 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2017-04-12 20:19
Hi Gang, it's been awhile since I posted!
I have been consulting for the Jones Reed people in Spokane. They have a new CEO, an engineer, who is working hard to profile their reeds better. They use M. Schuring's design as a model, Rigotti cane, and are open to advice from pro-oboists in Europe and USA. 15 people hand-work the reeds, from wrapping to making the seamless staples to gouging... everything is done on-site. MOSTLY by hand. All reeds are finished by actual players testing for response and pitch.
So if you've hated Jones reeds in the past, perhaps you'd be willing to try them again. With increased interest their prices will go down, so that more players who hate reed-making will have some hope.
I will also be offering reed-finishing workshops in Spokane for students who 'can't be bothered' with the whole process.
I am hopeful.
GoodWinds
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Author: matt_lin18
Date: 2017-04-13 16:07
Very interesting. I played on Jones reeds during my first year of playing oboe and quickly switched to handmade reeds after that and have never looked back. Just the other day, I was curious if I could sound good on a Jones reed as my embouchure has developed since then.
When are these new reeds being distributed to retailers?
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2017-04-15 04:14
I believe Jones reeds are available in 2 forms for both oboe and bassoon, the RED thread are the beginner/student reeds, the PURPLE thread are the Artist. The difference is a few dollars; the 'pro' reeds are more select with the cane and more detailed in the profiling.
English horn reeds and European oboe reeds are also available. All reeds are labeled MedSoft, Medium, and MedHard.
The reed crafters are pretty careful about quality control. Cracks, leaks, flat reeds are quickly discarded. Even reeds which pass muster for pitch and response but have lousy tone are tossed.
The store where you purchase them should have a manufacture date. I do not know if Jones guarantees their products. I DO know that they are trying very hard to improve them.
GoodWinds
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Author: alanporter
Date: 2017-04-18 07:19
I am incompetant and lazy when it comes to making reeds. I don't know what commercial reeds to try next. What do you recommend ?
tiaroa@shaw.ca
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Author: SarahC
Date: 2017-04-19 14:51
interesting. will definitely give the jones reeds another try
wish i was closer.. a reed finishing workshop would be right up my alley! great idea!
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2017-04-30 23:50
Jones is the only 'factory' made reed I have even used since high school, and I was NOT a fan until I got to help them make some changes. They're not perfect but getting close to a totally hand-crafted reed.
GoodWinds
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Author: GoodWinds ★2017
Date: 2017-04-30 23:52
Spokane is about 2k feet above sea level, and tends to be quite dry. Of course, we have had a VERY damp spring and I know that affects the cane.
I recommend purchasing from similar climate to where the reeds were made. I know from experience how drastically they can change.
GoodWinds
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