Some good news! I was trying some of Michael Vignoles’ tips on reedmaking last night and was able to get some decent results, although I think I scraped the centerline too much so the lips have collapsed on themselves. I’m starting to have hope, and am feeling a little excited about my progress so far. I’m going to try it again this afternoon and see where I go!
Good luck!
Save the old reed as it may make a good regulator reed.
The centerline thickness is very important in getting the upper octave, but you don’t want the regs to jump to the octave.
True. It may suffice as a regulator reed. I’ve been in planning stages of making a 3/4 Daye-style set. It’s definitely feasible. The tenor reg will be the easiest to make as (from looking at Garvin’s plans) it seems to be of similar design to a chanter, just set up to NOT jump the octave, and with keys and a tuning pin. We’ll see.
Anyways, on the reed stuff, I didn’t get a chance to put together another one, but I did get some feedback from Mr. Vignoles, so we’ll see after I give it another go. Right now I’m rebuilding my practice set due to some various issues, so I haven’t had much time to work on reeds. I’m waiting for the adhesive on the bag to cure right now, and I’m cutting some clappers for my bellows.
It’s a fascinating endeavor this reed making. Always something new to learn around nearly every corner. Keep at it Merlin!