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Re: Reed response question

Author: sylvangale
Date: 2006-01-28 04:24

But it is true.

Not only does an oboists embouchure increase in strength, but the oboe reed increases in pliability as it is played... and so the embouchure's strength wanes as the reed requires less strength.

If you play on the same reed for a month and find you need to use another reed. The reed you adjust to match that reed will be a match to the pliability of a month old reed... and then that other reed ages a month... and you adjust yet another reed to match THAT reed you are sliping down a slippery slope of dysfunctional reed adjustment.

What's worse if that a new reed can change in playability in just a few days. If you begin the "match adjusting" with unbroken in reeds the problem can be compounded.

In the case of reeds that are already handmade, are in the same strength as one has been purchasing, and pleys well in tune (it BETTER at $21)... then no knife should touch that reed. One needs to give it time and let their embouchure strengthen to accept the reed as it naturally becomes more pliable.

Now if one accidently buys a hard reed when they play medium strength... then of course adjustment must be made, but not between a medium and medium from the same "professional" reed maker.

I think you may have thought I was advocating "harder" as better, but really I believe that "in tune" is better and that taking a knife to an already well made reed should only be a last resort.

Though I don't believe adjusting reeds to a preferred strength is ever okay otherwise unless using a micrometer where you know you are not slipping down a hopelessly soft slope.

It's not a pleasant slope to find oneself.

Regards,
Stephen

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