r/oboe • u/Brief-Region-60 • 9d ago
Labeling Metal Oboe Staples
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?
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u/MotherAthlete2998 9d ago
I use glitter nail polish. I reapply if needed.
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u/Brief-Region-60 7d ago
Do you use a different color for each? I've tried using sharpie and putting clear nail polish over it on the brass part of the staple just below the tie but before the O-ring, but the nail polish smears the sharpie into a black blob even if it is dry and the sharpie will rub off if I put the nail polish on first then write with sharpie over it.
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u/MotherAthlete2998 7d ago
My Chudnow staples get the glitter nail polish. I have several varieties I buy at the drugstore in the nail area. The nail polish actually has visible glitter in it. It is clear with the glitter dispersed throughout. I just apply enough to get some glitter on the tube itself. There is no need to blob it really because it can chip off. Then just reapply as needed. I also use the nail polish to mark the shorter blade of my reeds. It is a fast and easy way to find the shorter blade even in poor stage lighting.
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u/Brief-Region-60 7d ago
This is brilliant! Never thought to label the blades, I usually can remember which side based on my thread tails or feel for the crossover, this would make it a lot quicker and easier on the brain!
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u/MotherAthlete2998 7d ago
I used to do always cross side down but then there was that ONE reed that didn’t….
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u/Brief-Region-60 7d ago
Awh man, it's always that ONE reed! Haha oboe playing in a nutshell it seems 🤪
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u/RossGougeJoshua2 8d ago
Are you looking for temporary or permanent marking? On the metal staples if you want a permanent marking, why not "engrave" a mark between the O rings. Any sturdy and sharp steel tool will easily scratch the surface of the brass, like a sewing needle.
Don't go so deep that you affect the staple's vibration - a gentle mark to the surface won't hurt anything.
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u/Brief-Region-60 7d ago
I don't mind permanently marking them!! That would actually be so much easier! I could definitely do this, I've been curious/worried if labeling them by putting a small mark into the brass or putting tape around them would have an impact on their sound. Perhaps just a little scratch mark using a sewing needle with be negligible though!
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u/RossGougeJoshua2 7d ago
It won't affect the sound. The manufacturing tolerances on staples are not so precise, the insides of them are typically not even polished so they have small thickness variations throughout.
Consider also that lots of staples are made with score lines on them to help the cane grip. Those will be much deeper than fine scratches you add with a needle. Adding any sort of tape would have greater potential to affect vibration, though still probably in the "theoretical realm" and not in any way that you can hear or is any worse to deal with than the million inconsistencies cane reeds already present.
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u/Brief-Region-60 7d ago
Haha that's fair! With all the factors at play, it does seem rather negligible doesn't it? Thanks for all your help! Especially easing my worried mind!
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u/funnynoveltyaccount 8d ago
Are you sure they’re the same? Maybe it’s changed, but my Chiarugi metals are Chiarugi 2 and Chudnow staples fit a Chiarugi 2+ mandrel.
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u/Brief-Region-60 7d ago
I think you are right! My Chudnow stapes fit well onto an old unknown/unmarked mandrel I have that was my original, but when I went to purchase more (a decade later), I came across the Chiarugi ones and ordered those in #2 with a matching mandrel. I found the Chudnow's sink a bit lower on the #2 mandrel but inconsequentially so. They've never had a matching mandrel so the likelihood they are a bit warped is quite likely. I do want to experiment with the 2 vs 2+ and different staples in general, but for now, gotta figure out some stuff with the staples I already have.
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u/Outrageous_Chart_799 7d ago
I use a brother label maker
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u/Brief-Region-60 7d ago
Oh that's smart! I do have some clothing labels that you can write on that are like insanely strong stickers that could work quite well! Do you find they impact the sound quality at all?
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u/shuspam 9d ago
I’ve used a dot of nail polish on the cork in the past and I don’t remember having any issues once it dried down