Tutorial: Reed Renewal

When a good reed ages and needs to vibrate more freely.

Soak the reed.

Crow for testing.

Slide wet plaque in between blades of reed.

Wet the wet-dry sandpaper.

Keep in mind the taper of the blades already established, taking off a little of the top surface.

Use the rough paper lightly, then the fine grade, go lightly from back to tip, with the grain, taking off a bit of cane but not edges.

Crow again for testing.

Use rough or fine paper (depending on how much wood needs to be taken off) if more cane needs to free up the crow.

Test on the bassoon.

Repeat if needed.