The Reedmaker’s Journey: A Song in the Cane

Not all reed cane is created equal—and as any woodwind player knows, the search for high-quality cane and a great-playing reed can often feel like a guessing game. My ongoing research, which builds on my doctoral project—Nondestructive Evaluation of Reed Cane: A New Approach in Determining the Material Properties of Arundo Donax L. (Blain, 2019), completed at the University of Cincinnati—explores science-based methods for evaluating Arundo donax, the plant used for oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone reeds, through nondestructive testing (think: a sonogram for reeds).

By measuring how sound waves travel through the cane, we can assess the material characteristics that influence tone, response, and overall playability. Thousands of cane samples and hundreds of reeds were tested, with detailed performance observations recorded throughout the process.

The result is a reliable, repeatable, and scalable method—a tool that uses multiple data points to predict how likely a piece of cane is to produce a high-performing reed. Rather than relying on appearance or feel alone, this process allows for informed cane selection based on how the material will actually perform. For students and musicians, this means more consistent results, less wasted time and material, and more great reeds—grounded in data, not guesswork.

 FAQs

    • Beginner Reed - For first-time players—easy to play with a clear, warm tone and minimal air pressure, perfect for young students just starting out.

    • Student Reed - Designed for developing players, with even intonation and balanced tone—ideal for middle schoolers and early high school students.

    • Intermediate Reed (Standard) - A step up in complexity and control, offering more tone color and dynamic range for advancing students and amateur performers.

    • Professional Reed - A fully performance-ready reed with refined response, flexibility, and tone—built for advanced students and serious players.

    • Custom Pro Reed - Tailored to your setup and style, this reed offers professional-level stability, richness, and responsiveness across all registers.

    Looking for the best reeds ever? Custom Pro Medium Strength Bassoon Reeds are the sweet spot—crafted from high-density cane with balanced flexibility, offering unmatched response, tonal depth, and stability across all registers. Shop Now →

  • At Blain Double Reeds, reed strength is determined by evaluating the cane’s density, hardness, flexibility, appearance, moisture content, and structural stability. Most reeds are crafted to a well-balanced medium strength, with the option to request a slightly softer or harder reed if preferred.

    • Soft/Medium-Soft - These reeds are made from more flexible, lower-density cane. They offer an easy response and are ideal for beginners, younger players, or anyone with a lighter embouchure.

    • Medium - Balanced in both flexibility and density, medium reeds provide a stable, versatile response that works well for most students, amateurs, and general playing situations.

    • Medium-Hard / Hard - Crafted from denser, stiffer cane, these reeds offer more resistance, projection, and tonal stability—ideal for advanced players who prefer a stronger setup with greater control.

    Still looking for the best reeds ever? Custom Pro Medium Strength Bassoon Reeds are the sweet spot—crafted from high-density cane with balanced flexibility, offering unmatched response, tonal depth, and stability across all registers. Shop Now →

    • It's really easy.  Simply send your instrument, and we'll take care of everything else! When it sells, we charge a flat fee.

    • Shipping Labels Are Free.  We'll send you a free shipping label so you pay nothing up front.

    • Full service.  There is nothing you need to do except ship your instrument to us. We create the content, take photos, handle all of the customer service, marketing, and fulfillment to ensure a smooth sale and get your instrument to its new home.

    • Robust pricing analytics.  Pricing analytics match many years worth of sales data with current market conditions and seasonality to find the right pricing for your instrument.

    • Paid Securely.  When your instrument sells, your earnings are safely added to your account. You can cash out any time or apply your balance toward a new instrument.

    • No Haggling, No Headaches.  Skip the back-and-forth. We’ll handle all buyer questions and offers, so you can focus on what matters—practicing, performing, and making music.

    • Your Instrument, Your Choice.  Accepted instruments are listed for up to 230 days. After 200 days, you’ll have the option to have it returned to you or relist.

    • Instruments with Impact.  If you wish to donate your instrument, we can help with that too. We work with nonprofits that help lower the barrier of entry into classical music.

    • Encore!NextGen.  Student instruments, for over a decade, we’ve been committed to giving quality student woodwinds a second life—because music deserves to be heard, not shelved.

    Start the process now →

  • All reeds from Blain Double Reeds are protected by ReedShield™—our commitment to consistent, reliable performance, whether you play cane or specialty reeds.

    Cane Reeds: Blain Double Reeds will, at its discretion, repair or replace any handmade reed it determines to be defective in materials or workmanship. This guarantee is valid for 120 days from the original date of purchase and applies only to the original purchaser. If your reed becomes damaged or stops performing due to normal use, we’ll assess the issue and work with you to provide a fair and timely replacement. In non-warranty situations, a replacement may be offered at a reduced charge during the coverage period.

    Specialty Reeds (Légère): Légère reeds purchased through our studio are eligible for ReedShield™ 2-Year Replacement Protection, available by subscription. This plan extends support well beyond the manufacturer’s 30-day policy and allows for flexible replacement options. If your reed becomes damaged or no longer performs as expected under normal use, we’ll evaluate the issue and help find the best solution.

  • Blain Double Reeds is committed to protecting the environment. Every component of Blain Bassoon Reeds and packaging is recyclable or compostable. From the adhesives to recyclable reed vials, natural cane, and cotton fiber, these bassoon reeds are designed with sustainability in mind. Together, we can create beautiful music while caring for our planet.