Which Oboe Gouger do I use?
The gouging machines come in many different designs. Each player should use the one that gives them the best results to produce their reeds. This guide will help oboists find the right Gouger for them by comparing the different gougers available.
Modern oboists need machines that can thin cane to an acceptable thickness. Although machines for gouging were invented as early as the 19th century, the market for gougers has grown in the last 50 years. Young oboists now have a wide range of canes to experiment with and use for practice and performance.
This article will help you decide which Gouger is right for you.
What is a good gouger?
The gouge determines the internal contour or shape. Modern reed-making concepts recommend that the cane is thicker at the center and becomes thinner as it moves along the sagittal axis to the upward curve. The term differential of the gouge sometimes refers to this degree of tapering. A Ross gouge, for example, maybe 60 micrometers thick in the middle and 35 micrometers thick at the ends. This difference is 25 micrometers. The Kunibert Michel gouger can produce a piece that measures 58 millimeters at the center and 29 millimeters on each side. The difference is larger, so the scrape must accommodate the thickness differences.
Where and how thick should I go?
Most gougers allow you to adjust the thickness and differential, but players tend to aim for a specific measurement and strive to be consistent. The differences between individual cane pieces may cause slight variations in final sizes.
The player can predict the appearance of the cane after gouging using a good gouging machine. Others may prefer to control the Harvard Double Radius Gouge (named after its maker and chief advocate) or the Ferrillo, which is a slow-control gouge. These gouging machines, as well as all other machines used by professional players, are solidly constructed and produce consistent results.
Oboists who make reeds fiddle with their machines constantly. Marcel Tabetau was known for using paper, coins, or whatever he thought would be useful to adjust his gouging machines. Modern gouging machines don’t require such eccentric procedures for maintenance, but the level of knowledge needed by reed makers to achieve the desired results varies.
Different types of gougers
The blades used in gouging machines are the main differences. Gouges are available in two basic types: Single Radius and Double Radius.
Single Radius Gouge
The blade of a single radius gouge is symmetrical, and it is designed to remove the same amount from both sides. Although the cane should not be turned when gouging in theory, some reed makers prefer to make a few passes while the club is rotated to ensure that the piece of the club remains symmetrical. The single radius gouge is a low-maintenance gouge that allows the user to gouge larger pieces of cane without having to resharpen the blade.
Many critics of a single radius gouge claim that the blade wears unevenly from each side and eventually turns into a double radius gouge without any intention or control. This issue can be avoided with regular maintenance. Professional players prefer some single-radius gouges because they are easy to use and can be serviced reliably.
Double Radius Gouger
The blade of a double-radius gouger is slightly but exactly asymmetrical. The cane must be gouged in both directions to produce a symmetrical piece. This results in a column of thicker, more dense clubs running down the middle of the work. This cane piece is removed from the carriage and reversed between blade passes. In the photo, you can see the effect of the cane.
This style of Gouger requires more care and maintenance, but many professionals prefer the reeds it produces. Many claim that only the double-radius Gouger can provide the orchestra with the flexibility and stability of color needed for professional performance.
What are the differences between gouging machines?
There are a variety of machines for each type of gouge that aim to create canes with the exact dimensions desired. The user has a degree of control over each variation, which can be desirable or not depending on their comfort level.
Specific Single Radius Gouging machines
The single radius gouger is symmetrical to reduce the variability and facilitate use. Experienced players usually set up the gougers, though the comfort level varies with each aspect of maintenance.
One player can usually use these machines for many years without needing specialized attention. However, some issues, such as regrinding the knife, may require a specialist every 2 or 3 years. Up to 25 players use some university or studio machines and may need attention several times per year.
Ross
Dan Ross developed the Ross Gouger, a professor at Arkansas State University who was also the former principal of Arkansas Symphony. He worked closely alongside Richard Killmer, a professor at the Eastman School of Music, and Paul Klipish, an engineer at Westinghouse. Killmer told me once that he initially resisted working with Dan Ross to develop the Gouger but has now become a strong advocate for it.
The Ross machine is designed with few moving/variable components and was created for players who want to control their cane supply without having to adjust or configure the device constantly. The Ross machine is more durable than others, with its aluminum base and thicker rods and supports. The machine has nylon cane clippings instead of metal, which helps prevent accidental damage to the cane or the bed.