English Horn Tuning problem
Thursday August 23 2007
Today I completed the final 5 reeds for my large order from Jillian Camwell for her oboe class at Simpson College. I had the house to myself while my wife and mother went out blackberry picking to make jam with, and I used it to the fullest. I had a good long time with my English Horn, and found that it is very very sharp (due to the age, no doubt). In fact, when playtesting it, I didn’t realize just how sharp it was, but this is not too alarming, since there are many ways to work with this. My first step will be to try other shapes. While driving down to Mr. Weber, I’ll stop in at Forrests Music and pick up an RDG… 1 and RDG… -1 English Horn Tip, to see if the width will help bring the pitch down. If this fails, Mr. Hurd wrote me with an interesting solution:
Another approach is to simply install (affix) a disc made of Delrin into the bottom of the reed receiver, perhaps 2-4 mm in height. This would eliminate the need to use longer than usual bocals. Usually a disc will bring the horn to pitch without incurring any side effects. Tom Hiniker is a master of this procedure. Likely $60 at most—
Since I am already very curious of the man’s work (which has become legendary!) this is certainly a tempting option. I know he does amazing bore adjustments to some instruments, and would be curious if he thought he could do anything to my horn as well. He might even be able to pick out an even better bocal than the Hiniker bore size 13, length 2 bocal that I’m using currently! Lots to think about.
craig
Aug 23, 2007
With regards to your new purchase and it playing sharp. This instrument no doubt played in tune at one time during its life. Something changed! People talk about an instrument being “blown out”... this is a falicy. Instruments don’t “blow out” but they do change shape over time because of the constant temperature changes, humidity changes, oxidation of the pectins in the wood, etc. After all it is just wood! Mr. Larry Naylor of Naylors Woodwind Repair has written extensively on this and his articles are published on his website under “publications”. I think he is right! In most cases these changes can be restored without invasive bore reeming, etc. Read his stuff and see what you think.
Regards, Craig
craig
Aug 23, 2007
I forgot to share the website address. It is:
http://www.naylors-woodwind-repair.com/
Craig
Aug 23, 2007
As I was practicing oboe today (for just the briefest time; i think I’m going to embarrass myself when you are here, Cooper) I realized just how sharp I was and wondered, “Why can’t I just insert a 2mm “something” ... like a portion of a staple ... into my oboe and fix this problem?!” So I find it interesting to read about this, Cooper.
My only concern is that then I’m stuck, right?
Then again, a friend of mine says I am frequently sharp. So maybe you have the solution? We can yak about it, eh?
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