The higher the pressure, the flatter the note

[SqueezeTheDay]

Im trying to see if this issue is a simple enough fix I do myself but basically what the title states: the more air pressure the flatter the note is. In other words the reed sounds in tune with a light, soft breath, but the bastard goes flat when I push it to death. This the lowest C on push in an 30key anglo that is in like new condition and the reeds look pristine from what I can see. Appreciate any help!

Edited December 17, 2024 by SqueezeTheDay

[alex_holden]

This is normal for bass reeds. The lower the pitch the more bendy they get. Some instruments have longer bass reeds which don't suffer from it as badly. Also you may be able to tune the reed up a couple of cents so it sounds a bit sharp at low volume and comes into tune at normal playing volume. It will still flatten when playing loud but not as much.

[SqueezeTheDay]

What a shame. I guess it makes sense since it seems to be the lowest note, but it beats quite badly with the upper octaves so I might have try that suggestion to fix it. Thanks!

[Jake Middleton-Metcalfe]

What was the make and tuning of the instrument? 

 

I only ask as sometimes older instruments get re tuned and it can thin out the reeds which exacerbates the effect you are describing to the point where it's a real problem. The thinner the bass note gets the more responsive (theoretically) it is but the more it flattens in pitch under pressure. There is a sweet spot of thickness where you get a good balance of response to pitch stability but there is always an aspect of the musician having to not be too heavy handed about how they play it. 

 

Different manufacturers and reed makers have in the past had different opinions of where that "sweet spot" is. Some of the old Wheatstones had reeds which were surprisingly thin, whether or not that is an issue is sort of a question of how the musician is trying to play, and with what amount of force.

Edited December 20, 2024 by Jake Middleton-Metcalfe

[Geoffrey Crabb]

A little light reading that may be of interest or amusement.

It is the draft of a document I wrote in 2007 when similar queries arose.

How the Free Reed Works Draft.doc

Geoff

 

[wschruba]

Geoff, fascinating read, thanks. 

[Anglo-Irishman]

On 12/21/2024 at 5:52 PM, wschruba said:

Geoff, fascinating read, thanks. 

I second that!

(Even as a techical translator for many years, I've seldom read such a clear description of anything.)