Lou Skinner’s Analysis of Tube Settings

Fulcrum Settings

Lou’s concept of “fulcrum” meant the relative height measurements along the length of the tube (shank) of the reed. The chosen fulcrum setting has several effects on the way a reed responds and sounds. Among other things, different fulcrum settings produce different amounts of resilience.

A “fulcrum” is produced by the relative height measurements of the tube at the three wires.  These variations are achieved by the careful use of appropriate forming mandrels, both straight and tapered (click on the links below for procedures).  There are four basic fulcrum types.  In ascending order of resilience, these are 

• conical

• parallel/conical

• conical/parallel

• parallel.

The conical fulcrum provides the weakest resilience; the parallel fulcrum provides the strongest resilience.

Click the buttons for the procedure to make each fulcrum.

Setting for “Presence” or “Depth” of Sound

“Presence” is that quality of sound identified as brilliance, carrying power, or the ability to penetrate other sounds. It is not the same as “brightness.” Presence is the opposite of a “deep” sound, which does not carry, but “stays in the instrument.”

A shallow elevation of the tube, especially at wire I, gives more presence. A higher elevation gives less presence, greater depth, and a more inward sound.