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.
About Me.
Cullen Blain is a dedicated musician and educator based in San Diego. He has performed locally with ensembles such as the La Jolla Symphony, North Coast Symphony, and New City Sinfonia. In Northern California, he has played with the SF Bay Area Rainbow Symphony (BARS), the Google Orchestra, Peninsula Symphony, and Redwood Symphony. Some of his professional engagements include performances with West Bay Opera, Dayton Philharmonic, Cincinnati Chamber Opera, Springfield Symphony, Queen City Opera, Kentucky Symphony, Thomaston Opera House, and Warner Theater productions.
Cullen studied bassoon under the guidance of William Winstead, Martin James, Brian Kershner, and Donald Bravo. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) and a Master of Music in Bassoon Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Central Connecticut State University. He has performed under the direction of renowned conductors such as Keith Lockhart and Paavo Järvi, and alongside iconic acts like The Who and Four Tops. Additionally, he has had the honor of performing with jazz legend Lew Soloff and the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
As an educator, Cullen’s leadership and teaching experiences highlight his commitment to expanding access to music education through significant community outreach and engagement. His extensive teaching career includes roles such as teaching PK-8th grade general music, serving as the Music4Schools Program Manager at the Community School of Music and Arts, and currently, working as the School District Program Manager at Bertrand's Music Enterprises.
Cullen’s teaching philosophy centers on personalized instruction tailored to each student’s unique needs and goals, emphasizing a solid foundation in technique, musicality, and theory while encouraging creativity and personal expression.
About The Shop.
Cullen supports students and professionals around the globe with performance-ready products while redefining the practice of bassoon reed-making using evidence-based solutions, including process-driven assessments, a patent-pending materials characterization technique, and environmentally sustainable practices.
Musicians using these products include members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, Colorado Symphony, Florida Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Orchestra Iowa, the United States Military Bands, freelancers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tampa, and students from around the country.
Epic Guarantee.
Cullen Blain Bassoon will repair or replace at its option any reed made by Cullen Blain Bassoon it determines to be defective in materials or workmanship. The warranty will be in effect for 120 days from the original date of purchase and is available only to the original owner. In a non-warranty situation, Cullen Blain Bassoon will make replacements available to the original owner at a reduced charge within the applicable warranty period. Reeds are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 120 days from the original date of purchase.
Statement of Sustainability.
Cullen Blain Bassoon is committed to protecting the environment. Every component of CBR bassoon reeds and packaging is recyclable or compostable. From compostable adhesives to recyclable reed vials, natural cane, and cotton fiber, these bassoon reeds are designed with sustainability in mind. Following the simple recycling guide in the FAQ, you can ensure that every part—cane, cotton thread, brass wire, packaging, and more—is disposed of responsibly. Together, we can create beautiful music while caring for our planet.
