Chiff and Fipple Forums

What type of reed is best for a complete beginner? Should it be easy to blow or will that cause problems elsewhere, should it be quiet to make it easier on the ear or again will this cause problems elsewhere. Your thoughts will be appreciated.

RORY

My choice would be for a well blown in reed that pleases the teacher! Not 'soft', 'easy' whatever, but one that obtains the octave without struggle and with all the tones we all love. The beginner can then hear what's needed exactly as it sounds. Nor would I want to play a 'floor board' of a reed, so a beginner shouldn't have too either.

The load effort increases when drones are added, let alone regulators, so some effort in sounding the chanter with good tone at the beginning will reduce the 'shock' as the extras come in to play!

A good reed will be much more interesting to listen to - in time.....

Thanks pipewort, I reckon you pretty much nailed it there. At the end of the day a good reed is a good Reed no matter who's playing it.

RORY

I'm flattered.