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Twisted reed syndrome - or a funny thing happened on the way to the forum

Author: Craig Matovich
Date: 2007-05-06 21:16

Twisting the reed slightly in the oboe has been discussed somewhat.

CJWright points out twisting to the right (clockwise when viewed from above the tip opening), if the reed has a slight 'right-handed' slip of the blades, causes the embouchure to hold the reed open a bit. (right-handed slip = seeing the lower blade peek out around the left of the upper blade when the reed is viewed from the thumb side of the oboe in a portrait orientation)

Conversely, twisting that same reed a bit to the left would cause the embouchure to close the opening a bit.

I was taught to twist left to facilitate articulation which I like, but did not realize until CJWright pointed out the closing effect of that approach.

So here is my question. Would a left-handed tie and blade slip with a left-twisted reed for articulation avoid closing the tip and still promote advantages in articulation?

Old dog, new trick I realize, but I think I could adapt the tie and slip better than my tongue habits for a right hand twist of the reed.

There may be other things that would work like keeping the right-hand wrap and slip would happen in the opposite direction.

I am wondering about the complimentary or opposing forces that may be at work here. And as usual this suggests a few practical experiments, like trying the twist to the right and seeing how that affects articulation.

Any thoughts on this?

Post Edited (2007-05-06 21:30)

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