Cane Drone Reeds

Written by Web master

Wednesday, 12 May 2004

Selecting a Drone Reed Drone reeds are made from lengths of tube cane, which are cut just past the node. The area within the node is pithy and porous and must be correctly sealed off with sealing wax. (If the wax doesn’t completely cover the end it can be melted further by using a match or lighter.) The tongue of the reed should be clean and free from any loose pieces of cane. Any stray pieces of cane or faults along the split to the tongue will impede the performance of the reed and may cause a leak. Any small slivers of cane can be carefully removed with a blade. Next test for air tightness. Put the reed in your mouth and blow. Whilst blowing pass a finger over the open end so that the tongue stops vibrating and closes. This must be an immediate stop with no sound of air leaking from the reed whatsoever. It is also important to ensure that the split on the tongue goes up to or just beyond the bridle. If it doesn’t, pull the bridle back towards the open end of the reed and pull the tongue up so that the split reaches the bridle. The bridle can now be put back to its original position and the reed can be tested in the pipes. When testing tenor reeds set the drone so that the top section of the drone is about 1/8th in. or 3 mm. above the bottom of the sliding hemp joint on the pin.   Help and advice kindly supplied by Chris Apps

Last Updated ( Monday, 23 May 2005 )