Lou Skinner’s Inverted Gouge Model
Lou’s “inverted gouge” model is a simple lateral-gouge variant. Instead of a gouge that is concentric or eccentric, the inverted gouge has sides that are thicker than the centerline; that is, the gouge tapers laterally, but from each side towards the centerline. The inverted gouge has built-in form, with a strong center resilience; this allows the reed to be trimmed weaker in the center, providing quicker response to air, without danger of collapse, because the form is built in. If a “dumpf” sound on the bassoon is desired, the wings of an inverted-gouge reed can also be trimmed so that the low-partial areas of the blades are more easily collapsed, while the center of the tip aperture remains open due to the increased resilience. Click here for more information about low-, midrange- and high-partial areas, and trimming for color.
To make an inverted-gouge reed, Lou started with concentric-gouge cane, with a thickness of at least 1.25mm. He then used a hand-scraper, with a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the cane, along the entire length of the cane, until the center-line of the gouge was reduced by at least 0.25mm. Today, at least one tool manufacturer offers a machine with interchangeable beds and interchangeable blades in a range of diameters, which can be used to produce not only concentric gouges, but also different degrees of eccentric or inverted gouges.
