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 Drone Reeds

  1. Cane -
    • 9mm for tenor reeds
    • 11mm for bass reeds.
  2. Hobby Tools -
    • Small fine blade saw.
    • Small bladed pencil type knife.
    • Extra blades for above
    • 6" long X 1/8" round file (Swedish fine)
  3. Rule -
    • 6" or longer, preferably flexible steel.
  4. Fine felt tipped pen, preferably black. Lead pencil work but usually the marks get rubbed off in the course of handling.
  5. Carpet Thread -
    • Yellow or white hemp can be used as a substitute but it looks clumsy.
  6. Cobblers black/brown resin -Some heavy lacquers can be used as a substitute.
  7. Sealing Wax - Commercial Brands are best but the wax available in stores will work.
    The latter type is inclined to become brittle and reeds completed with this will require watching for wax loss.
  8. Pencil Sharpener - The old school type is best. Do not use the crank type (or electric) as this strains--the fibre of the cane.
  9. Clean Hands! -This cannot be stressed too heavily. Dirt allowed to get into the tongue bed will detract from. the quality of sound.
  10. Lots of PATIENCE!