Reeds The ATG Reed Finishing system

[johnboy]

Hi all,
By now you are probably aware of how keen I am about sanding reeds ;}
Having had a chuckle at the Youtube vids, I very sceptically purchased the ATG System. Well I watched the DVDs that came with it, took a new reed from the box (one that was difficult to blow easily) and following the video instructions, set to work - Guys I have to tell you, the system works
One of the things that I learned about reed balancing, is the tip/corner test. This test involves blowing from the corners (the m'piece at an angle to the mouth), and shows a difference in how cleanly the note plays, one side compared to the other. The stuffy side is the one that needs to be worked on with the tools provided.
I used to sand the edges of a reed with an equal number of strokes, until I was satisfied that it played nicely, but the edges could never have been balanced. Now I get the reed balanced and blowing easily with less effort.
I'm a convert

John.

 

[Dave Mac]

Sounds great, and I tried to order from various US sites - none deliver to UK for some strange reason. Can't find it on any UK site (sax.co.uk etc.). His "you tube" demo looks very impressive.


Dave.

 

[johnboy]

Hi Dave, I got mine direct from the Ridenour company. It took 3 weeks to get here, but was well worth the wait!
Using the tool really is as simple as the Youtube clips suggest. The DVDs and book that come with it explain everything

John.

 

[Tenor Viol]

I've seen the Youtube clip and wondered about it - results certainly seem impressive in the demo, but it's good to have an independent view.

 

[johnboy]

Hi Ron, Yep it's good, another member of the Forum has one, and has given it the "thumbs up". In fact I've only seen good independant reports from satisfied customers.

John.

 

[Saxade]

Glad to see you finally got your system... I had a far more traumatic time getting mine & nearly gave up.... But many months later got the system & loved it 's simplisity ... It is not rocket science... but it works. Normally on opening a new box of reeds & playing one... thinking 'It's not bad ... just a bit stuffy.... I will blow it in"... NO ...do the side to side test using the mouthpiece on the neck only.... finding one side blows freely & the other a little dead... do the work on the reed & Hey Presto ... It is that good

IMO
Adrian

 

[Dave Mac]

Hi,
just had a reply from Ridenour - postage to Scotland is $25 ....... think I'll give it ago.

Dave.

 

[Chris J]

+1 for the ATG system

I have been using it for about 3 years now. From a box of ten I used to get 2x performance; 4x practice and 4x reeds fit only to spread evostick when recorking.

Now 8x performance reeds and the other 2 either performance or practice.

With buying 7 different types of reeds for various sizes of saxes and clarinets, it paid for itself very quickly

It is quick, easy and it works.

Chris

 

[johnboy]

I just tuned a Fibracell - WOW

John.

 

[Dave Mac]

I've just ordered one. I'll let you all know when it arrives, any problems etc.

Dave.

 

[johnboy]

I've just ordered one. I'll let you all know when it arrives, any problems etc.

Dave.

You won't be dissapointed, it's so easy ;} I'd had problems with that Fibracell before ATGing it.

John.

 

[Chris98]

I too have this system, but... umm... well you know how it is, I never got round to trying it out despite having it for so many years! Maybe I should give it ago. I'd completely forgotten it came with a DVD, but there it is in the ziplock bag.

Thanks for the nudge,

All the best,

Chris

 

[MartinL]

Johnboy I've just watched the video, looks good but is it just a piece of glass and a sanding block or is there more to it? I'm thinking that a half decent engineer would very easily improvise a similar system.

Martin

 

[Chris98]

Hi Martin,

Yep, it's a bit of float glass, a sanding block and some wet and dry... And the DVD and booklet.

Chris

 

[johnboy]

Johnboy I've just watched the video, looks good but is it just a piece of glass and a sanding block or is there more to it? I'm thinking that a half decent engineer would very easily improvise a similar system.

Martin

Hi Martin,
Yes, the tools are just a sanding block, with neoprene pads fitted either side and a sheet of glass in a plastic box. There is also a book called "The Definitive Guide to Successful Reed Finishing". This goes into detail about how we should think about reeds, how to test reeds and how to finish reeds correctly.
Also a couple of DVDs, demonstrating the various methods used to test and rework the reed.
I agree, it doesn't seem much for the money, but I sat and sorted a reed, while watching the DVD, in a very short time.
So far, a reed that was for me unplayable, and would normally take me an hour to sort out, I've fixed in just over a minute!

John.

 

[Justin Chune]

I've been doing the side to side tip test for years with every reed I play. As a matter of fact I thought everyone checked their reeds for balance. I adjust the reeds using sandpaper, pen knife, single sided razor blade or reed rush. Just whatever I have to hand really, and I adjust them with the grain. I don't use glass or a sanding block.

Some ATG users say that the value of the system is in the advice on the DVD and booklet rather than the simple tools provided.

I'm a retired crash repair shop owner and I won't ever run out of wet or dry paper, that's for sure.

Jim.

 

[johnboy]

I've been doing the side to side tip test for years with every reed I play. As a matter of fact I thought everyone checked their reeds for balance. I adjust the reeds using sandpaper, pen knife, single sided razor blade or reed rush. Just whatever I have to hand really, and I adjust them with the grain. I don't use glass or a sanding block.

Some ATG users say that the value of the system is in the advice on the DVD and booklet rather than the simple tools provided.

I'm a retired crash repair shop owner and I won't ever run out of wet or dry paper, that's for sure.

Jim.

I have been adjusting reeds fitted to the mouthpiece, using emery boards against the grain, and blades with the grain,for many years.
The ATG method is easier and quicker, with the glass helping to maintain the correct angle. People without any experience of sanding reeds should have no problems. The value is in the whole package.

John.

 

[Sunray]

Hey Hey JB ...

So - now you can achieve much quicker results ...

Does that mean that you may be prepared to offer us "orrible lot" a free reed preparation service.

 

[MartinL]

I dont want to undervalue the advice and techniques shown in the DVD, but I'm inclined to just get a piece of glass, some fine wet and dry and a cork block and "have a go".. I'm sure that in a very short time I could build a logical and structured technique. What do you think JB?

 

[johnboy]

Hey Hey JB ...

So - now you can achieve much quicker results ...

Does that mean that you may be prepared to offer us "orrible lot" a free reed preparation service.

Hi Sunray
Yes indeed it does. My social secretary will be in charge of the paperwork.
Once she has contacted the myriad clubs to tell them, that due to business commitments, I will no longer be appearing, we can get down to production.
A customers first reed will be partly finished for "FREE" (for demonstration purposess only). They will be finished to the ATG spec. but will not have the JB pattered "Super Duper, Rigid Plastic Protective Finish"!! - Due to the slobbery nature of their use, they will only prove the "QUALITY" of the system and only last for approx. 1 day!!
The "Super Duper Protective Finished Reeds", with up to "FOREVER" life, will be available for the very reasonable charge of £50.00 each (post & packing not included).
Discerning customers will immediatly want to take advantage of this "ONCE IN A LIFETIME" offer, so are recommended to "ACT QUICKLY!" to avoid disappointment!!!

Yours respectfully,
johnboy (CEO)