SMH reed question

[jrode237]

I purchased some extra reeds and guts for my SMH. Looking at all three reeds (new) and the one that came in it, they all have what looks like half of one side sanded. Just wondering if there is any particular way the reed is made to go in the call (e.g. "sanded part up and to the rear"). Already had my original guts and reed apart and never paid much attention to how it was when I got it :rolleyes:. Also, is the reed like a duck call reed in that it goes in concave or convex (wondering b/c the reeds seem to bend both ways when placed between my fingers)? Finally, as for the upper part of the guts (the shorter of the two green plastic pieces), I got my call to sound alright when it is about .125 inch forward from the bottom (green guts). Just wondering if anybody knows if that sounds about right. Any help would be appreciated.

[HRK]

The shaved or as you call it "sanded" part of the reed goes upwards and faces outwards towards the end of the "gut" where it drops into the tone channel.

The natural curve of the reed faces down, unlike a duck call that faces upwards. Being that you got the reeds from the shop they are already shaved the correct way.

Once you find the sweet spot with the way the toneboard and wedge are set, your good to go.

Hope this helps.

[jrode237]

Thanks Barry. Pretty sure I got ya. Just to make sure though the "shaved" part goes away from your mouth (farther away from your lips as opposed to closer), correct?

[HRK]

Shaved part shows. PM sent.

[jrode237]

Got it. Thanks!

[LuvMyLab]

Great question :)

I to took my new SMH apart because I felt it was tuned to high so played with a bit and got it a little deeper. BUT.. I didn't pay attention to the curve of the reed just made sure that the shaved side was pointing up (not touching the sound board).

Question I have is.. I have a hard time getting a smooth moan like I hear geese do my call seems to produce a "raspy" moan (for lack of better terms)

Is this how I'm forcing air thru it or is this the nature of a SMH?

[HRK]

Great question :)

I to took my new SMH apart because I felt it was tuned to high so played with a bit and got it a little deeper. BUT.. I didn't pay attention to the curve of the reed just made sure that the shaved side was pointing up (not touching the sound board).

Question I have is.. I have a hard time getting a smooth moan like I hear geese do my call seems to produce a "raspy" moan (for lack of better terms)

Is this how I'm forcing air thru it or is this the nature of a SMH?

More than likely its in the way you have it tuned, the reed should just dip into the tonechannel without sticking "theres are real fine line" in how the call plays. To much gap and the call may get "raspy" too close and it wont break right, its called micro tuning. Try playing with the gap between the reed and tonechannel.

[LuvMyLab]

Great will do thanks :) I was trying to get that nice smooooth moan for the spit note but can't get it to not be raspy.

[Mallardman9]

For what its worth, you might be having problems with your "brand new" set of guts if you have those in. The reed may sound funky trying to break/bend over the clean new edge of the guts. Blowing the call for a little bit will start to rounding this and breaking in the guts and will help with getting smoother deeper sounding notes.