Can you trim Fibracell Reeds with a reed trimmer?

[M Exner]

I'm not sure, but I don't think reed trimmers work with these synthetic reeds. I love the reeds but everytime I try trimming them to extend their life a little, the reed tip just crushes (collapses and bends). No luck at all. It may be this matierial behaves differently from natural reeds. If any of you have had success with this, tell me how and or what brand of reed cutter you are using. Thanks Mike

[Sassaphone]

Mike, I burn the end of mine using an old brit penny. I imagine that fibreglass would soon make short work of the cutter.

[stitch]

According to Charlie A:

We recommend that you do not sand the reed or clip the tip. For an easier playing reed, simply buy a softer strength.

However, I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that one of Fibracell's characteristics was that it could be shaved and sanded like a cane reed. Like you Mike, I've had no success with trimmers.

[stitch]

In fact, thinking about it, it's no surprise that a reed trimmer is ineffective. Fibracells are made of Kevlar, and the fibres would run along the grain, so trying to cut across the grain with a trimmer wouldn't work.

[Joe Linux]

I have sanded a bit off the tip and it seems to work. The sand paper is perpendicular to the tip. I'm making the reed shorter and thicker, not thiner. I have also sanded the top and have been able to turn a 3 into a firm 1.5. Charley A says not to do this, but is seems to work.

[sessionsax]

Yeah, I have sanded them as well with no problems

[Bill Mecca]

I clipped one once, my fingers still ache.
:shock:

It's not advised to sand etc, as the innards are cellulose and kevlar, and if the cellulose gets moist, that's it.. I had one a few years back where the coating has bee compromised near the tip, microscopic actually, I could play about 8 or 9 notes and then QUACK... sent it back to Miri, they are the ones that told me about the compromised coating, and they graciously replaced it.

[Danny Troy]

I've found that as stated in an earlier post, the Fibracells, because of the Kevlar construction can't be trimmed with a reed trimmer. I have no trouble sanding them though, either using sandpaper or knife.

I've trimmed Legere and Bari reeds with a reed trimmer without a problem.

Danny

[Tobias]

under the fibracells there is a plastic film which often makes problems when the read get old.
You can't extend the live of the read. Half a year intensiv playing is enough for one read. I have also some other wich are over 5 years old (not played that much)

My teacher achieves great results by sanding and cutting his reeds (but for change the charasteristics not live extending). But he uses a scissor.

[segaleon]

Sure, you can trim them and sand them. Works very well: as always, small steps...