Graduate School!!!

Wire placement measurements as promised in my Reed Tutorial 1

Some very exciting stuff has been happening and it's time for an update!

The fabled recording of "When Life Gives you Lemons" may ACTUALLY be completed in the upcoming year of 2017. Who knew making a recording like this would be so difficult, it's been an uphill battle for sure. Our first audio engineer dropped the project due to sudden lack of interest, and the second audio guy dropped off the face of the planet evidently... If you want anything done right you've got to do it yourself I guess. lol *dies a little inside*
Now that I have a computer again, I will be able to complete the recording myself and give credit to the brilliant work that has already been put in by the talented performers involved. *fingers crossed!*

In other news I am going back to graduate school for bassoon. Not sure where just yet, but I'm very excited by all the excellent options presenting themselves.

Currently I am working on a project to make learning how to make reeds less daunting for intermediate bassoon students. Some of my current students are starting to ask basic reed related questions so I'm optimistically hoping to make a series of short videos that answer questions pertinent to the daunting tasking of making your own reeds. The first tutorial is just past the first draft phase, I will post that video to this post when we finally decide to make it public. After that video is finished I'm hoping to make even shorter videos that shine light on specific issues that come up regarding the "how to" and where to find the correct materials to use, so your feedback is critically important! Ask me your questions via email and I will do my best to answer them in a video. :)

bassooneo.ire@gmail.com



Until next time, thanks for reading :D

Reeds

It's been two years folks. It's good to be back.

Recently I've noticed a lack of 'how to' information on Reed making. I theorize that it's partially because reed making styles are sometimes closely gaurded by those who adhere to cultish exactitude on Reed making strategies. It's also the case that though some kids learn how to start making reeds in highschool many are often clueless until college, when they are *forced* to start making their own. I'm hoping there's still room for me to put out my two cents on Reed making. I personally believe that whatever strategy works for you is what works for you. You don't have to make reeds any one particular way, you become your own craftsman. Heck, I've met at least ONE seasoned professional who makes it a point to make ANY reed sound incredible. Then he gets payed big bucks to play on it. I once heard him say "and my student found this one under a couch.." as he starts to play on something resembling a reed, but mostly cat hair... Ok that's an exaggeration but there was hair on it and it did look pretty sad. BUT it sounded fine.
So the opinions are fairly polarized.

ANYWAYS I intend to put out a series of videos that shed a little light on the complicated process of making reeds. I will of course be happy to answer specific questions via email or video chat. (You'll have to email me to set up vid chat)
Bassooneo.ire@gmail.com

BUT FIRST YOU WILL NEED THESE ITEMS:

You will also need a plaque. (Not featured)

My mandrel is double sided but yours does not need to be! You can get two separate tools, just as long as you have a 'shaping mandrel' and a 'forming mandrel'

Tools to avoid: throat reamers.
Yes they're cheap.. And for good reason. Steer clear. Popkin makes the best regular reamer, opt for titanium.

There are a HUGE variety of knives you can buy, a really simple one that you can sharpen yourself is featured. Technically it's an oboe knife.

When you go to order your mandrel tips and drying rack (not featured) you can find them at Forrests the Double Reed Specialists

The tip clipper is made by Rieger. Still going strong, you can probably get that from Forrests too..

Make sure your pliers have 3 sections, one for rounding, one for clipping wires and one for grabbing wires.

ROM Double Reeds made my steel 'knife sharpening rod.' It is the simplest sharpening tool I have ever found and works well when you already have a good sharpening job on your blade of choice. It's a one tool wonder and doesn't require oils and clean up requires only your shirt tip. How's that for low maintenance?! Disclaimer: this is a good tool to have but not imperative for beginners.  

Alrighty then! Go forth and get thee some Reed tools! Don't forget to email if you have questions! Until I post my follow up vids, cya.