Reed Making

Introduction

Pipe Chanter Reeds

  1. What you require
  2. Shaping the Chanter Reed
  3. Cane Gouge
  4. Reed Blade Former
  5. Reed Staple Cutter
  6. Chanter Reed Staple Roller
  7. Chanter Reed Staple Former
  8. Chanter Reed Assembly Jig

Drone Reeds

  1. What you require
  2. Making the Drone Reed
  3. Diagram Index
  4. Drone Reed Jig

What you require for making pipe chanter reeds:

  1. Cane -
    • 22 -25mm for Pipe Chanter reeds
    • 25 -30mm for Practice Chanter reeds.
  2. Special tools as indicated on the attached sheets. All special dimensions will be disclosed during the course of the clinic.
  3. Copper Strip -
    • 1" Wide X 26 gauge for Pipe Chanter
    • 1 1/4" Wide x 26 gauge for Practice Chanter.
  4. One 3" Nail - This is required to make your staple former.
  5. Parallel Jaw Pliers
    Reed blade forms will have to be made for these and then fixed in place with an epoxy resin. See page 7.
  6. Small Fine Blade Saw
    Available at most hobby stores and will be required for drone reeds too.
  7. Gouging Machine
    This is a specially manufactured tool and many reed makers use these today with varying success. The cost is in the region of $700.00 and so, for our purposes, we will contain ourselves to the use of hand tools!
  8. Hand Gouge
    These can take various forms but the main essentials are that the dimensions shown in the appropriate diagrams are religiously followed. See page 5.
  9. Clean Hands!
    Making chanter reeds with dirty hands will result in a product that gives the appearance of having been handled by all members of every band on the East Coast! Clean hands throughout the entire construction will ensure good reeds and a satisfying product.
  10. PATIENCE!
    This is most important with chanter reeds. To rush this process will only waste cane.