 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: kthomps
Date: 2012-09-22 15:49
For some reason my oboe reeds constantly are cracking and I can’t seem to figure out why. I’ve tried 3 different companies, stopped putting my reeds in hot water, and I bought a humidifier to put in my case. Within the past 3 months I’ve had at least 12 reeds crack. I just can’t figure out why they keep cracking and I’m desperate because I feel like I’m throwing money out the window for reeds I haven’t even played on for an hour. Currently I’m using American oboe reeds but I’ve also tried Stuart Dunkle and other brands. Do you have any tips that can help prevent them from cracking? Or what you think is causing them to crack? (Besides the weather) Thanks. -Kristen
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2012-09-22 20:33
That's a lot of reeds to crack! Have you noticed when they crack? In the case, while playing, or...? Does the crack start at the tip or at the wrapping? Is it just literally a crack or is the blade truly split?
New reeds are more open than played-in reeds and players - myself included - squeeze them closed when first playing them. If squeezed too close to the staple this can crack them, since flattening the arch where it is that rounded stresses the cane more than it can handle. If you do squeeze them closed, confine the pressure to the heart.
Each blade of the reed has an arch that opposes the other (Obviously!). An unbalanced pressure on one blade or the other, such as pressing it into your lower lip or any similar force, will split the opposite blade, since the arch can't fold backwards.
Squeezing the edges of the reed to open it up can easily crack the reed without noticing at the time. If you do squeeze it open, do so close to the wrapping and no further than when the blades start to separate at the tip.
Dry cane is quite brittle. Be sure you have thoroughly soaked your reed before playing or manipulating it in any way. Hot water (as long as you can hold your hand in it) does make the cane more limber and is my choice when possible.
Oversoaking cane can make it brittle, too, but we're talking hours of soaking...
Don't do as so many players do and let your reeds sit on their tips at the bottom of the glass. The tips are fragile and a small bump as you fish for it can crush a corner. Instead, dip the reed and set it across the rim of the glass.
That's my immediate thoughts. Let us know what you figure out.
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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Author: kthomps
Date: 2012-09-25 23:48
I've noticed it usually cracks when I'm warming up (long tones, scales, etc.) I usually don't ever have to pinch my reeds as most of the time they are open. But I'm guilty of letting them sit on the tips when I soak them. I'll try and see if laying it across will make a difference.
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2012-09-26 21:30
I agree with Robert, would only add that squeezing a reed DOWN (more closed) can also result in cracking. Learn how to squeeze a reed down very carefully if that is your practice.
GoodWinds
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2012-09-27 04:18
Just BTW - the warning about soaking your reeds tip down is to protect against crushing the tip accidentally, not cracking.
Still can't put a finger on why they are cracking, but something pushing the cane 'up' or 'down' while playing or bumping the reed is my best guess...
Let us know what you find out...
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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