This is a list of supplies to accumulate that I hand out to private students beginning to learn reed making.
I try to keep the links current, if you find broken links please feel free to notify me by email.
Cane - 120mm long, Gouged, Shaped and Profiled. Plan on ordering at least 10 pieces initially.
Try the Rieger 1A shape and rotate through the cane options to see which you prefer.
I prefer 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 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 this 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.
I recommend purchasing 6-12 mandrel pins to start, 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. For an example, see HERE
String (Nylon Twine) - I use a cotton/nylon blend available at many hardware stores.
It may be labled "Mason Line". For an example, see 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 see 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.
I don't like the metal ones with replaceable razor heads, as they often taper to such a point
that it is difficult to use them in bassoon reed scoring. 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.
It should be 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, a good file set is helpful for many parts of the reed.
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 my 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, or any Drug Store - 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)