throat" (the area where the reed meets the string). Tying the reed on longer has the opposite effect. Ideally, the sides should close with the string still one wind below the top of the tube. Tying on too long will cause the reed to leak; too short and the sides crush together causing the tip to spread apart."
Food for thought? Some golden rules of my system:
1. A thin gouge. Maddy explains well why: http://aldis-evans.info/Reeds1.htm
2. Overlap or not? Works if you scrape very long, works less well if you scrape short, in any case, the key is to make sure that the blades don't move sideways AFTER tying.
3. The less you need to scrape, the better chances the reed will be good. But break in a reed slowly, after the initial success of a scraped reed, leave it and scrape little by little daily. If it refuses to work in the initial sit through, give up!
4. Scrape at least one day after tying, not immediately!
5. A short scrape CAN be 8mm-11mm. After that i think one can call it a long scrape! It all depends on the cane that you are working on.
6. If one feels that the tip has to be thinner, lengthen the scrape first before deciding.
7. To wire or not? The wire is only there either to stop vibration or to create resistance. You can scrape to create the same effect too but scraping collapses and wiring does not.
There can be 1 million things to say, so if you need any specific details, ask! =D
Howard
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