I’m trying to get the reed in tune and not cut out.
When the bridle is moved upwards it’s in tune but cuts out.
When it’s lower down it’s stronger but flat.
I’ve tried putting a small blob of blue tac on the tongue near the bridle, putting a hair at the bottom of the tongue, and applying a flame to the lower part of the tongue for a fraction of a second.
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Have you “snapped” the reed tongue a few times?
Yes.
I reread your post. You put the blob of tac near the bridle? Try putting it at the opposite end, near the “tip” of the tongue.
Also, make sure that when you put the drone back into the stock, the tongue is in the 6 o’clock position (down) so that gravity works with you.
Thanks i’ll give that a go.
One other thing, is it okay to use a rubber band for a bridle - my bass drone is missing a bridle.
I’d personally avoid the rubber band; on some drone reeds I’ve had it work, on others it’s been too loose. Instead, what I’ve done is wrap a few wraps of a thin (like sewing) thread around the reed to make a bridle that way. It should be tight enough to keep things snug, but also be able to slide (well, gradually move, anyway) the bridle back and forth.
I’ve seen small black rubber rings being used on composite reeds, so they must work. I usually just use some waxed hemp, tied on tightly but which can still slide up/down.