The Art of Reed Making

At Gonzalez Reeds, each reed is a product of dedication, precision, and time-honored craftsmanship. From single-origin cane harvested at peak maturity to the final hand-inspected reed, our process is designed to deliver the highest quality woodwind reeds for musicians worldwide. Here's a look inside the seven key stages of our reed manufacturing process:

#1

TUBE CUTTING

The journey begins in our own cane plantations, where Arundo donax is cultivated and matured for optimal strength and density. Once harvested, the cane is sun-dried and then carefully cut into tubes, selected by diameter to match the requirements of different instruments.

#2

SEGMENT SPLITTLING

Each tube is then split lengthwise into three or four segments. This critical step ensures that only the straightest and most uniform parts of the cane move forward, guaranteeing consistency in response and tone.

#3

FINAL CUT

In the final cut, segments are trimmed to the specific length required for each reed type. Precision is key at this stage—any deviation can affect the reed’s playability and intonation.

#4

RECTIFICATION

The inner face of each cane piece is carefully rectified, ensuring a perfectly flat and even surface. This precision step is essential for stability, vibration control, and optimal mouthpiece contact.

#5

Blank

Each flattened segment is now shaped into a reed blank, a stage where the outline of the reed begins to take form. The blanks are sorted by density and thickness, with only the finest making it to the next phase.

#6

VAMPING

The most technical and delicate part of the process, vamping involves the precise carving of the reed’s profile. This includes the heart, tip, and rails—elements that determine tone, flexibility, and dynamic range. Advanced machinery and expert oversight ensure each vamp is consistent and true to the model’s character.

#7

FINAL REED

In the last stage, each reed is individually inspected and finished by hand. It’s here that reeds are polished, measured, and graded for strength. Only those that meet our high standards are packed and labeled, ready to be played by musicians around the world.