Author: vboboe
Date: 2007-07-14 21:55
In the next 8 weeks ...
you say "instruments", do you mean to make reeds from scratch, from tube cane? Or starting easier, from ready-made cane pieces?
Either way, definitely research and become familiar with all the theory (and differences in reed-making styles) you can find out there, but strongly recommend leaving the actual practice until teacher available to show you
In the meantime, research information and gather data, there's lots online world-wide if you use a search engine
If you have a knife & scissor sharpening expert available locally, could perhaps get reed-knife sharpening lessons now
Examine all your playable reeds in great detail.
Measure lengths, sections, back-light and observe light and dark areas, make diagrams and notes, blow-test the tips, the hearts, the backs separately to a tuner and write down your findings, with summary of how easy / hard each reed is to blow, lip up or lip down to get in tune when playing, etc. Note if the blades are slipped, has wire on, is wrapped to keep lower sides sealed, etc.
Look at the apertures dry, wetted up, after playing awhile, etc.
Also, do same with any non-playable reeds you have
Examine every picture you can find of oboe reeds, and compare yours, theirs, make observations, write more notes ...
Try and make some conclusions about your playable / non-playable reeds to formulate some general idea of how you want to 'finish' your reeds so they'll work for you
Aside -- you might be floored by the amount of unsuccessful wastage you have to begin with, so be financially prepared to double, even triple, your outlay for cane supplies
Cheap cane seems OK to me for the steep learning curve. When you're able to make reasonably good playable reeds out of that kind of cane most of the time, can move up to better quality cane when you have much lower wastage rate
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