Where to Buy Quality Reed Tools for Every Level
Want to get started adjusting or making your own reeds but not sure where to get the supplies? Thankfully a lot of the basic reed tools can be found at the hardware store or online. Specialty tools are a little harder to find, but I'll provide links to all of my favorites.
🧰 Beginner - Basic Tool Kit
These are the things every bassoonist needs in their toolkit.
These tools will allow you to make quick adjustments to your reeds. I've listed the best inexpensive options, but you can certainly upgrade if you want!
With these items, you can scrape and adjust your mostly finished reeds to make them even better or bring them back to life.
🔨 Intermediate - Forming & Wrapping
If you want to form your own reeds, you'll need to add a few more things to the Basic Tool Kit.
Here's what you'll need to form and wrap reeds if you start with GSP cane.
Gouged, Shaped and Profiled Cane: I highly recommend Barton Cane as it is very high quality
Forming Pins with a Handle (preferred) or Forming Mandrel
Reed Drying Rack without pins or with if using a Forming Mandrel
Cotton Thread for Forming: Any cotton twine will work
FF Nylon Thread or Hot Glue for Wrapping
Duco Cement for sealing the thread
Tip Cutters: get them on Amazon or buy bassoon specific ones
Wire Cutters: very helpful for cutting wire, pliers aren't very good for this
🔬 Advanced - Finishing & Adjusting
If you want to take your reeds to the next level, these items are pricey but can make a big difference in the quality and refinement of your reeds.
Double Hollow Ground Reed Knife: such as Graf, Rigotti, Landwell or Jende
High-Quality Diamond Files: such as Grobet
Rieger Spiral Reamer with Stop so you can set it to fit your bocal exactly
