Okay, so I am thinking of possibly going the next step in piping to reed making and getting Seth Gallagher’s reed making kit. How long can I expect, being a rank beginner as far as chanter reed making goes, before I may be able to come up with (1) a useful reed, and then (2) one that I will really be happy with? I will get an extra reed from Seth in the meantime anyway, but making them myself is the next logical step.
Ailin
As long as it takes. You might get lucky after a few tries, or you might make a shopping cart full of bad ones before you get one that really works for you.
I’m up to about 10 of my own reeds.
Every one of them has worked well enough to play reasonably in tune believe it or not. They each have has a particular quirk or two about them though. I certainly wouldn’t call any of them great reeds yet either. But it’s not nearly as difficult as I had thought it might be to get started.
Anyway, just go for it. I wish I had years ago.
Depends on your patience, skill, resouces…oh yeah…and a heaping pile of luck!!! 
Actually, if you follow all instructions carefully, I see no reason why it shouldn’t take you one or two tries. Who knows, you might even get it the first time out…but don’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t work at first.
Another thing you may want to look into is Tim Britton’s video on reed making. He has a nice way of demonstrating how the process goes without getting too complicated. Just a thought.
Oh, and hey Brian, the stickers arrived and they are great!! Thanks for the info on the site.
First, thanks to all who have responded. I will indeed start making my own reeds, and I will let you know how it goes. I have all of the above requisite skills and resources, but the one that will probably test me the most is patience!
Joe, are you talking about the UP stickers? I just received 3 of them earlier this week. Just had to have them! Thanks too to Brian for pointing out the website.
Ailin
Yup, thems the stickers. Way cool.
I once spent a whole week (Willie Week) Making reeds morning to evening with Allan Moller. I finally got one to play on the Friday before I was due to go home.
Allan had the patience of a very patient person prcaticing the art of patience 
In the end I gave the reed to a young lad who was in desperate need of a reed.
I’d like to think that my reed worked wonderfully in his chanter and he spent the next year trying to find out who the mystery reed maker was?
In truth it probably sounded shite and ended up as a toothpick!
Reed making requires skill, patience and lots and lots of Malty Goodness
(Whisk(e)y) 
oh and a lot of practice.
Mmmmm…malty goodness…mmmmmm
What are these stickers that you guys are talking about and where could I get them if wanted? 
Gary, I believe they are referring to various oddments the Salt Lake Pipers Club is offering for sale, including assorted apparel, mugs, stationery, stickers, spitting llamas, etc.
Let’s not forget those G-Strings, ladies.
Thanks for the info
Hmmm…makes me wonder if we should start producing SLPC branded reeds and/or toothpicks. LOL
Ailin, reed making can be a bit frustrating at times, but for me I’ve found it to be very rewarding to have something you made out of a tube of dried grass that can make music as sweet as only an uilleann chanter can do. You’ll get there and it probably won’t take you nearly as long as you think. Most importantly, HAVE FUN with it!
Bri~
(oh yeah…and buy a sticker! LOL) 
The thongs are for women?
Dionys
Men, women, dogs, llamas, your wife, your girlfriend or both - and especially for YOU! SLPC thongs are 100% endorsed and tested by Baxter</a](http://www.saltlakepipers.com/Llamas.html">Baxter</a)> our hairy mascot for your piping pleasure. Please note however that individuals with less body hair than Baxter may experience some discomfort and chaffing though symptoms should generally subside within 6 months of continuous use. If redness or bleeding of the gums persists, please consult someone other than us. Thank you.[/code]