Detailed specifications

Gouged Cane

I carefully select the best pieces of cane from a variety of brands, weeding out ones that are too hard or too soft or have other undesireable qualities. All of my cane is 10.5mm - 11mm in diameter. I gouge on my 11mm rdg gouger, which I keep set to gouge to .57 - .59 mm in the middle.

Shaped Cane

After drying gouged cane for at least one day, I use the folding and shaping process as another opportunity to sort through the cane and select only the best pieces. I use a Joshua +2 shape and GEM teflon coated razor blades. This shape produces excellent intonation and a balanced feel to the reed. The quality of the cut obtained from GEM razor blades ensures that the sides of the reeds will be smooth and seal perfectly.

Reed Blanks

I tie my professional reed blanks 73mm long on 47mm brass Sierra stapes from MCW. These staples are extremely consistent and their dimensions provide a good throat for the reed. The ears are shaved off and the blanks are left closed, but I will clip them open after tying upon request. I now have nearly 30 different colors of reed thread, and I use them all!

Finished Reeds

All reeds are 100% handmade by me over a period of several days. The finished length will be between 69.5mm and 70.5mm. I thoroughly test each reed to insure the following qualities:

  • They do not leak
  • They play at A=440
  • They are stable throughout the range
  • The resistance is balanced
  • The openings are a good size
  • They have good flexible tone and dynamic range
  • They are the appropriate strength

Reeds are sanitized with Listerine, rinsed, and dried before they are packaged in plastic hinged boxes and shipped.