A reader’s question: Tying problems

Friday July 27 2007

Hey×another question for you. I received this new
batch of gouged&shaped cane, and out of 7 tied on, 3
leak terribly near the throat (right above the string
end).

I’ve move my tie-on point down to 72, from 73.5 with
other cane I’d been using, because its obvious the
sides don’t close if I tie on longer.

I’m soaking the cane until it sinks (about 1/2 hour).
If I move the tie-on point any further down, the sides
start to open back up again, so I think this 72ish
range is the sweet spot. If I pull any harder on the
string, it breaks. Any suggestions? Just for the
heck of it, I’m going to try wax on my string on the
next reed I tie.

Most certainly use wax! It allows a tighter tie, and also gives some sealing properties to cane down by the string.

That said. do you overlap your cane when you tie it? I always tie with the idea that I’ll slightly overlap my reeds with the top blade slightly to the right (if the tip is facing upwards).

The person you buy cane from might have a faulty tip as well. I used to own a RDG… -1N that wouldn’t seal for the life of me. I tried and tried, but I couldn’t get it to seal. Meanwhile, my former teacher, Mr. Stolper used to always tie with the RDG… -1N and I never had any problems with his tip. The two tips were just slightly different.

Finally, what staples are you using? Some staples have lower tying points (i.e. wide staples like the Chudnow) with tips that have a thinner throat area. Don’t be afraid to tie shorter (although I probably wouldn’t want to tie below 72). I think you’re right in simply trying to figure out what the longest length of the reed can be tied while still sealing.

By the way. When I move back to the States, I’ll be selling gouged cane and gouged/shaped/folded cane for about $1.75 a gouged piece, $2.15 per shaped piece, and I’ll guarantee consistency! I have a paypal account, so I think people could easily send me funds via paypal rather than hassle with a check.