Author: Craig Matovich
Date: 2007-05-08 12:15
Hey, only CJWright gets to call me nuts...
I have similar thoughts about the directional aspects you mention. I think the idea of wrap direction opposing the slip is to even out blade pressure to promote consistent vibration. I am not sure how much if any difference it makes, nor how to measure the torsional stress of this mess.
I disagree that once its tied all is set (I know I paraphrase at this point), because I have noticed cane changing around the tie off. Perhaps a slight leak seals after a little playing. So something is changing, perhaps moving.
In that case, any stability imparted by the wrapping technique is probably desirable. Some people even use nail polish to coat the entire wrap. I used to do that, but now prefer to let the cane settle in and believe the nail polish works against some beneficial settling.
Perhaps the statment the twist direction opens the reed is a misnomer. I believe the suggested twist reduces closing and the effect is a more open reed in playing conditions. So, on that point I still agree with CJWright.
One test to see this is to manually squeeze the reed open a few seconds and play it. The sound difference is subtle as is the feeling of playing the reed. Then twist one way and play, then rewerse the twist direction and play.
All this is very arcane, the differences are subtle and the value probably lost on any but very advanced players. But every little bit helps that helps and refinement of playing is a life long pursuit for most of us.
Watch a good reed maker if possible, especially during the final adjustments for the 'finished' reed. Some so slight, the smallest clip of the tip, almost just the spit off the end and the reed finally locks in.
I know of no good oboe players who are not attentive to the finest details, and consequently get to be obsessive about the reeds in time.
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