Searching for Reed Tools

[Michael]

As we all know, I like to be conceited and love to talk about how I make my own reeds and how it is the best process on earth and if Sonny Rollins doesn't have someone making his reeds then he's missing out on being the best player in history..blah blah blah.

Well I only craft reeds (take reeds LaVoz's in particular and complete change them up, not adjust, but shape them, open and close channels (reed talk) and whatnot)

BUT, I want to go deeper into the mineshaft and work harder on reeds and see what other people have done.

1. Does anyone know of any reed books (single reeds only) that are of considerable value? I've considered the ATG system but at $80 I better hear the angels sing. I've also hear Larry Teal talks about it but I don't know how far.

2. Does anyone know where I can get some advanced reed tools, or have any for sale? I'm planning on making my own reed mold and such, and I don't worry about knives, but I'm looking for real good reed making stuff. None of that $200 Reed Wizard crap that does make reeds better, but only because it fixes what mistakes the manufacturers made in the SHAPING of the reed. It doesn't go into reed streams, channels, grains, etc which is all vital info.


Thanks in advance, have a good one, and enjoy. I have 4 chapters of AP notes, 46 paragraphs of essential questions to do, and an World History AP exam to study for. Toodles and pray I don't shoot myself.

[cpete]

The thingy you want is around $800 (I think)


http://thereedmachine.com/

[Michael]

Not looking for the intense tool. Right now my reeds are great with the use of a pocket knife because really that is all it takes but it is a little inconvenient and it also forms uneven spots in the reed. I need a scraper like a Reed Wizard that isn't $200 but does the same thing. (I do the hand work and then use the Wizard). Any home remedy suggestions?

[SteveMarz]

The book written by the late Mr. Ray Reed (Supersax, Kenton, many others) is very complete and technical regarding the adjustment of single reeds. Ray got way into the science of reeds. Plus, he had the right last name for studying the subject.

[gallerytungsten]

Teal goes into it for a few pages. If you don't have Teal's book already you should probably get it. There's no fluff in it.

[skeller047]

I don't know about angels (never met one) but ATG is worth the money.

I have a really nice reed knife I made back when I played oboe (or, more accurately, show-boe), and continued using it on single reeds when I abandoned that most sublime self-torture mechanism. (The knife is a cut down straight razor blade in a handle, about 4" long and about 3/8" wide. The thick bar at the top keeps the blade at the perfect angle for sharpening, and it was a good razor, so it stays sharp.)

But I never use it anymore, or reed rush or sandpaper on glass, or anything else, except the ATG tool. Mr. Ridenour converted me and I am a happy camper.


BTW, the book that comes with the tool kit has some interesting information on reeds, not as scholarly as Ray Reed's book, but it makes a lot of sense.

[Graysax]

Just FYI - I am selling a dilutis Reed Making System for clarinet and alto sax for 1/2 of what it costs new - the link to the SOTW ad is here http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?t=118494

I also have some pics there to show how easy making a reed is when you have the right tools.
Charlie