Basic Reed Making Equipment For Students

Cane - 120mm long cane that has been Gouged, Shaped and Profiled. Plan on ordering at least 10 pieces initially.

Try the Rieger 1A shape, rotate through the cane options to see which you prefer, and the "A Little Something Extra" profile option. Purchase from Barton Cane HERE

Drying Rack - The cheapest solution is to make your own by drilling 1⁄4 inch holes into a piece of wood.

Look at the one available from Steesbassoon for inspiration, or just purchase his, along with his mandrel pins and pin vise (see below) HERE

Duco (Rubber Cement) - This can be found at most hardware stores. For an example, see HERE

Easel - The cheapest solution is to use a 6 inch long section of PVC pipe or wooden dowel about 2 inches in diameter.

If possible, cut the tube straight down the center so you have a semi-circular shape which can lie flat against a desktop. Some hardware stores will do this for you.

Alternately, Steesbassoon offers an excellent one (specify “basic easel”) HERE

Forming Mandrel and Pins - Please invest in the excellent system available from Steesbassoon by purchasing 6-12 mandrel pins and a pin vise HERE

Nail File - Flat, metal nail files can be found in the cosmetics section of any drug store. Look for the type seen HERE

Needle Nose Pliers with Wire Cutters - These are found at any hardware store. For bassoon reed making purposes, the “nose” of the pliers needs to have serrations for grip.

These do not have to be large, something that fits in the palm of your hand is ideal. For an example, see HERE

Plaque - I prefer contrabassoon sized plaques for extra scraping room. I also prefer plastic plaques, as the sound of a knife scraping against a metal plaque

can be very unpleasant. Plaques are easy to lose, so get a few, and don’t get clear ones. Forrests has them for $2.00 (item #G-21) HERE

Reed Knife - I like double hollow ground (sometimes called "wedge") knives. Nielsen makes a great, reasonably priced reed knife, see HERE

Ruler - Something compact with both millimeters and inches is ideal. I like the 6” Stainless Steel Ruler (item #R-05) offered by Forrests HERE

Sandpaper - 180-220 grit is a good starting point. You can find this at any hardware store, it does not need to be a particular style. For an example, see HERE

String (Nylon Twine)  - I use a cotton/nylon blend available at most hardware stores like the one seen HERE

Tip Cutter (End Nipper) - Most hardware stores carry something like this but few will be truly flush cut. You can always upgrade later, but find a good starter option HERE

Wire - 22 gauge soft brass wire is ideal. If you buy in bulk it is more cost effective.

You should be able to find it at any hardware store, or order from Forrests (item #G-05) HERE

X-Acto Knife - These can be found at any hardware store. I prefer the color, plastic, snap-off kind.

The metal ones with replaceable razor heads often taper to such a small point that it is difficult to use them for bassoon reed making purposes. For an example, see HERE

Extra Reed Cases for Transporting Blanks - The cheapest option is to use something like an Altoids tin. Clean thoroughly and pad with paper towels, kleenex, etc.

Drill or punch a few holes for ventilation and always dry blanks before storing. Remember to replace padding periodically. See, for example, HERE

Holding Mandrel - Most bassoonists prefer a smaller, lighter mandrel for finishing adjustments. Try the excellent option for a first holding mandrel seen HERE

Mason Jar/Tupperware - To soak reeds before a forming lesson you will need a watertight container large enough to fully submerge several pieces of cane.

A thoroughly washed 24 oz. pasta sauce jar will do the trick, and fits easily into a backpack. I couldn't find any cheap options you can buy individually,

I'm sure you'll see them at the grocery store!

Needle Files - Although I primarily use a knife and the above file, many bassoonists prefer these. Find at a hardware store, or see the great set at Forrests (item #E-26) HERE

Reamer - Start with a spiral design, clean regularly with an old toothbrush. Consider the excellent option HERE

Reed Lamp - Any small, bright desktop lamp will do. For example, see HERE

Sharpening Stone - To keep your knife sharp, a 2" x 4" Diamond Stone works well. I like the one (item #C-07) HERE

Thread - This is entirely optional, but if you would like to decoratively wrap your reed before sealing look for FF Gauge nylon thread, for example HERE

Tool Bag - A small satchel for essential tools is helpful, so that you can carry them more easily. I like the one HERE

Tool Case - A place to put tools away at home when not in use. A good first option might be something like the tool box seen HERE

When preferred tools were offered by multiple retailers, I chose the least expensive option. 

Basic Supplies:

Barton Cane - Cane

Drug Store (Any) - Nail File

Edmund Nielsen Woodwinds - Reed Knife

Forrests Music - Plaques, Ruler

Hardware Store (Any) - Duco, Pliers, Sandpaper, String, Wire (or from Forrests), X-Acto Knife

Miller Marketing - Tip Cutter

Steesbassoon Products - Drying Rack, Easel, Forming Mandrel and Pins

More Supplies:

Amazon - Reed Tins

Forrests Music - Needle Files (or from Hardware Store), Sharpening Stone

Grocery Store (or your kitchen) - Mason Jar or Tupperware

Hardware Store (Any) - Tool Case

Hodge Products - Reamer

Midwest Musical Imports - Tool Bag

Miller Marketing - Holding Mandrel

RDG Woodwinds - Thread

Here is what I keep in my portable tool bag to adjust reeds on the go:

• Holding Mandrel

• Flat File (and/or Nail File)

• Knife

• Plaque (not a bad idea to have a spare, as these are easy to lose)

• Pliers

• Reamer (with toothbrush for cleaning)

• Ruler

• Sandpaper (a few small pieces)

• Wire (a few small pieces)