Why Cane is like an Orange.....

An analogy for reed making students when trying to scrape reeds.

The bark of a reed is like the thick skin of an orange. The outer surface is rather shiny and hard but once you cut through you notice that the under side of the skin is slightly softer and that it peels away from the surface with ease….

The pith of cane (the part just under the bark) is just like the white pithy substance which surrounds an orange. It is the membrane between the fruit and the skin, just like in a piece of cane…

The actual cane underneath all of this is similar to the fruit of the orange. You can see long stringy fibres throughout the substance….

So next time you are scraping that reed look out for the three levels of cane and remember that orange…..yum…

Donax Cane prior to harvest...

 

 

  

 
Reed Making ....

 

Reed Making Classes

Individual or group classes are available, just email for more details. SM Reeds in conjunction with the Australasian Double Reed Society often present reed making sessions. Watch their web site for more details……

Topics of Interest and Resources

What is Cane Density ?
Cane density is the measurement of how compact the fibres of a piece of cane are. The more compact the fibres the LOWER rating of density the cane is, meaning that the cane is harder. The reverse is also true: the HIGHER the density measurement meaning that the cane is softer.

Some players talk about checking the hardness of cane by pushing into the surface with their finger nail. The new revolutionary “Reeds n Stuff” density measuring machine is the modern verson of this and gives an accurate digital reading of the canes density( A slightly more reliable test than the old finger nail trick !!). SM Reeds is the only supplier in Australia to provide a density reading on all gouged or gouged and shaped cane.

The density of the cane provides a guide to the strength and flexibility of the finished oboe reed. The lower the density rating the higher the density of the cane:

  • Rating 8-12 – Very Dense Cane - Limited - to order only
  • Rating12-16 – Good flexibility and stability – Professional Standard !!
  • Rating 16-20 – Lighter in character good for student reeds
  • Rating 20+ - Not sold by SM Reeds !!

Why is denisty important ?? Basically, it lets you know what type of cane you are dealing with prior to shaping, binding and scraping the reed. Also, it lets you grade the cane in batches, and you may be surprised to find that when checking major commercial brands of cane that you find cane denisty ranging from 12 to 25 in the same batch of 10 pieces. It is difficult to make consistent reeds with such a wide range and flexibilty of cane, hence denisty is important.

Oboe Reed Template Sheet - Word File
The SM Reed Oboe Template Sheet is a helpful resource when making reeds, just print out a copy each time you are making reeds, to record the dimensions and details of that batch..

The Essential Reed Making Kit - Word File
A quick guide to what is what with oboe reed making equipment. A list of what a new student requires is also there. This article was first published in the ADRS Society Newsletter "Reeding Matter".

Shaper List - Excel File
This is a list of the current common shapes for all sorts of oboes. This list has been compiled from manufacturers and various suppliers, including german hornagel and american shapes. If you have a shape not on this list, email it to me and i'll add it on !!

Oboe Staples on the Market - Word File
A quick guide to the current styles and brands of French staples that are available on the market and their related mandrel bore size.

To ask for advice or to suggest an an article please just email SM Reeds via the CONTACT page