Author: d-oboe
Date: 2005-11-27 22:28
just decided to make a new thread...last one was too long!
[ PLEASE DON'T DO THAT! Informaiton belongs in the proper thread. mark C. ]
Let's start with reeds...
Unfortunately there is no secret to good reeds. You either make them yourself, or depend on what someone else gives you. Sometimes they will give you great reeds, and other times, they can be downright abysmal. If you truly want to improve, you will need to learn how to adjust reeds and/or make them yourself. The reason is that, as your embouchure and blowing power strengthen, you will need more resistance to play against.
Once embouchure is stronger than said reed, your embouchure will tire quickly, because, without correct resistance, it has nothing to "lean" against.
Closing reeds...
Again, this is unfortunately the symptom of a worn-out reed that's ready for the retirement box. If nothing else is physically wrong with it, keep it around (but don't use it daily) for emergencies. After a week or two of solitude, sometimes reeds will come back to life for a short time.
Wire....
Generally oboe reeds shouldn't carry wire, but I know some student reeds do, so as to prolong their life.(artificially...it's like life support...just pull the damn plug already :P) The wire shouldn't be used to control the opening - that's for bassoon reeds, and to an extent, english horn reeds.
If at this point you feel you have an OK reed, let's move on to the high register issues. The high register does NOT, contrary to popular belief, need more air. In fact, more air will make the high register impossible to play in tune, or have dynamics. Do not force the air out. There is no need!
Sit back, relax, and play a nice high note with a relaxed embouchure. If it is a bit flat, that's ok. To correct that, simply roll the embouchure in. That means, without biting, or moving your lips further down the reed, bring the duo or embouchure and reed in TOGETHER to correct the pitch.
This will make your high register work properly.
If the air gets forced and squeezed through a tight biting embouchure...do you know what it will sound like when it comes out the oboe?
Forced. Squeezed. Tight. Bitten.
D
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