[Captain Beeflat]

Trying a Fibrecell reeds for the first time, the reed that I chose is too soft. Is it possible please to clip, or burn the reed in the usual way, or will I have to resort to an industrial laser cutter?

 

[saxmanglen]

FYI, I pretty much ruined a reed clipper years ago trying to clip a Fibracell. So, don't try that route.

 

[Carl H.]

Burning won't work either.

 

[Captain Beeflat]

Thanks for the ultra rapid replies...even if it was not what I wanted to hear. So, a new reed must be less expensive than the hire of a laser cutter.

 

[EZ]

I've seen a patent pending device made by a local person which can be used to trim fibracells. Basically, it involves clamping the reed against a flat metal surface with an upper metal stencil which can be traced with an Xacto knife to trim the tip. I've not used it - only seen one owned by a local client.

 

[hgrail]

I don't see why you couldn't make a cardboard template of the tip of your mpc & then use that as a stencil to clip the end of the reed with an exacto knife.

I haven't tried this - but if it works let us know.

 

[EZ]

I think it helps for the upper stencil to be some durable thickness of metal so you can use pressure against it with the blade when cutting it. It is a pretty simple device - two metal washers with a radius which matches the reed radius. The two washers screwed into a piece of wood. The lower washer is the flat base for the reed tip to rest on - the upper washer offset so you can expose the reed tip sandwiched in between the two washers. Because the Fibracell matrix is so durable, you really need to stabilize the fibers laterally when cutting it. So pressing down on top of the reed vamp very firmly so as to isolate the tip you are removing from the rest of the reed.

 

[wersax]

I suppose I should mention that Fibracell does not recommend clipping their reeds.

BTW: Great pic of Edgar EZ! Saw him play alto on "Frankenstein" long ago..........daryl

 

[hakukani]

I suppose I should mention that Fibracell does not recommend clipping their reeds.

BTW: Great pic of Edgar EZ! Saw him play alto on "Frankenstein" long ago..........daryl

I remember that concert---I think. It was the first time a saw anyone 'strap' on a keyboard, too.

 

[EZ]

I used to replicate that very recognizeable synth effect from "Frankenstein" on my ARP Odyssey. Ah - the good 'ol days when even synthesizers couldn't be trusted to stay in tune...

 

[mlscnr]

You can't clip them because they have an adhesive film on the back of the reed. That, and the Kevlar fibers are pretty tough. Just order a stronger strength.

A few years ago, they had problems with the adhesive, and the film backing would peel off. They would replace the feed if you sent it in to them.