Hi, Ron, a minor correction to your historical narrative: Yes, because of variations in the earlier machining techniques, the historical Westwind tip copies, such as the Pfeiffer/Mack, were the result of averaging measurements of many tips. However, the rdg/Mack tips (from which I assume the Reeds-N-Stuff templates are copied) were commissioned by Bob Gilbert. He asked me to copy John Mack's tip, which I did, using the same kind of high-end measuring and machining equipment that Reeds-N-Stuff uses to make their tools. The result was the rdg/Mack shape. John said, "Too narrow. Make it .001 inch wider." That became the Mack+. John said, "Still too narrow. Make it another .001 inch wider." That became the Mack++. John said, "Too wide." and finished his career on the Mack+. So the rdg/Mack shapes were directly 'designed', rather than being the result of averaged measurements...

@oboeari

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this great information!!

@hgra9328

2 жыл бұрын

I love my Westwind Mack + !!! Also love the Mack ++ but for my style, the Mack + that you make is the best of the best! Thank you for making such amazing tips!

@nomorebushz

2 жыл бұрын

I first met Bob Gilbert in 1972 at 17 years old. That’s when I started making my own Oboe reeds. I still use the Gilbert shaper tip #1. I have always wondered what the major differences are between my shaper tip and the Mack ++. I play a Loree AK bore that I bought from John Ellis. He used it on one or two movie soundtracks I believe step mom to was one of them. It is a wonderful Horn and he even had a different bell made for it that I have and use.

You sound amazing on all. The Mack ++ reed really blew me away though. So deep and centered, but also really warm and singing in the high notes. You sounded so at one with it! Sounds like a perfect fit!!! 💕

Mack + my lone warrior all these years.

Thank you so much - this was very helpful. I use the RnS Liang and Coleman shapes and like both a lot. They are a bit wider, I think. But it all depends on how you tie them, of course.

Thanks for this. My hubby and I have been using the Brannen X since the mid-70’s. I think in today’s market, the Brannen X is one of the wider shapes, but in the 70’s and 80’s it was the narrowest available. I’m interested in trying the Mack++ after hearing your comments. Chick and I no longer play symphonic works - mostly only duets. But I’d love for COVID to be over so that we can bring some other musicians in for trio sonatas. Oh, to read through some Zelenka again!

Моей дочке сейчас 5 лет. Она начинает учиться играть на гобое. Смотрим вместе с ней ваши видео. Спасибо!!!

Ron, I am straight as hell man (Dutch though), but I love you for your great videos. Keep them coming.

This seems cool! I don’t know much about reeds so I kinda need to learn lol

Thank You Oboeron!

That Mack++ has that thicc sound!

Thank you Ron. I use a Mack Pfeiffer shape but I might try a wider shape. I making good reeds using silvacane from the oboe-shop, Gouge thickness: 55-56/100mm Durchmesser: 9,5 - 9,75mm Center to side ratio: 10/100mm thinner - Americ. Std Shape: Mack Pfeiffer I am using my own 47mm rigotti staples. I have also had good results using Marigeaux shaped and folded from the oboe-shop with the same dimensions.

They all sound terrific! I'd be curious for you to explain what changes you get going more generally from narrow to wide. I'm getting back into playing after a long time and am stumbling around with my reed making at the moment. My teacher used an RDG -1 usually iirc, and so I've been ordering some of the narrower shaped and folded cane but don't quite have the consistency yet to know for sure that any one thing is the cause of my success or failure. I've got an AK bore and got a bunch of those AK staples too just in case that makes a significant difference.

I'll have Pleasuremax

I wish you had used a straight recording of you oboe sound so we could hear the true sound. You have obviously enhanced it to sound like you are playing in a cathedral or something. Otherwise I like your channel and your content. Thanks.

@oboeari

4 ай бұрын

I don't use any "cathedral" effects, my office is just on the live side. I use a different microphone for playing than for talking for *added* clarity in the sound. Hope that helps.