Anita Evans
Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:03:09 -0700
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Dear Richard, I was hoping you would come into the discussion. > Anita's method is certainly different in the initial stage of tying > the cane on to the staple but I think the main thing to be looked at > is the rubbing down and final scrape of the cane. Yes, to clarify a couple of points. My method is basically Colin's, with minor personal preferences, and I join in thanking him for being so open with information. Also, for anyone interested in my contribution to the art of reedmaking on the web, I must stress that it is not a technically detailed workshop guide. I have tried to provide appropriate links for those taking more than a passing interest. With regard to the scrape, I have experimented with many different nuances of style over the years, but find I prefer the stronger reed that is produced if you avoid over thinning the middle section. I agree with Alec that you have to be prepared to waste a lot of cane in the early stages of learning (and the not so early, during spells of the 'reed-making blues' which can strike at any time!) If things start going wrong, and assuming it isn't poor quality cane, I usually find I've let my 'standards' slip. However good your scraping is, if you let your measurements and technique get sloppy in the initial stages, you are wasting your time. Another point I have to make is that all the reed-making information in the world won't help you make good reeds if you aren't prepared to put in the time - you have to get a feel for the cane. -- Anita To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html