Reeds 'n Stuff/Reedolino/How Do Reeds Work? products

Dial Indicator MINI 268.08 €

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:52:24 +0200

Practical and Portable

The mini dial indicator for bassoon is mini in size only. This newly concepted dial indicator is perfect for on stage, on the road, or on the reed desk.

With the lower arm folded up, the tongue of the dial is protected.

To rotate the lower arm, first pull the two gold parts apart until the pins are free. These pins keep the arm firmly in place in any of the chosen positions.

Then you can rotate it 90 degrees and it can stand on your desk to use as a regular dial indicator.

Rotate it again and the arm is now in a great position to lean against any surface for support while you hold the dial in your hand.

The Dial Indicator MINI can also stand equally well with the lower arm rotated into the other horizontal position.

How can I set the dial indicator to ZERO?

The easiest way is to turn the dial so that the large pointer is back at ZERO. However, the dial indicator can also be recalibrated so that the large pointer is back at 12 o'clock. To do this, loosen the fastening screw that fixes the dial indicator in the dial indicator arm. Now position the dial indicator by moving it up or down so that both the small and large pointer show ZERO. When locking the screw do not tighten it too much, as this can block the axle movement in the dial indicator.

Can I change the tip of the dial indicator?

Replacing the tip of the dial indicator is easy to do. You can simply turn out the tip that you have now with the help of pliers and replace it with the desired new tip. If there is not enough space between the tongue and the tip, you can loosen the screw that fixes the dial gauge in the dial gauge arm and remove the dial gauge from the arm. It may now be necessary to recalibrate the dial indicator.

Can I change the tongue of the dial indicator?

The tongue of the dial gauge can also be changed very easily. You can find instructions here.

Can the hardness tester be used as a dial indicator?

The support plate of the hardness tester is too large to obtain precise results. The thickness of finished reeds, for example, cannot be measured with the hardness tester. Inaccurate measurement results may occur also with gouged cane. For this reasons we do not recommend using the hardness tester as a dial indicator.

Can I transform my dial indicator from right to left-handed or do I need to buy a new one?

The dial indicator can easily be transformed from right to left-handed. Simply loosen the set screw at the end of the arm holding the dial. This will allow you to rotate the dial to face the opposite direction. Be sure to calibrate the height of the dial so it both touches the tongue and reads "0" before tightening the set screw. Make sure not over-tighten this screw as it will damage the actuating shaft and prevent the dial from operating properly.

Flexter 1,083.30 €

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:52:44 +0200

Simple and easy to use

This innovative tool eliminates some of the mystery as to why some cane provides much better results. Sorting cane by flexibility provides the ability to select cane to an individual's liking and eliminates most of the drudgery of searching for those "great reeds".

Download and read Mr. Poe's detailed article recently printed in the IDRS Journal here. Diagrams, pictures and all the results of inventors research are included.

Wouldn't it be nice for reed making to be a little more predictable?

Digital Hardness Tester 597.09 €

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:52:44 +0200

Quality over Quantity

The characteristics of the cane have a significant influence on the success of our reed making. The appearance of the cane is often deceptive and we quickly learn:
The truth lies beneath the surface.

The hardness tester offers an objective way to judge the quality, not just the quantity of cane. By measuring the hardness of the cane at both ends we are able to discern whether a piece of cane has the same qualities throughout the entire piece. This way we can ensure that the two blades of a reed will vibrate similarly.

Save yourself valuable time and increase the quality of your reed making.
Achieve reliable and repeatable results.

Our hardness testers are available in both analog or digital formats.
The precision of both devices is identical, the only difference lies in the convenience of use.

- The Reeds 'n Stuff transport case features a simple design that's easy to use. The foam interior allows a safe transport and provides a snug fit. Other tools can be stored in the zipper closed compartment on top of the case. The handle gives portability wherever you need it.
  Buy

Why is the hardness tester so important?

First of all, the time saved in selecting suitable canes for you offers a great advantage. You save valuable working time that you would otherwise spend gouging, shaping, tying on and scraping canes that would not have given you a suitable result anyway. More important, however, is the fact that you can increase the quality of your reed making and get more reliable results.

Should the cane be measured dry or soaked?

It should be noted that only sufficiently dried cane will give useful results. It is not advisable to use soaked cane. It is best to note the test results on the cane and later on the staple. This will give you an overview of what works well for you personally.

In what stage should the cane be measured for hardness?

It is best to use the hardness tester after pregouging if you have a pregouging machine. The basic requirement is a smooth surface and a consistent thickness. If you use the small pregouger instead of a machine, you should test the cane after gouging.

Are the measuring results for pregouged cane the same as for gouged cane?

If the material is thicker, the measurement results will be higher.

What are the usual measuring results?

Usually we get readings from seven hundredths (hard) to almost 40 hundredths (soft).

Are there different measurement results for the hardness testers?

Yes, as there is no standard scale and the factory tolerance of the dial indicator is 2 hundredths, it is possible that the hardness testers show different results.

Is there a difference between the hardness tester for oboe, bassoon, clarinet and bagpipe?

Yes, the hardness testers have each been set up for a specific instrument. The heights of the support plate differ. The so-called arbour, on which the cane lies, is available individually, allowing you to convert your machine for other instruments.

Can the hardness tester be used as a dial indicator?

The support plate of the hardness tester is too large to obtain precise results. The thickness of finished reeds, for example, cannot be measured in any case. Also with gouged cane inaccurate measurement results may occur. For this reasons we do not recommend to double the hardness tester as a dial indicator.

What is the difference between the analog and digital hardness tester? Which one is more accurate?

Both differ only in the convenience of the reading. With the digital hardness tester, the zero position can be reached by pressing a button. With the analogue hardness tester, the dial has to be turned. The precision of both devices is the same. If required, you can connect the digital hardness tester to your computer to create personal statistics.

The digital dial shows a number and SET blinks. The number shown does not change even if I move the axle up or down.

Please keep ZERO pressed for 3 seconds. This erases the SET memory.

When do I have to change the battery?

The battery must be changed when the display flashes, the battery symbol appears, or nothing is displayed. The battery indicates the type used (e.g. LR 44).

How do I change the battery?

Do not touch the new battery with your fingers, use a piece of cloth. The battery compartment is located on the upper left side of the dial gauge. Use a small screwdriver or the tip of a sharp knife to lift off the small plastic cover. Insert the new battery exactly as you found the old one. When inserting the new battery be careful not to touch, bend, or break the battery contacts (the small pieces of metal inside the dial gauge).
You can find detailed instructions here.

Does the oboe digital hardness test ever need to be recalibrated?

The hardness tester generally does not need to be recalibrated. Recalibration is only necessary if it has been damaged or if the locking screw that holds the dial gauge was accidentally loosened. Under normal conditions, no recalibration is required.

Analog Hardness Tester 511.80 €

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:52:19 +0200

Quality over Quantity

Save yourself valuable time and increase the quality of your reed making.
Achieve reliable and repeatable results.

Our hardness testers are available in both analog or digital formats.
The precision of both devices is identical, the only difference lies in the convenience of use.

The Reeds 'n Stuff transport case features a simple design that's easy to use. The foam interior allows a safe transport and provides a snug fit. Other tools can be stored in the zipper closed compartment on top of the case. The handle gives portability wherever you need it.

Buy

analog oder digital

Both differ only in the convenience of the reading.With the digital hardness tester, the zero position can be reached by pressing a button. With the analog hardness tester, the dial has to be turned. The precision of both devices is the same.

For Professionals with High Demands

A cane hardness tester is simply indispensable for us oboists. I found mine at Reeds 'n Stuff. Simply ingenious.

Albrecht Mayer
Principal Oboe Berliner Philharmoniker
(Foto: Matt Dine)

Why is the hardness tester so important?

Should the cane be measured dry or soaked?

In what stage should the cane be measured for hardness?

Are the measuring results for pregouged cane the same as for gouged cane?

If the material is thicker, the measurement results will be higher.

What are the usual measuring results?

Usually we get readings from seven hundredths (hard) to almost 40 hundredths (soft).

Are there different measurement results for the hardness testers?

Yes, as there is no standard scale and the factory tolerance of the dial indicator is 2 hundredths, it is possible that the hardness testers show different results.

Is there a difference between the hardness tester for oboe, bassoon, clarinet and bagpipe?

Can the hardness tester be used as a dial indicator?

What is the difference between the analog and digital hardness tester? Which one is more accurate?

Dial Indicator MINI 298.50 €

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:16:15 +0200

Practical and Portable

We have equipped the mini dial indicator (beloved for its light weight and small size) with practical tilting technology. This allows you to personalize the viewing angle of our dial indicator display. Simply move the tilting arm to the desired position. It even packs flat for storage and transportation.

With the engraved scale on the tongue you can align your reeds and thus carry out repeatable measurements to check both the profile and symmetry of the reeds and cane.

The dial and the lifting lever can be rotated to any desired position. This means that the dial indicator can be used with either the left or right hand.

The Tip of Your Choice

Choose among tips S (Standard for bassoon and the mini dial indicator), F, and D to see the point you are measuring from every perspective and to measure exactly at a given point. Choose the ball-pointed tip K for a smooth glide when you pull the cane or reed through, as well as to measure gouged cane.

How can I set the dial indicator to ZERO?

Can I change the tip of the dial indicator?

Can I change the tongue of the dial indicator?

The tongue of the dial gauge can also be changed very easily. You can find instructions here.

Can the hardness tester be used as a dial indicator?

Can I transform my dial indicator from right to left-handed or do I need to buy a new one?

Reeds 'n Stuff/Reedolino/How Do Reeds Work? products

Dial Indicator MINI 268.08 €

Practical and Portable

FAQ

Flexter 1,083.30 €

Simple and easy to use

Digital Hardness Tester 597.09 €

Quality over Quantity

FAQ

Analog Hardness Tester 511.80 €

Quality over Quantity

analog oder digital

For Professionals with High Demands

FAQ

Dial Indicator MINI 298.50 €

Practical and Portable

The Tip of Your Choice

FAQ