Modify and fix a dead reed
I have just rejuvenated my stock of discarded reeds by matching with the best reed.
Testing the strength of the reed by bending the tip against a flat surface or your thumb nail,
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8431540536_4ede243de9_m.jpg
if too soft use a reed trimmer. If you cut off more than 2mm you may have to move the ramp and heart nearer the file marking.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8329/8431532674_dc7d3e0d7b_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8430450157_455be96f12_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8431533078_b8bb4f4850_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8434327544_50fdb4d785_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8431528736_682b523c94.jpg
The method with comparing the colours of the heart, tip, land against a lamp.
Using aluminium oxide sanding paper to reshape the reed progressively using finer grade of sanding paper.
Working down the grain to the tip not up grain.
For the final finish use flour grade wet and dry paper as used in car paint shops.
Check for swollen reeds (youtube)
http://www.youtube.com/v/WfDhaeePf6w
Vandoren reeds
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8434316482_462a71141a_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8433227125_8c2560ef78_c.jpg
To download the Vandoren magazine .pdf
http://www.whyvandoren.com/instructional/images/vandoren4us.pdf
Rico reeds for the Tenor Saxophone "Filed vs. Unfiled?What Does It Mean?" Filed
A reed that goes through one additional cutting process that removes bark from the reed?s shoulders. This allows for faster vibration.
http://www.ricoreeds.com/ricoReedSaxTenor.Page?ActiveID=4682
Filed reed
(http://www.ricoreeds.com/upload/ri_column_pic_5_41838.jpg)
Unfiled
(http://www.ricoreeds.com/upload/ri_column_pic_6_41839.jpg)
http://www.daddario.com/resources/Rico/pdf/reed_anatomy.pdf
Link to: 40 page paper by Timothy Nunnink
A COMPARISON OF THE TECHNIQUES USED FOR ADJUSTING THE
SINGLE REED ON THE SAXOPHONE
download:
http://doctorsax.biz/musical%20instruments/reeds/reed_adjusting_paper.pdf