Tips for getting the most out of your Leiken Reeds pipe chanter reed
Each reed has been tested by the reedmaker and professional solo piper, Erik Leiken, and is guaranteed to play upon shipment. However, reeds can change slightly during shipment and may require some work to function at its optimum. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your Leiken reeds.
If you have ordered an easy reed, bear in mind that these reeds are made purposefully slightly harder than the true easy strength as it is much easier to make a reed easier than harder. Reeds will generally soften up after 1-2 weeks of playing. If they do not soften up to your desired strength within that time, the following tips below should help you.
Remember, ALWAYS use clean hands while handling your reeds!
The best advice for breaking in a reed is of course by playing the reed a minimum of 15 minutes a day, allowing the reed to get it’s moisture the natural way.
Good luck with your reeds!
Each reed has been tested by the reedmaker and professional solo piper, Erik Leiken, and is guaranteed to play upon shipment. However, reeds can change slightly during shipment and may require some work to function at its optimum. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your Leiken reeds.
If you have ordered an easy reed, bear in mind that these reeds are made purposefully slightly harder than the true easy strength as it is much easier to make a reed easier than harder. Reeds will generally soften up after 1-2 weeks of playing. If they do not soften up to your desired strength within that time, the following tips below should help you.
Remember, ALWAYS use clean hands while handling your reeds!
- DO NOT soak the reed in water. These reeds are made in the molded style, and don’t need much moisture to function well. Instead, place the reed in your mouth, placing your lips on the binding and blow gently into the reed (not hard enough to make the reed sound) for about ten seconds, take a breath, and repeat the process two more times. This will give the reed about ten minutes worth of playing moisture as it does in the pipes.
- Use of a dental band will ease the reed. Wrap at dental band about three times at the bottom of the reed (doing this at the blade end may damage the reed) and move it from the bottom up to the bottom third of the reed above the binding. Waved hemp or waxed dental floss place in the same place on the reed will suffice if wound at a similar tension. Five winds is enough.
- If your reed gets too easy, a gentle poke with a reed poker (or alternatively, a small leather awl, or an eyeglass-sized flathead screwdriver) inserted from the bottom of the staple up to about where the binding on the reed ends and the cane starts will open the reed. Do this slow and gently so you feel just a little resistance. Too much pressure and you will likely crack the cane, ruining the reed.
The best advice for breaking in a reed is of course by playing the reed a minimum of 15 minutes a day, allowing the reed to get it’s moisture the natural way.
Good luck with your reeds!