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 42.8mm. 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.

Regarding reed strength, 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. 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.

My reeds are also available through eBay
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 or storage, and to 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 important 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, lightly scrape the overall blades with a scaple or sharp hobby knife, taking care not to overdo the centre of the middle and top areas. The green zones in the reed image show the general areas to concentrate initial scraping. Test the reed regularly to avoid going too far.
  • 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 52 576
Last updated 15/09/2026