I’ve been trying to think of names of reedmakers in North America and can’t come up with any. I know of plenty of pipemakers who also offer reedmaking, but I can’t name a single active reedmaker who doesn’t (commercially) make pipes. Any help?
Ron Urban,
Southwick,Mass
Great reedsmith. Has bailed me out more times than I care to remember.
Concert or flat pitch- no matter the maker. He does great work.
860.614.1730
Michael O’ Donovan is a reedmaker in southern California.
Stacia Lewis in Orlando. One hell of a reedmaker!
K
Kinch Padraig O’Kane in Miami is a very experienced reedmaker.
And what about Sean Folsom? He’s been known to make reeds for many types of pipes and I know firsthand that he makes reeds for uilleann pipes.
What about Ted Anderson? (Or is he a pipemaker too?)
And why is it important to exclude pipemakers? Many of them will reed other makers’ gear.
I’m curious because there are 7 or 8 reedmakers in Ireland/UK/europe, but I couldn’t think of a single reedmaker in North America.
Every piper should make his own reeds.Thats part of being one me thinks.
One of the best pipers I know does not make his own reeds. He said that he prefers to spend his time playing them. I wish I could make good reeds but it is not for everyone and should not discourage someone from playing the pipes because they can’t make reeds. Thank you for all the leads for reed makers. I know it will come in handy, especially the ones supplying reeds for flat sets, they can be harder to come by.
Seeing as none of the reedmakers have chimed in, I suppose I will.
I decided to become a reed maker because I wanted autonomy from the pipemaker. I started making reeds shortly after I began playing. Though, I think that was a mistake. At this juncture, I’ve spent thousands of hours, and I must have built what must be over 1000 reeds (?). It’s not until recently, that I have happened on a method that works (if the material is good, and I don’t mess up), everytime. Naturally, every reed will sound different as every pc. of cane is different, but aside from that, I have a pretty good idea what to expect. I also prepare myself to expect the unexpected, though I chalk up most “unexpected results,” to prior lapses in attention to detail in prior steps.
At this stage, I firmly believe if I had learned the method of reed making I use now, I would’vespent more time playing. For that reason, I would urge those interested in making reeds to relax, and play for at least a few good years before buying your first kilo of cane. Learn to adjust your reed first. Then, caasually start to learn more about how to make a reed, but no before dedicate mountains of hours to your playing. If you can’t play well, you’ll never truly know a great reed from just a working reed. Then, when you’re ready, buy the tools and supplies (don’t go cheap here), get the bladed tools sharpened v. well (Micheal Dow is the man for this, IMO), and find a teacher/mentor. I strongly believe in expediting the amount of time it’s going to get “airborne,” and only a good teacher/good reedmaker is going to be able to help facilitate that.
There are some things that can never be rushed (pun?). You will make many many reeds (hundreds?) before things click. There are many different reeds to master; Drones, concert, flat, high bridle, low bridle, reg reeds, wooden reg reeds, and wooden chanter reeds, cane reeds on wooden bodies, wooden reeds on wooden bodies. The great things is.(yes, there are some great things here) is…there’s no pressure. For example, you can choose do only do B reeds! That’s the fun of it. Ultimatley, you will do what suits you best!
Finally, it’s the daily (if possible) “constant chipping away in to that mountain of knowledge” that’ll propel you forward, make you autonomous, exprienced, knowledgable, capable, and most importantly, you’ll be awarded with time to play.
I’m very glad Kinch is pointing out the importance of being able to play before you start making reeds (and pipes!) This is such a critical thing - how can you make something when you don’t have any idea of how it is supposed to work? Also, all of Kinch’s comments about how long it takes to learn to make them? That applies equally to learning to play… so take the time to learn to play first.
A couple other thoughts:
Seamus Ennis didn’t make his own reeds.
I once had someone who was obviously very proud of his abilities to make reeds tell me, in all sincerity, that making reeds was necessary because “his chanter was perfectly in tune”. It wasn’t, and he couldn’t really play all that well either, so had no idea how to play the chanter in tune, and on top of that, his reed gave his chanter unfortunate tone.
I do think it is important for everyone to know how to do non-invasive adjustments and how to make a good reed last. Don’t abuse a good reed and it can last for years.
I’m just about able to reed my own pipes but it’s a frustrating process. For every reed I make which I’m happy with, I probably chuck out 20. I prefer to be self-sufficient but when I reach my limit, I’ll call in a pro.
I have a few chanters made in Ireland/UK/Europe but I don’t like sending chanters by airmail, particularly for re-reeding as air-travel can damage the reed (even the chanter). Not all pipemakers will make reeds for someone else’s pipes (which is perfectly understandable). This is where a “freelance” reedmaker can be useful.
I’ve been making my own reeds for a while, with some pretty satisfactory results. If you need some help, PJ, feel free to PM me, and I can see what I can do for you, if you would like.
I love making my own reeds. And making reeds in general. It’s like meditation, art and craft all wrapped up in one process. Plus you get to play your creation.
That said, I know of at least three professional pipers (in Ireland, primarily) who absolutely do not make their own reeds and depend on reed-makers. A lot of US people tend to like the “do it yourself, depend on yourself” way of living and cite “what happens if you break a reed while playing somewhere?!?!?” But to be fair all those professional pipers I know carry at least two spare reeds for their chanter(s) and a miscellany of reeds for their set(s).
My two cents: Do what makes you happy and gives you as much time playing with your instrument as you want. (And make sure you know what you’re talking about/fussing about with regards to tuning if you make your own reeds).
Reed making can be rewarding,here is one of my concert reeds in action.Played by hot young piper.
You making your own pipes too Dan?
LOL,Not yet,Galloway chanter ,Whitmer regs,Alan G, Bass ,and Lambe tenor,baritone.Drones.Morning days off from work,i’ll will make reeds while wife is sleeping.Cannot practice till she gets up.Its my routine when its to cold to fish.Catching a fish on a fly or lure you made yourself makes it much more fun.
off-topic, but what kind of fish?
Your reed and pipes sound great!