Five Minute Reedmaker: Shapes Part 1: RDG and Calebs

I get questions all the time about different shaper tips and how they affect finished reeds.

In this four-part mini-series, I compare all of the shapes I own and use.

RDG -1N, RDG -1, Caleb -1, Caleb.

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[AnishProductions]

Very interesting video! it can really be heard! You’re so consistent that these minute things can actually be heard from reed to reed despite even all the other variables. So cool!

[landbolts]

I haven’t seen it being mentioned in books or on websites, but I notice that the radius of the cane also has an impact on the shape. Most shaper tips seem to have a much larger radius than the cane (not sure why they wouldn’t make them a closer match), so that the shaper tip stretches the cane and the resulting shape could end up much narrower than the shaper tip (smaller radius of cane = narrower shape). One can experiment by clamping the cane with the shaper handle higher or lower to get a slight change in the shape, or perhaps try using an insert under the cane. People usually get very creative when on a budget :)

[davidcrispin]

I don't find the video vague at all and readily hear the differences. I'd like to hear a Brannen X. I've never used on and want to know what all the fuss is about. Thank you for making these videos!

[rgombine]

More helpful (to me) would be to hear a longer passage that better illustrates the benefits of one particular shape over another.