Author: oboist2
Date: 2017-06-11 09:49
Barry, I would avoid doing it myself - for a start the staple is an extension of the bore of the instrument, so whacking some off this is going to fundamentally alter this and whilst you will get some notes in tune, others will not be so in tune. They are also expensive items..... I would try using a shorter staple if shortening the reed length does not work....this may help depending on your oboe. I generally use 47 mm staples as I find this gives me the best stability. I have noted in winter, getting reeds up to pitch is slightly more problematic so I use an overall reed length if 71 mm in winter as opposed to 71 .5 in summer. Check when you are making your reeds ( I know you make a short scrape) that you do not take too much out of the heart and back, as this will generally flatten the reed, and try not to make your tip too long, but it may need a little more off it overall. My open holed Louis generally plays fairly well in tune, but my open holed Triebert also of about the same vintage needs a slightly shorter reed. When you alter things in your reed style, make careful note as to what works and what does not, and try to alter only one thing at a time, otherwise it is difficult to know what is working or not. Of course, make sure your oboe is well warmed up before you play too. I put mine under my jumper for about 5 minutes before trying to play, and start off with low notes only at first. I also get the temperature of the room up to at least 18 or 19 degrees and open my oboe case for 1/2 hour before I play too. It works for me, so all the best for you. I have heard from someone who used to play with Sidney Sutcliffe ( who I was told also played on a Louis) used to cut his staples back to 42 mm in order to have a comfortable pitch, but I play on a different style of reed and have not needed to.
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