Author: Nissen
Date: 2004-06-29 12:43
I used to soak my reeds for years, what else?
Then, at a masterclass, my fellow students and I were confronted with several other oboists not soaking (yes, in the mouth, but not in water). Said it ruins the reeds, Gordon Hunt being one of them.
After this masterclass I never soaked anymore, and I think I noticed an improvement. The reeds do not change so much after the initial 3 minutes playing. The professional players here in Copenhagen do not water soak.
You can play a heavier reed when it is soaked in water, but only until it is accustomed to your mouth. Then it starts to be be too heavy or at least change behavior.
Making reeds that perform well after only mouth 'soaking' is what works for me. Good thing that I don't need that water bucket anymore!
I should say my scrape is German style, the reed 73 mm. Could this be a reason why people have so different oppinions about this? That the American style, because of its length and scrape works best, puffed up with water?
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