Author: cjwright
Date: 2006-12-02 23:25
I know this staggering of windows concept well. I know Bloom used to teach it to his students, and although it hasn't passed on through history, some do use it.
The reason to stagger the windows is a more practical one; back in the day when people used a smaller gouge with smaller openings, the reeds tended to close down more. Staggering the windows offered additional support in the back, while getting maximum darkness by digging out the back.
However, I think it didn't prevail namely because the gouge evolved, and people are using bigger gouges now (Ross, Opus1, tend to have "bigger openings", graf and RDG tend to be smaller. Haven't tried the Ferillo). Therefore, since the gouge has made big enough openings (or big enough sides to hold the opening open) there is no longer a need to add this additional support. People just assume to take out the last amount of cane to add the extra depth.
By the way, I spoke to Mr. Weber about this concept and he does not do this anymore.
My best suggestion would be that if your gouge feels weaker, or your openings don't stay open, do as the RMM says and after tying, scrape down a tip and clip it open to encourage the opening to open up. Then, take a look at the reed tendancy and if the opening looks good enough, then don't bother staggering. If you think it my close up, then try staggering again.
One last note: Mr. Killmer (Eastman, Yale), preaches on the "eveness of the two blades", stating that when there is symmetry both from left to right of a blade, and from blade to blade, the reed vibrates best, and you are left with the purest tone available in that reed. Therefore by staggering, you will never gain symmetry from left to right of a reed. But this is just one school of oboe reed.
Again... I ramble.
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