Bear Calling - Tuning and Replacing Closed Reeds

[billythekidrock]

In preparation for spring bear hunting I thought I would repost and article I wrote years ago for www.callingbears.com.

Tuning and Replacing Closed Reeds

If I am not splittin’ reeds then I am not calling bears. In the thick rain forests of the west coast the sound of a call does not travel very far and in order to reach down in the valleys of reprod you need to call hard and loud. This hard calling can take its toll on the calls reed and will often crack or chip them.

 Replacement reeds can be purchased at some retail outlets or online. There are many types of reeds and they produce a variety of sounds. You can find online sources of reeds and supplies on the Links page.

 To remove a worn out reed you will insert the round end of a reed tool (a small dowel may work) in the bell end of the call and gently push the reed through the mouthpiece. (See “Remove”)

To install a new reed you will insert it through the mouthpiece with the flat portion of the tool against flat of the reed. (See “Install”)



You can replace a worn out reed with a new one without any tuning (A) or you can move on to tuning. Now I must caution you that reeds are fragile and can be ruined very easily. Unless you have a few extra reeds handy I wouldn’t suggest trying this.

 The easiest way to tune a reed is to slide a razor blade underneath the reed, gently slide it as far as it will go and then press down on the reed. (B)

 After removing the blade your reed should be slightly raised. (C)

 When you develop a feel for the reeds you will be able to apply pressure by hand to get the desired results. In this case, I am adjusting a double reed voice. (D)



There are probably as many ways to tune a reed, as there are types of reeds. Below are just a few ways to modify them. (1) Is a brand new brass reed.

 (2) You can use a knife or other pointed object to score a line down the center of the reed blade.

 (3) You can sand the edges, but be warned that this can facilitate cracking.

 (4) You can slide a thin round piece of wire under the blade and gently pinch down on both sides of the wire to create a lip. (5) This lip will help keep the reed from locking up.