REEDS
The reed is an essential part of the amazing sound the bassoon produces! Reeds reflect different preferences, and are made with the assistance of special machines, as well as individually by hand.
Intro to Bassoon Reeds
HOW ARE REEDS MADE?
Watch the videos below, of Robert Williams (retired Principal Bassoonist for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra) and Trent Jacobs (creator of the "Electric Jake" electric bassoon pickup and Professor at the University of Wisconsin) describe their careful processes of crafting a bassoon reed from beginning to end!
Reed Making: From Start to Finish
Making a Bassoon Reed: Raw Cane to Finished Reed
WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN REEDS?
If you are planning on making your own reeds, below are some additional resources to help guide you through the process!
REED SUPPLIERS
Suppliers exclusively providing high quality ready-to-play reeds, reed supplies, as well as materials and equipment for making your own reeds.
WEASEL REEDS
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Trent Jacobs provides custom made reeds that are ideal for music students just starting off on the bassoon. He is also the creator of the “Little-Jake” electric bassoon pickup.
WOMBLE/WILLIAMS DOUBLE REEDS
Northville, Michigan
Robert Williams, Principal Bassoonist of the Detroit Symphony, and his wife, Treva Womble, retired DSO Oboe/English hornist, founded Womble/Williams Double Reeds in 1984. They have over 90 years of professional experiance between them and are experts in the field of double reed instruments, tools and cane. They are an authorized Fox instrument dealer and importer for Georg Rieger’s fine double reed tools. The WW bassoon cane in their shop is amongst the finest cane available for making consistent reeds for all levels of bassoonists. They also produce bassoon mandrels and sell bassoon reamers.
VAN HOLEN REEDS
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Simon Van Holen is a world famous contrabassoonist who plays Solo-Contrabassoon for the Royal Concertgebouw. He personally makes contrabassoon reeds for musicians worldwide.
DANZI REEDS
Milan, Italy
Ovidio Danzi was able to achieve the best results thanks to his long-standing experience, which he gained during twenty-five years as a solo bassoon in the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra in Milan, as well as to his constant research about the physical and dynamic features of canes and the shape of reeds. These experiences led him to a reed production on a large scale. The quality of his products is renowned and appreciated by top soloists and the best orchestras in the world.
GEORG RIEGER
Gaggenau, Germany
Manufactured at the foot of the Black forest, Georg Rieger's tools and machines for Bassoon and Oboe are delivered worldwide and MADE IN GERMANY. Behind this, are 60 years of experience in development and production.
Georg Rieger and his son Johann have been carrying on the traditon of their family business over the last six decades.
BB REED CO.
Muncie, Indiana
Started in 2009 while studying at Ball State with Dr. Keith Sweger, Daniel Weilman began making reeds for music education majors in 2008 at Ball State University. He was fascinated by the intricacies and variables in reed making, studying as many methods as he could, with as many reed makers, to come up with a method and style that works best for himself and his clients. BB Reed Co. and its reeds are a culmination of the hours studying, experimenting, and whittling away at cane.
REEDS BY MEGAN
Rochester, New York
Handmade bassoon reeds, adorable amigurumi reed friends, and beautiful wrapped pencils!