How to Make Bassoon Reeds

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Purchase the tools and materials you will need to make the bassoon reeds.

   These are listed below under Things You'll Need. ,  Soaking makes the cane more pliable and will reduce the chances or breaking or cracking when forming the reed.
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   Step 2: Soak the cane in a glass of water for 4 to 12 hours.

    The top wire should be 1/8 inch below the ridge of the cane (where the shaping starts).
   
   The second wire should be 3/8 inch below the ridge.
   
   The third wire will be 3/16 inch from the end of the cane (not the ridge). ,  These grooves will give the wire a place to sit for more stability. , If it cracks a lot, stop and soak for another 1 or more hours. ,,, Wrap so that the ends pass each other on the opposite side of the reed. , Twist to tighten the wires about 75 percent of the way.
   
   Do not twist too much; the wire could snap.
   
   However, do not skimp on the twisting, since insecure wiring will not allow the cane to stay together. , Ensure that the wires are sitting properly in the wire grooves.
   
   Remember to squeeze the back of the wires (where they crossed around the reed) so they are completely touching each other.
   
   Any gaps can affect the reed's performance. , Make three or four scores on each side of the cane. , Be careful when wrapping, since the wires might stab your fingers.
   
   Keep the twine evenly bound––this step prevents cracking. , Slowly push into the reed, twisting as you push.
   
   Push it in far enough to reach the third line on the mandrel tip. , This allows the mandrel to ease in to the reed more.
   
   Once the mandrel is completely in place, use the pliers to tighten the wires completely.
   
   Again, be sure to not over-twist the wires. , Place into the mandrel tip holder.
   
   Leave the reeds on the tip for at least to completely cure. , Then remove the twine from the reed.
   
   Use the pliers to carefully untwist and remove the wires from the reed. ,, Use the "scroll" of sandpaper to sand the groove the mandrel made.
   
   Lightly sand the edges to make the sides flat and even.
   
   This will allow them to lay flat once folded back together.
   
   Do this to both ends of the cane. ,,, However, make sure that you start on the opposite side of the top wire (once twisted, the twist should be opposite the top wire). ,, Once cut, fold the thread in half. , Keeping tension on the wire, wrap it around the bottom wire, alternating above and below the wire as you wrap. , Then cross up above the turban and wrap up to the second wire. , Cut off the excess (although, leave about half an inch/1cm). ,  Place the reed on the mandrel tip holder and allow it to dry for at least a day. , Use the wire cutter to cut the bottom wire as close to the thread as possible.
   
   Bend the other two wires in so they lay flat against the reed. , Only cut small sections at a time.
   
   If too much is cut off, the reed will not be able to play in the desired range. ,,, Hold the reed with your thumb and the knife with your other.
   
   Gently and lightly scrape the reed with short strokes, removing small amounts of fiber at a time.
   
   Be sure to do this only a little at a time since too much shaving with create many performance issues. ,
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   Step 3: Using the ruler and pencil

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   Step 4: measure and mark where the wires will go.

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   Step 5: Use the ruler to carve small grooves where you marked the wire placement.

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   Step 6: Fold the cane carefully at its thinnest part (the middle of the cane) until the two ends meet.

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   Step 7: Use the wire cutter from the needle-nose pliers to cut three 3-inch (7.5cm) strips of the brass wire.

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   Step 8: Place one of the wires on the reed with your thumb

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   Step 9: leaving about an inch (2.5cm) off the cane.

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    Step 10: Wrap the wire around the base of the reed.

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    Step 11: Use the needle-nose pliers to pinch the two ends together.

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    Step 12: Repeat the wiring steps for the bottom wire (skip the middle wire for now).

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    Step 13: Use the reed knife to score the bottom of the reed

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    Step 14: making 1/8 inch deep cuts.

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    Step 15: Wrap the cotton twine tightly around the reed

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    Step 16: covering all the wires

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    Step 17: above the ridge

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    Step 18: and the below the bottom wire.

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    Step 19: Insert the mandrel in the bottom of the reed.

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    Step 20: Keeping the mandrel inserted in the reed

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    Step 21: use the pliers to squeeze the sides of the reed (down where the wires are

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    Step 22: not up top where your mouth would be).

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    Step 23: Remove the tip of mandrel (with the reed still on it).

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    Step 24: Wait for at least a week to pass.

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    Step 25: Take a small sheet of fine sandpaper (about 320-grit) and roll it up into a "scroll".

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    Step 26: Unfold the cane gently.

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    Step 27: Cut another three 3-inch (7.5cm) long strips of brass wire.

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    Step 28: Place the reed back on the mandrel and put the top wire on as explained in Part One.

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    Step 29: Put the middle wire on as explained in Part One.

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    Step 30: Put on the bottom wire as explained in Part One

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    Step 31: opposite of the middle wire.

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    Step 32: Cut a length of jewelry thread that is about double your arm length.

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    Step 33: Hook the looped end of the folded thread on the bottom wire.

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    Step 34: Wrap below this now "turban" shape a few times.

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    Step 35: Tie a few tight knots.

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    Step 36: Use the Duco cement (or clear nail polish) to coat and glue the thread in place.

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    Step 37: After a day has passed

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    Step 38: soak the reeds (while on the mandrel tip) and gently tighten all the wires.

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    Step 39: Use the tip cutters to cut the tip of the reed.

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    Step 40: On the cutting block

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    Step 41: cut the corners of the reed with the reed knife

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    Step 42: to lightly round them.

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    Step 43: Use the reamer to shave the inside of the reed until it comfortably fits on the bocal.

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    Step 44: Insert the plaque through the top of the reed.

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    Step 45: Remember to test your reed after a change with shaving or cutting

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    Step 46: You can't undo it if you've gone overboard!

Detailed Guide

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