Reed-making video

Rough footage!

Video

If you have a fairly fast connection, you should be able to view the following video clips. These will be improved and updated over the next few weeks, so check back for the latest versions.

The following approach to making a bassoon reed is intended for beginners. There are many other approaches that successful reed makers use. Whenever possible, I will add demonstrations of some of these other techniques.

Beveling

Exacto knife method

• Mark with pencil[video1]
• Bevel right side [video]
• Bevel left side [video]

Forming the tube

• Fold cane [video]
• Putting on wire 1 - clockwise twist method [video]
• Add temporary helper wire [video]
• Wrapping the tube with wet string [video]
• Inserting the mandrel and forming tube [video]
• Adding the third wire [video]
• Adding the second wire [video]

Wrapping

• First steps [video]
• Tightening wires [video]
• Wrapping with string - Turk's Head [video]
• Sealing with Duco [video]

Finishing the reed

• Fold down wires [video]
• Measure and mark length [video]
• Clip the tip [video] Reverse view [video]
• Clip corners [video]
• Open the tip [video]
• Closing tip by squeezing second wire [video]
• Check tip opening [video]
• Inserting the plaque [video]
• Scraping in the "thumbnail" [video]
• Thinning the tip [video] Alternate view [video]
• Scrape the other side [video]
• Check the tip opening [video]

Disclaimer |

© 2002 Bruce Hammel. All Rights Reserved.
Site last updated: January 20, 2009

Bruce Hammel
Music Department - VCU
922 Park Ave.
Richmond VA 23227
Phone: (804) 828-4018