Changes in Cooper Wright Reeds over the past years.
Monday May 25 2009
Let me also spell out a few changes that have occurred over the past several years:
- Oboes oboes oboes! After much switching of oboes, I have finally settled on one oboe that I will probably be playing until the day of my death. Originally starting out with my plastic top joint Royal, I moved to a Loree DM model, and then again to a Loree CI model. Last summer I purchased a Howarth XL, before finally being offered a Hiniker oboe this December by my good friend Peter Hurd. I’ve since settled on the Hiniker, which plays much like a Loree AK model (except it’s slightly thicker, smoother, and more even overall). The result has been that not only do my own reeds fit better for all of you AK players, but my reeds have settled into a more consistent mold.
- One shape is good enough! Currently, I own more shapes than I know what to do with, and for quite a while, I was dallying with pretty much all of them. I eventually began settling on the Weber 1-C, which seemed to work best for my Loree CI series. The bigger bore of the older Loree required a smaller reed and I could get away with playing on very small openings yet producing a large tone. Ever since switching to the Hiniker, I have not been able to do so, and this forced me to bump up to an original Brannen XN shape which I bought recently. The result has been larger openings, deeper and darker tone, and overall more flexibility. I still can make reeds on the Weber 1-C, but nowadays I make 90% of my reeds on the Brannen XN.
- Stevens Staples do the trick! Like my dallying with tips, gouges, and oboes, I was using many different staples as well, including Weber, Rigotti, and Chudnow. Recently, Mr. Weber himself moved to using Stevens Pro #2 staples 46.5mm for all of his reeds, so I followed in suit. I’ve been very pleased with the quality and consistency of Stevens Staples #2, and have been buying them up by the hundreds. Again, these consistent staples have helped my reeds to become consistent as well.
john towle
May 31, 2009
I have the same question as Patty does, Cooper. Wouldn’t shorter tubes lead to concomitant sharpness?
I wrote you a while back inre your endorsement of Singin’ Dog’s brass tubes. I bought a batch, have been using them alot lately with the David Weber 1B shaper tip & getting good results. I think the next time I buy Stevens tubes, I’ll be switching to brass (as opposed to the silver I’ve been working with).
Best,
john
Bobo
Jun 1, 2009
Hi Cooper,
Very interesting. I’m playing on an AK oboe and use a Brannen XN shape (in my case using AK staples for the most part). I’m also intrigued by the decision to go to 46.5, since my reeds more often crow a balanced B rather than a C when scraped to standard specs. I have learned not to try to force a C crow right away because I end up with stumpy or overly thinned reeds if I do. I’m assuming the 46.5 staples offset the tendency of the wide shape to crow flat? I really like the Brannen shape, but had been considering experimenting with a slightly narrower shape to get the crow up. Maybe I’ll try your idea! Also, now I know where to go to in a pinch for a reed that will be close to the dimensions I’m used to!
Victoria
Jun 2, 2009
Cooper,
I just received the reed I ordered and its fantastic! I use Stevens tubes as well, so it was really a great fit. Wonderful proportions, good response, dark sound - but not too dark. I am very impressed, and you’ve definitely found yourself a permanent customer. I don’t have much time to make reeds these days, so you’re reeds will be a big help!
And don’t worry that it was late - I was making and selling reeds while finishing a masters and I know how hard it is to find the time. I hope you have more time this summer because I’d like to order more!
Thanks again - I’m impressed!
Rachel
Jul 5, 2009
Everyone loves Stevens staples but me! I feel so left out. I don’t know why, but every reed I made on my Stevens’ ended up bright and sort of unpleasant. It seems like every other oboist I know loves them, though.
Perhaps I should try again.
mrfrkhkst
Jan 24, 2010
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May 25, 2009
Cooper, why do you use the shorter tubes? I can’t imagine getting away with that; I’d definitely be too sharp.
Can you get these staples online somewhere? Just curious!