[Wailin']

A reed wizard is advertised in the WWBW catalogue. It is described as a sophisticated high tech device that can quickly and accurately adjust a single reed to an established norm.

Is this any good for 225 bucks?

 

[bandmommy]

I've wondered that too.
But for that kind of money I think I'll stick with sandpaper and reed rush.

 

[fballatore]

Is this any good for 225 bucks?

Yeah, it's great for the guy that's selling it... I'm with Bandmommy.

 

[Rackety Sax]

I think it may be based on a false assumption, that two reeds that are shaped the same will play the same. I recall that somewhere on the forum is discussed that reeds (of a particular brand, say Vandoren Java) are all cut the same and then tested to determine what strength they are. So it's the inherent variability in the cane that determines the strength if I understand correctly. And it's fair to assume that the reed manufacturers have something more sophisticated than a $225 machine to ensure that their reeds are cut the same.

 

[daigle65]

....So it's the inherent variability in the cane that determines the strength if I understand correctly.....

You understood it correctly.

BTW, many years back I bought this thing called "The Gomez Reed Adjustment Tool". A total waste of money and reeds, it was a slotted fiberglass plate that held the reed in place while you cut into it with a rasor blade !?!?!?
Ever since then I have been weary of reed tools that promise miracles.

 

[RootyTootoot]

I recall that somewhere on the forum is discussed that reeds (of a particular brand, say Vandoren Java) are all cut the same and then tested to determine what strength they are.

Tested means what? Play tested?

 

[Wonder woman]

Tested is not play tested.

Its tested (if I remember correctly) by the density of the reed by a computer that monitors it somehow. (Sorry I don't remember more, this was from a presentation by Vandoren)
Plus even though you're buying a 3 or a 3.5 reed, the reeds can vary up to .4 in either direction (harder or softer) than the strength you're looking for. That's why every single reed in a box of 10 could play differently.

I agree that the reed wizard doesn't make all of your reeds play the same, but it will get them closer to being the same. My college professor had one that he used quite often. He got all of his reeds close to the same, then made minor adjustments with sandpaper, reed knives, etc. The trick is to find a reed you really like first (and then you have to be willing to part with it) to use as a template. He transformed one of my reeds to be like his and it was a great teaching tool because I learned how to better adjust my reeds with sandpaper and other tools since I had a model reed to use.

 

[Swampcabbage]

I find that more often than not, if a reed appears "miscut" that it doesn't play as well as those that appear symmetrical in their cut. Certainly the reed makers have some better equipment on a mass production scale, but, hand inspection and hand finishing a reed, by any means, if done correctly, will always win out in my opinion. Those same makers have yet to prove their consistency to me though. Thus the need, or desire, for more hand finishing equipment.

 

[daigle65]

Tested means what? Play tested?

The flexibility of the reed is mesured electronically.

 

[monzamess]

It's come up here a couple of times; this is the most informative thread:
http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=932

Some clarinet guys like it too:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/read.html?f=1&i=256927&t=256897

Video if you want it:

 

[harmonizerNJ]

For $225, I thought that the sophisticated high tech device that could make your reeds play better was called a new mouthpiece.

I have no experience with the referenced product; this is just my gut reaction.

 

[Martinman]

For $225, I thought that the sophisticated high tech device that could make your reeds play better was called a new mouthpiece.

I have no experience with the referenced product; this is just my gut reaction.

For $225 you could get a month's worth of lessons or more with a good teacher.

 

[Chicken 'Lil]

I have one and it's worthless. I got it used for 40 bucks and that's 40 bucks I wish I had again. POS.