u/Brief-Region-60

I recently tried out several new shapes (to me) of oboe reeds and found one that is a wonderful fit! During the process I noticed that every reed using the BrannenX was SUPER open and the area at the base of the reed (above the thread) is huge! I am at altitude so I'm using 9.5-10mm cane on a Chiarugi 2 47mm staple tied at 74mm.

My thought is that the cane diameter is too small and perhaps 10-10.5 could help resolve this, but could having a wider cane result in even more bulge at the base of the reed (like wider shapes tend to have)? Would a different tie length be better (usually longer is better for wider shapes and I'm already tying at 74mm)? Or could a different sized staple help (the smaller the staple tip the more area the base of the reed has if I remember correctly)?

Anyone who uses the BrannenX shape, what size cane do you use, what is your tie length, and what staple do you use?

Images: All reeds are scraped to a Day 1 stage. The outer 2 are BrannenX, the one in the middle is Mack+. The tip openings are HUGE and the volume throughout is just...a lot...even at the base/bottom of reed near the thread.

https://preview.redd.it/o4199jqjlzjh1.jpg?width=833&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=31b15466bbbaf93c507cf6d07f5f2941d5678285

https://preview.redd.it/nrhv3jqjlzjh1.jpg?width=833&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ca75b69f3e7e50a0df7bf3c74163b5c076e84ae7

If you have played on both, what have you noticed, as differences between the two?

I have a few 2+ mixed in with mostly 2s, so I just don't get to experience the difference consistently enough to develop an opinion. So I'm curious what other people's experiences have been. I know their measurement differences and have read about the differences from Hodge's extensive blog about them, so I'm really hoping to gain insight into people's real world experiences.

Edit: 2 vs 2+ Staples (my bad! I forgot they also make shapers!)

I have always kept a notebook, or a million sticky notes within it, for my oboe reeds. What cane, shape, gouge, date, staple, random notes, etc. However, it is chaotic. I'm looking for a better way to document. How do you track your oboe reeds? Do you use a journal? What do you document?

I find it hard to keep up with notes, either leaving too much room for notes, or not enough and the notes are sporadic and inconsistent. The only part that seems to be consistent and organized is a sticky note at the end of each session about "what to do next time"/"what work needs to be done."

Also, sometimes it is a pain to pull out the reed notebook and go back through to find reed #X to remember the shape, was this an excellent reed, hard reed, okay-ish reed, one I made or someone else made. Using consistent different colored thread for some of these variables like the shape would help, but sometimes I get too excited about the colors and forget they have a purpose beyond just for fun. So, is there a way you label the reed itself with a few basic markings to help identify it beyond it's number?

I’m hoping this doesn’t go against community guidelines, but if it does, please let me know and I will take this down! This is not an ad for services, just wanting to get some perspective, suggestions, experiences, and ideas.
I’ve seen a lot of people on here that are wanting to start their oboe reed journeys or haven’t been taught how to adjust pre-made reeds and this seems to be a common issue throughout the oboe community. I LOVE making oboe reeds and LOVE to teach! I would love to offer some ‘classes’ on reed basics, from learning the parts of the reed, to basic adjustment, to beginning reed making (in the area I live/in-person). Also, even offering to adjust their pre-made reeds myself. Ideally to middle school and high schoolers. I know private lesson teachers will often cover this, but sometimes they don’t or even some oboists don’t have private lesson teachers but could still greatly benefit from this information. If something like this was offered in your area, would it be something beneficial or redundant? What topics or issues would be most beneficial to learn? Would cost be a concern and to what extent? Ultimately, I just really wanna help the oboe community thrive, I want oboists to feel supported. I remember what it was like being a beginning oboe player to a single parent with low income, the cost was HARD, and reeds are such an integral part of making the oboe playing enjoyable, yet a huge hurdle. I want to give back and this is the way I feel like I can. Has anyone tried doing something like this? What has been your experience? Obviously cost will come into play, and I would love to offer these classes and services for a price that is not a burden but also not a loss for myself. That being said, I will need to think of the cost of supplies, tools, and time/knowledge and balance that with what parents may feel is reasonable. If anyone has any advice on any of this, suggestions, or experience, I would love to hear! Also, if you are already an experienced reed player, what did you feel like what missing in your reed making/adjusting journey or what did you find super helpful? If you are a beginning oboe reed maker/adjuster or have never tried and are interested, what would you want to learn, what would you be nervous or excited about, and what kind of financial hurdles would or do you face when it comes to reeds?
Ultimately, I'm really curious what the oboe community feels are gaps in the beginning reed making and adjusting areas, and what I can do to help fill them. 

Wondering if anyone has any recommendations for labeling metal oboe staples?

I have some that are older Chudnow 'E' and some Chiarugi 'E' (which I'm pretty sure are the same thing). I have tried to label with some washi tape, but it comes off easily and smudges easily. I have also tried sharpie and same issue. Finally, I have tried labeling the thread or tieing with different colors of thread which works great for labeling the reed, but I'm wanting to label the staples themselves (trying to figure out some reed issues and want to eliminate wonky staples).

What are some methods that have worked for others? And where have you been labeling them, right below the thread or the spot between the gaskets?