So…reedmaking counsel always includes a caveat to the effect that only really good cane yields really good reeds. My question; What, besides the degree of hardness (or softness, depending on how you look at it), goes into defining which cane is good and which is not?
Staightness and roundness also contribute. I don’t know if hardness (sotness) is the only other perameter. Flexability is a term I like as well, particularly torsional flexability. I like soft cane with enough flex and capable of clear tone. Of the cane I have tested, I like cane in the 45% to 49% by the sink test, which tends to be flexable as well. Years ago I made some good reeds of spanish cane but the most recient stuff seem quite hard. Cane, like wine, seems to come in vintages, varying from year to year. Medir says they will try to send softer cane if asked to do so. This remains to be seen. The bottom line is that cane that makes good reeds is considered good cane. Some california cane falls into this catagory.
Ted
I just received some - it’s much softer than what I’d gotten before (via Nick Whitmer, US distributor). I asked for as soft as they had, also.
Ted,
I have always asked for “special quality 1A” from Medir, though having not gone through other peoples stashes with a fine tooth comb, I can’t say if asking for “special quality” actually means anything?? But I’m presuming there is a grading for his cane. I must say I throw away a greater percentage these days. Global warming? 
Alan
AlanB,
What percentage do you trash these days? I trash about 1/3 of my harvest after it sits a couple of years. I used to have a couple of places that consistantly produced excellent cane, most of which was useable if it was straight and round enough. That has mostly been destroyed as cane is considered a noxious non-native. Just look at the sites you can find in google under Arundo donax. I now travel some great distances to get anything useful. I was able to send boxes of it in trade for chanters etc. but now it is pretty slim pickin’s. I will send you a couple of tubes of my old personal stock for you to try if you will send me your address. This is the stock Paddy Keenan likes to dip into now and then.
Ted
Ted,
I reckon a good 1/3 or so also and then only 2 or 3 chanter reeds out of a stick when it’s good. I put the “crap” aside and have a look occasionally to see if it’s improved, but generally it doen’t seem to change shrug. I’ll mail you re: your offer. Nothing like something for personal use 
Cheers
Alan