Reed distortion on soprano

[John06]

Hi

Does anyone else have the following problem or know how to fix it?

On my soprano I use a couple of mouthpiece (Selmer metal & Runyon Quantum) and either Alexander Superial or Vandoren Blue Box reeds, so nothing out of the ordinary. I also use a Rovner ligature.

The problem is that the backs (i.e. the opposite end to the tip) of the mouthpiece tables are narrower than the reeds. Consequently, over a period of some hours the reeds are deformed over the edge of the table by the lig. They end up with a significantly flattened U-shape at the heel (butt).

I'm not doing the lig up over-tightly. In fact, since I noticed this problem, I've been tightening only sufficient to lightly grip the reed which does result in less distortion. I call it a problem as nicely working reeds will often become extremely stuffy or unplayable once this has occurred.

I seem to remember seeing someone posted that they file the reed for this. Does anyone know about that?

Another solution is to use a different kind of lig. I've tried the Consoli (sp?) but didn't really get on with it.

Any ideas gratefully received.

Thanks

[Merlin]

Try burnishing (rubbing) the flat side on a sheet of typing paper on a flat surface when you break in the reed. This seals the bottom and gives a nice firm flat surface to mate w/the m/p table.

[John06]

Okay, thanks but I don't quite see how this would help.

What I'm referring it isthe following: If you look along the reed from the heel to the tip, the flat side of the reed at the heel is (permanently) crushed or deformed around the mouthpiece by the pressure from the ligature. This is because the reed is wider than the mouthpiece table at this point.

I know that Runyon pieces have narrower tables than other makes but I've got the same problem with my Selmer piece.

[Merlin]

Well, try it and see what happens.

Or find a mouthpiece that has a properly sized table.

[Gordon (NZ)]

Why don't you just narrow the heel?