The Manual Reed Mapper, or "Mr. Mapper," was invented by clarinetists Robert DiLutis and Natalie Groom to correct all of the flaws found in other commercial single reed micrometers. The new and improved tool measures reeds of all sizes and ensures the user can expect reliable readings and repeatable results.

Mr. Mapper Product Description

The Manual Reed Mapper, or Mr. Mapper, is a micrometer designed to measure the thickness of single reeds (clarinet and saxophone) of any size. This user-friendly precision tool helps you improve reeds by identifying areas which need adjustment. Mr. Mapper uses a digital dial indicator, two planes of motion, and a set of pins to allow different areas of the reed to be measured and compared.

The ideal reed should be symmetrical from the center, but commercial reeds often fail the player in this regard. Use Mr. Mapper to identify points lacking symmetry, and adjust the reed for a purer tone, snappier response, and improved intonation. Mr. Mapper can be used to reproduce reeds to identical dimensions of your favorite reed. Empower yourself to get more life out of a box of reeds by making more of them playable.

Instructions

Mr. Mapper is shipped in a storage container lined with foam to protect the tool and provide a measure of shock absorption in the event that the container is dropped. Familiarize yourself with the anatomy of Mr. Mapper before using.

1. Dial indicator 

- The dial   indicator displays measurements.

2. Imperial/metric   increments

- The inch/mm   button allows you to toggle between measuring in thousandths of inches or   hundredths of milimeters.

3. Power button

- The power   button turns the dial indicator on and off.

4. Calibration   button

- The calibration   button is used to establish the zero point as starting position.

5. Battery 

- In the event   that the dial indicator ceases to display properly, the battery may be changed   in this compartment.

6. Dial Tip 

- The dial tip   makes contact with the reed.

7. Support arm

- The support arm   upholds the dial indicator.

8. Base

- The base is a   sturdy metal block designed to balance and support measuring activities.

9. Adjustable feet

- The adjustable   feet may be elongated to raise the front side of Mr. Mapper so it is easier   to see the dial face while taking measurements.

10. Horizontal plane

- The horizontal   plane measures nine positions from left to right across the reed: L3, L2, L1,   C, R1, R2, R3.

11. Scribed letters

- The scribed   letters correspond to which position of the reed is being measured. C is   center, L1 is the first position to the left of center, L2 is the second   position to the right of center, and so on. The letter R corresponds with   positions to the right of center.

12. Vertical plane (reed table)

- The vertical   plane measures nine positions from the tip of the reed to the end of the   vamp.

13. Scribed numbers

- The scribed   numbers correspond to which position of the reed is being measured. Position   1 begins 2 mm from the tip of the reed, and Position 2 is 5 mm from Position   1.

14. Grid lines

- The grid lines   are used to correctly center the reed.

15. Ridge

- The tip of the   reed rests against the ridge.

16. Indexing pin

- Raise and lower   the indexing pins to unlock the horizontal plane or reed table and slide them   to a new position.

17. Clamp

- The clamp   secures the reed in place by hugging it over the stock.

Using the Dial

Turn on the digital dial by pressing the “Off/On” button. The dial will automatically calibrate to zero based on where the tip is located when the dial is powered on. To properly calibrate the dial, be sure the tip is making contact with a perfectly flat spot on the reed table and then press “Zero.” Place the tip to the opposite side of the ridge where no grid lines are present for the most accurate calibration.

This dial gives the user an option to take measurements in thousandths of inches or hundredths of millimeters. To toggle between the two measurement systems, press “inch/mm.”

Using the Tool

Before taking measurements, make sure that the dial has been calibrated. To use the tool, lift the dial tip from the reed table. Place a reed on the silver reed table, lining up the center of the reed with the marked center line and securing it in place with the clamp. Place the reed tip so that it is lightly touching the tip guard, being careful not to bend the tip by pushing too hard. Lower the dial tip gently to make contact with the reed.

To measure from the reed’s tip to the end of the vamp, lift the reed table pin and slide the silver reed table back and forth; drop the pin to lock it in place. There are 9 available positions. Position 1 begins 2 mm from the tip, and every position thereafter is in increments of 5 mm.

To measure horizontally across the reed from rail to rail, lift the plane’s pin and slide the blue horizontal plane back and forth. There are 9 available positions. In the middle, position C provides measurements at the center of the reed. Positions L1–L4 measure to the left of center in 2.5 mm increments, and positions R1–R4 measure to the right of center in 2.5 mm increments.

The tip can be left lowered during the entire measurement.

Make sure the bolt at the base of the indexing pins remains tight and flush to the moving plane. 

Data Collection

For the speedy and efficient readings, start at the reed tip and measure the length of the vamp before moving to the next left or right position to measure again from the tip to the vamp. With this procedure, one can measure a reed in as little time as 90 seconds.

When measuring a reed, it is good practice to record each measurement as it is taken so that problem spots are easier to identify once the reading is complete. 

Care and Maintenance

When storing Mr. Mapper, insert a piece of foam between the dial tip and the reed table to prevent dents and damage. Return Mr. Mapper to the foam-lined storage case. Do not drop the tool. Always carry Mr. Mapper from the base, not the dial or neck of the dial. When the tool is not in use, put the reed clamp in its clamped position.

Suggested Supplementary Tools

4 x 6 inch reed glass

1 x 3 inch reed glass

Reed knife, reed rush, or 600 grit sandpaper (3M WetOrDry)

Reed clipper

Reed Considerations

Aside from adjusting reeds, be sure to take care of reeds to extend their lives and help them play better. Have an established breaking-in process, and rotate reeds regularly. Store reeds in a humidity controlled case to prevent warpage. Soak reeds in water before playing rather than wetting in the mouth to quicken moisture absorption and limit saliva’s impact on the reed. Avoid playing reeds while drinking coffee, after eating, or anything else that might latch on to the reed. Discard reeds that were used during illness, as the bacteria can still thrive in the cane.

Other than cane quality, a warped, worn, or chipped mouthpiece can make reeds sound poor. Make sure the clarinet is in good playing order, sealing properly, and has easy response.

Adjustment Considerations

When removing cane from a reed, do so slowly and patiently removing a little bit at a time. It is preferable to measure a reed before it has been wetted, as moisture causes the reed to expand. Some reeds absorb more than others, and the rate of absorption is different reed-to-reed, making it difficult to compare measurements across wet reeds.

No two reeds will measure and feel the exact same; organic materials vary in their cell structures. However, reeds of the same brand and same cut will fall within a predictable range. After measuring several reeds, a pattern should emerge of what the most frequent measurements will be.

Wet the reed and sandpaper (if using) before scraping. Play test frequently after removing cane to reassess the mouth-feel.

A reed that feels too soft can be clipped with a reed clipper. This puts the heart closer to the tip, thus increasing resistance.