Reed Tables and Warping
Warping
One of the primary reasons for inconsistency in reed performance is the tendency of reeds to
warp at the table, creating leaks and gaps between the reed and mouthpiece.
Single reed players often note that a reed that seems excellent can deteriorate to unplayable in
a matter of a few minutes. Most often, this is caused by the reed warping as it absorbs water.
In a similar fashion, players often find their reeds perform poorly when the weather changes
(humidity, temperature, altitude, etc.). Again, warping is often the cause..
As reeds are soaked and played, they absorb water unevenly. As reeds dry, the water
evaporates unevenly. If you were to soak a wooden board in water and then dry it, you wouldn't’
be surprised to find that it was no longer flat. The reed behaves in a similar fashion.
Playing also stresses the reed as different sections of the reed move (the tip moves a great
deal compared to the middle or end of the facing). The pith and the fibers have a different
reaction to the vibration, causing a reconfiguration of materials within the reed. This also
contributes to the tendency to warp.
One of the primary reasons for inconsistency in reed performance is the tendency of reeds to
warp at the table, creating leaks and gaps between the reed and mouthpiece.
Single reed players often note that a reed that seems excellent can deteriorate to unplayable in
a matter of a few minutes. Most often, this is caused by the reed warping as it absorbs water.
In a similar fashion, players often find their reeds perform poorly when the weather changes
(humidity, temperature, altitude, etc.). Again, warping is often the cause..
As reeds are soaked and played, they absorb water unevenly. As reeds dry, the water
evaporates unevenly. If you were to soak a wooden board in water and then dry it, you wouldn't’
be surprised to find that it was no longer flat. The reed behaves in a similar fashion.
Playing also stresses the reed as different sections of the reed move (the tip moves a great
deal compared to the middle or end of the facing). The pith and the fibers have a different
reaction to the vibration, causing a reconfiguration of materials within the reed. This also
contributes to the tendency to warp.
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