I am contemplating making my own SSP reeds and wondered if I could get some input from those with experience.
I have experience in making GHB reeds and wondered if I could use the same reed blanks to make a SSP reed? The planing method I use provides a perfect inner and outer radius and the thickness is adjustable to suit the application.
From the tutorials I have watched/read, I’ve noticed that the skin of the cane is left on a SSP reed until it is constructed, then it’s either sanded or scraped off during the tuning phase. I can’t figure out why, but would there be an issue with removing the skin before the reed is constructed?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I’d say no, you can’t use the same reed blank. But smallpipes are simpler to make (not easier!) so I’d say you can easily learn. My suggestion would be to start over with smallpipes. Learn from the ground up as they are a very different beast. Yes, some smallpipe reed makers remove the bark last, but I’m having a had time imagining how one could use the same process to make the two different types of reeds. Your skills learned making GHB reeds will serve you well, but don’t treat the two different types the same.
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When I used the term “reed blanks,” I meant “slips.” My concern was in planing both sides of the cane to get it to the desired thickness, which is approximately 0.025-0.030, correct? The radius I use in GHB reeds is larger than what I have seen being used on smallpipe reeds, but I’m not sure that makes much of a difference.
Yeah, I assumed you meant slips. I use a thicker slip .040", but yes .025"-.030" is common.
Smallpipe slips are straight, as opposed to GHB slips, which, as you know, are tapered.
Radius makes a huge difference. That’s part of the reason I thought it wasn’t likely to work.
Many makers believe that using the part of the cane that we do (closer to the outside part of the cane) makes a difference. You’d likely be using more of the inner part of the cane if you worked the slip from both inside and outside.
The slips I work with are identical to what I see being used for smallpipe reeds. The shaping is done after the cane is planed to thickness.
I planed a few slips this afternoon to see what comes of it. Worst scenario, I’ll pick up a gouge and block. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, just trying to make use of the tools I have available. No harm in trying, I guess.
Thanks for you input, I appreciate it.
Well, I was able to make a reed, but not the best. In a D chanter it had a sharp high A (or high D, lol). The rest of the scale was fine … any idea what the issue is? Also, the overall tone of the reed was a bit dull.