CHANTER REEDS
These are general-purpose reeds, suitable for solo and band use. Depending on the chanter and conditions, they will pitch from the mid 470s to the high 480s. They are also compatible with Bb chanters, sitting comfortably at 466.

They are essentially a straight-cut design, with the top third being slightly thinned for brightness. The are 12mm wide across the top, and have a total length of 43mm. I use modified McCann staples in seemless brass. Each reed is tested in a range of Bb and modern pitch chanters, to ensure correct Low A and High A balance, a clean High A, a stable F and tonal brightness.

If ordering (via email as below), please specify if you need easy, medium or firm reeds, and your make of chanter. Generally, there is a one week wait before reeds are shipped after the order is placed. Possibly a little longer for large orders.

Please understand that each piper's idea of easy, medium and firm can be quite different to each other. I do my best to set reeds to a requested strength, but I can only get so close. I believe pipers should start with a reed that is slightly too firm, and for it to be eased to their ideal strength through a combination of playing the reed, and careful squeezing and or scraping where needed. These skills are essential for any piper to have, and I am more than willing to help pipers who lack experience in this area.

Once you receive the reeds, I allow a 60 day return period if the reeds are not suitable for your needs. Simply post them back and I will refund your payment and cover your postage costs.

PRICE: AUD $15.00 each, with no minimum order.

AUTRALIA SHIPPING: AUD $10.00 for any quantity.

WORLWIDE SHIPPING: AUD $25.00 for any quantity.

Payment is welcome by Bank Transfer or Paypal.
CHANTER REED GUIDE
  • While every effort is made to ensure that the cane used is seasoned, and won't continue to change after the reed's final testing, it is normal for reeds to dry out during transit and be slightly harder to play when first tested.
  • If a reed is harder than you would prefer, breathe through it for 30 seconds to a minute. This will soften the fibres and help to ease off its strength. I don't recommend licking or soaking a reed to make it easier.
  • If a reed is still too hard, open and close the reed's "mouth" a number of times by lightly squeezing the middle and top areas. This will not have a significant affect on pitch, but will help to further ease off the reed.
  • If a reed is too hard and too flat, particularly C or F, a moderate squeeze at the sound box will assist. Try not to be too aggressive here, as you don't want to risk collapsing the mouth.
  • It is imprtant not to rely on only sqeezing a reed to achieve a desired strength. If the mouth opening becomes too small, volume and harmonics will suffer, and there will be a much higher chance of skirling.
  • If squeezing the reed has not eased the reed enough, very lightly scrape or sand the middle area, taking care not to overdo the centre line. Test after each scrape as it is easy to go too far. 
  • If a reed is still too hard after a number of scrapes, try the sound box area, again just a little at a time. It is possible to scrape the top area as well, but care should be taken to avoid damaging the tips and over-thinning the blades. Scraping the top area is helpful if a reed is too hard but also lacking brightness.
  • If a reed is too easy and flat, cut .5mm of cane from the tips of the blades.
  • If a reed is too easy and sharp, slightly open the reed's mouth with a mandrel or reed poker.
  • If the chanter's scale has a sharp top hand, lift the reed until balanced.
  • If the chanter's scale has a flat top hand, sink the reed until balanced.
  • Care for the reed by avoiding it becoming too wet or too dry. Between playing sessions, remove the chanter and protect the reed with a chanter cap.




Ross Bates 
0411 168 146
rabates1@live.com
ABN: 24 591 526 576
Last updated 31/07/2026