Blain Student Bassoon Reed

Blain Student Bassoon Reed Specs:

• Total length: 55-56mm
  • Blade length: 27-28mm
  • Tube length: 28mm
• Shape: Custom
  • Similar to Rieger 1A/Herzberg
• Geographic Location: Southern California, low elevation, low-medium humidity

Reed Characteristics:

Handmade, ready to play! Perfect for beginning bassoonists, middle and high school students, and band class, these student reeds are handmade, consistent, and free-blowing. Each reed offers a rich, balanced tone with even intonation across the standard range, helping students build solid fundamentals from day one. Tuned to A = 440 Hz.

Notes from the Maker:

Every reed is carefully crafted using hand-finished techniques to preserve the natural flexibility and tonal quality of the cane. Backed by years of research and experience, these reeds provide reliable performance and more enjoyable playing.

Reed Cane Evaluation

Not all reed cane is created equal. Building on the maker's doctoral research (Nondestructive Evaluation of Reed Cane, Blain, 2019, University of Cincinnati), they use science-based, nondestructive testing to evaluate Arundo Donax L., the plant behind oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone reeds. The results are more consistent high-performing reeds, less wasted time and material, and a better playing experience for students and musicians.

Cane Sorting and Stabilization

The maker uses Rigotti tube cane from France. After splitting, the cane is pre-gouged and seasoned for 6+ months, similar to the aging process used by high-end instrument makers. Cane is quickly wetted for gouging and rested for additional time for added stability before reed making, and reed blanks are left as “mummies” for at least two weeks before final finishing, following a process similar to Herzberg/Kamins reed making. This careful preparation ensures consistent, stable, and high-performing reeds.

If you like these reeds, consider trying:

• Delano Bassoon Reeds - Also made in California and uses a similar shape (Herzberg).
• RK Bassoon Reeds - Similar in measurements, and comes in both Herzberg and Rieger 1A shapes, which inspired the Blain reeds' custom shape.