Reeds And reeds? Who knows more about them?

[Danny@HSM]

I know how to rework a reed but I don't know how to make them. I was thinking to make some plastic colored reeds using a cnc but probably there are different machines specifically designed to make saxophone and clarinet reeds. Someone knows more about them?

 

[aldevis]

@c9off once mention a similar experiment.
I hope he chimes in.

 

[jafo50]

I don't know about making plastic reeds but there are dozens of youtube videos on making cane reeds. Seems like a lot of work and some specialized tools are needed.

Jafo50

 

[c9off]

Yes Al - memory serves you well..

I did experiment with the process, mainly the practicality of holding the material whilst machining.,, whilst we had a decent vacuum bed, that was of no use individually so came up with a machined pocket that matched the dimensioned material.

This was a press fit into the holding block, which in turn was held down under vacuum.

I didn't progress past this, having used a particular type of MDF ('cause that is what my job called for so had it kicking around..).

Should you wish to go into production then special machines may be required, but for one off (or small production runs) then any cnc machine with obvious thought towards it's resolution.

Picture of the partially machined reed, plus the finished jobbie - which does blow - albeit poorly, but in fairness I drew the file by eye!

Type of material would be the issue, especially if you believe what some synthetic reed manufactures claim.

The above info was posted back in '07 - it had zero interest if I recall correctly, so I kind of followed.....

 

[Danny@HSM]

Interesting... thank you for posting

 

[Pete Thomas]

Interesting... thank you for posting

Waiting for the HSM reed now!

 

[Danny@HSM]

ah ah ah, I saw it right now. No way, here we are always so busy 🙂

 

[kevgermany]

Danny, you might find Ray Reed's book interesting. He goes into a lot of detail on how to measure, adjust, tune, much of it information that's not easy to find elsewhere. The book's not too well laid out, but it's worth persevering. Sad to say I set out to put what I'd read onto practice, but never felt the need.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0741423057/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?qid=1414349210&sr=8-11&pi=SL75

 

[Danny@HSM]

I already have some books on this topic, I find it fascinating. After the player reeds give the most important contribution to the sound. More than the mouthpiece itself. That's why I always use plastic reeds to test the mouthpieces...