Reeds Filed or Unfiled

[gazb]

Ok, I know It's most likely to be on the site somewhere I'm sure but could someone please tell me what difference it makes.....Filed or unfiled reeds ????:erm:

Much appreciated

Gary

 

[Pete Thomas]

I've never found very much difference, I once bought a box of filed and a box of unfiled. All the reeds were quite different anyway so it was hard to find a discernable difference between the two sorts. maybe it was just me and those boxes though.

 

[Bobby G]

I can't really say why, I just prefer the filed reeds, although I don't think there's that much difference between filed and unfiled. Perhaps filed are a touch more responsive, but I couldn't really say as nowadays I only ever buy filed reeds (RJS or Superials)

Cheers, Bob

 

[mfox]

i haven't ever been able to tell the difference either..maybe you fine a difference at the extreams of hardness..i once read that one is for metal MPs and the other HR..????

 

[philthd]

there is a difference in response, but its very minimal - though if pushed i would say that unfiled are woodier in sound

personally i wouldnt buy filed reeds - but if i came by some id happily play on them

sadly this is one thing youre just going to have to use your own mouth to find out which you prefer

 

[Jules]

pretty minimal difference- unfileds being a bit 'fatter and darker' but it's a very small difference in most case- however, the exception that proves the rule...... duckbilled mouthpieces (Bergs, Jody Jazz DVs, Levelaires etc) seem to prefer unfileds. In my experimenting they play less squeakily and the fatness of tone is, well, fatter (this is a tip from Jody Jazz in relation to his own DV mouthpieces, and- yup- unfiled does seem to complement 'em better)

 

[jonf]

Well, this may be all in the mind, but for me I notice a huge difference. Filed just seem loads brighter, and unfiled dull to the extent that I've chucked out all the unfiled ones. I always used RJS, and have found it with different strengths. I've had the same effect on tenor when playing my Lawton 7 (2H) Otto Link 9 NY (2S) and my current favourite Otto Link 10 with a custom baffle (2S).

As I said, it may be all in my mind, but one thing's for sure - the modified Otto 10 with RJS 2S is an amazing beast.

 

[Jules]

Link 10 with custom baffle, did that come off Ebay a few months ago? I suspect I got into a duel of bids with you over that one!

 

[jonf]

Hi Jules

That wasn't me a few months ago, although I did put in a bid at the time. The guy who bought it sold it again the week before last, and ther wasn't anything like as much interest this time round. I guess the original purchaser - a C Mel enthusiast - found it a bit on the raucous side. I love it, but I also find it can smooch along quite softly as well. Even though a 10 works out as a .130 tip, it's dead easy to blow.

Incidentally, to qualify my comments about filed or unfiled. One mouthpiece on which it doesn't make any difference is your old Runyon bari. As you said when I bought it you can put anything on it and it blows well.

 

[gazb]

Really appreciate the response . As usual a mind of information and help.
I felt a complete 'dip' when I was asked which type I required in the shop this week. I purchased the unfiled (Guess work!) 😉 and thought that I had better find out for next time.

Thanks again

Gary

 

[Pete Thomas]

GazB wrote:
I felt a complete 'dip' when I was asked which type I required in the shop this week. I purchased the unfiled (Guess work!) 😉 and thought that I had better find out for next time.

Next time they ask, reply "semi-filed", then give them a really withering look when they appear confused.

 

[frankb]

Like going into a McDonalds and asking for a Large Mac and Big Fries!

Gets 'em every time!

 

[Bobby G]

Confuse them even more in macD's by asking 'where is the cutlery?'

Cheers, Bob