Author: jhoyla
Date: 2015-10-19 22:56
If he has an old, working reed and he doesn't mind destroying the staple, it is often easier to rub the bottom of the staple against a fine file (metal nail-file, say) or the side of a sharpening stone. That way he can shorten the reed without changing the scrape.
The main issue with cracking is in the top joint, so perhaps you can try mix-and-matching the plastic top-joint with the wooden bottom of his instrument. Don't force anything in place! Only if it fits easily - make sure the tenon is not too tight, because the tenon socket can crack. The only adjustment screws that may be needed are the con-bar height and the F#-G# trill connection over the G# tone-hole.
To warm the instrument I simply keep my (large, warm) hands wrapped round it as much as possible, especially the top joint.
Be aware that a cold instrument can have issues with the transverse-mounted keys (e.g. C# rocker, Eb key, forked F vent) - make sure they don't bind when the instrument is cold.
J.
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