Author: d-oboe
Date: 2007-06-25 19:03
I guess whatever works is what works - but there are two disadvantages to having a wire (on an oboe reed)
1. Less of the reed is vibrating, and because of that:
2. More cane has to be removed to achieve parallel response to a reed without the wire.
The tone of any given reed can only be debated if all of its basic functions are there. If the reed is stuffy, and doesn't attack on low notes, it isn't a "dark reed" - it is a hard reed.
Some people argue that the wire helps focus/stabilize upper notes, or helps hold the reed open for lower notes. However, these problems can be solved in the preliminary stages of reedmaking, not as an afterthought.
1. Reed too closed? Try any of: thicker gouge, harder cane, longer tie-off (keep same finished length) or narrower shape.
2. Reed not lasting long enough? Spend less time scraping the reed (i.e. also sharpen the knife) and don't try to finish the reed the first day. Also, play the reed for one day before trying to completely perfect the pitch and response.
3. High notes unstable? Shorter tip; thinner/thicker gouge (depending on exactly what is unstable about them) more definition on the sides of the tip, thinner extreme tip.
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