 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-08-01 22:45
Hello Everyone,
So I think I'm reaching the point in my reed making ability where I can consistently make reeds that play (assuming the cane is shaped properly. I suspect my supplier splits their cane lazily, because sometimes the cane will spread instead of close. I could be wrong).
Anyhow, has anyone noticed that your shaper tip will change the tuning of your instrument? Has anyone noticed any consistencies related to the two (I.e- a wider tip = ???? tuning)?
Thanks
Drew S.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-08-02 12:17
Thanks Cooper,
I did the search, but it is all very general. Wider shaper = flatter and less stability. Easier low notes, and not as sweet high notes. Narrower shape = sharper and more stability. More difficult low notes but sweeter high notes.
This is definitely good information to have. However, I still feel there is more to it than that. I am currently adjusting and playing on 6 reeds which started from Shaped Joshua +2 cane on Chudnow CA staples. I do a fair bit of sanding to the sides of the rails to make the shape even, and sometimes I overdo it. I feel this isn't such a bad thing in my learning phase, as I will acquire some extra knowledge into how the variance in shape effects certain aspects of my playing. I over-sanded a particular reed in the batch very thin, and it changed the intonation characteristics of my oboe so much, it's led me to believe this should be an area I should explore more. It completely flattened my low register, but surprisingly flattened my upper register as well. I am really happy with what it did in the upper register, but the flatness in the low register is unacceptable for me. I am looking to see if there is any way or shape that would allow me to keep that particular change in my upper register, without lowering the pitch of my low register.
Drew S.
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Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2012-08-02 21:47
So are you asking for a mathematical equation?
Good luck, this is a REALLY tough question!
Besides, shapes play with the staple description, the individual oboe (not just the make and model), the climate where you live and the player's own physical characteristics.... let alone preferences for cane.
No kidding, Cooper's answer .... and he is a true expert .... is as good as it gets without your own personal experience.
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-08-02 22:29
Yes, it is a tough question, and I think that is why we are here. Well, at least that's why I'm here. I don't think I'm looking for absolutes here, maybe more along the lines of, "I've noticed that if I get cane shaped a little thin at the throat, the reed tends to ______". Food for thought and all that. It is something that is on my mind, and something I will be working with these next few months until I understand it a little bit more.
In a few other points, 320 sandpaper is great for sanding the sides of reeds. I was using 220 before, and it took too much off of wet cane, which is why I have the one skinny reed in the first place. I bought 320 today, and wow is it a game changer. I just cut it in 2" by 2" squares, and they last a good while.
Another point is I made a fantastic reed today, and have no clue how I did it. Response around the whole instrument was flawless. A little flat, but it's also at 70.5 mm, and I think going down to 70 or 69.5 would make it perfect. Letting it sit a day before I do what cannot be undone.
Drew S.
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Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2012-08-02 23:28
Hi,
I am very happy you are excited about reeds and reed construction.
You will learn that there is no total control over reeds. What's the humidity today?
There are reeds and then THERE ARE REEDS.
I can make plenty of playable reeds. But I need to make A PLAYABLE ONE.
What I mean is that when you are performing multiple pieces of music ... each with their own demands .... you need a reed that will do almost everything.
At the moment - I performing the Tender Land Suite by Copland. Well, I play in the low register - . have fast runs of notes .... need to sing in the extreme upper register .... and more and more ...... maybe one or two of my reeds are suitable for such demands. And I must have good tone and pitch stability.
I throw away more playable reeds just for these reasons .....
Sometimes the repertoire is not so demanding - so I can get away with so so reeds. I use them for rehearsals and practice.
Please pass the Advil! ![[right]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie8.gif)
Mark
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-08-03 01:01
Thanks for the help,
Looks like this will just have to be a bit of trial and error. It seems like the situation is all so dependent on the individual situation.
Luckily I have some free time this month, and some cane to burn, so that's what I'll be working on. I also still need to address my technique on scraping the back. I have finally sorted out the tip/blend/heart situation, so just that last area to complete.
This is all coming from trying to get low register response, especially at pp, or at least p. It's definitely due to my reed scrape/shape, so I'll be making adjustments, and then test them with low register response and then tuning across the range of the instrument. Will probably go through a bit of cane on this one.
My waste basket looked a bit empty anyhow.
Drew S.
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