Reed making process

Cane Selection

After years of making reeds, I am able to select only right pieces of tube cane.  The cane brand is changing from year to year and always try to find the best from each season. Reeds on this shop are made from same cane I use in opera for my professional life. Each tube is carefully inspected for straightness, surface smoothness, and fiber quality. Only the finest pieces continue to the next stages of production.

Diameter Selection

The cane is measured by using precise dial diameter to ensure it falls within the optimal range of 10.3–10.5 mm for professional reeds and from 10,5-10,75 mm for student reeds. Proper diameter is crucial for gouging and then for the right reed opening and creating stable and responsive reeds

Hardness Testing

Using a digital hardness tester, each piece of gouged cane is tested. I accept cane with a hardness range between 10 and 14, allowing me to adapt the scraping to the each level of oboe players.

Flexibility Testing

Flexibility is measured using the KGE Flexibility Tester, which helps predict what the tension of the reed will be during play.

Shaping

Cane is shaped using shaper machine with shaper forms:
BORGUE  - for professional reeds
ANGEL -  for student reeds

Of course, you can choose according to your own preferences.
Each shape is selected to match the player’s level and preferred playing style.

Tieing

Reeds are tied onto the staples using fine thread. I use a heat binding method where the mandrel is heated to improve the shaping of the cane into the desired shape. This method ensures secure shaping into the desired shape and creates a perfect air sealing.

Scraping

Part of the reed is pre-scraped using a profiling machine for consistency and efficiency. The remaining part and finishing touches are precisely hand-crafted with a knife, allowing for precise adjustment of the tip, heart, back and sides. Each reed is very well tested before shipment to ensure quality and performance.