Reeds 'n Stuff/Bassoon/Reed Making Machines/Tip Profiling/Templates products

Template #MGH1 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:56 +0200

More to Give

Developed in collaboration with Matthew Harvell, this template accurately reproduces the center-spine taper of the K David Van Hoesen profile, which is very similar to a Herzberg style reed. The sound starts vibrant and colorful, then naturally develops greater depth and warmth after a few days of playing. It responds evenly in every register and produces a focused, spinning sound that particularly enhances lyrical playing in the tenor register.

The balanced spine and defined channels provide an open, responsive reed with a smooth attack, stable intonation, and controlled expansion as dynamics increase. The channels also help bring the overblown second octave into pitch without requiring excessive biting or embouchure pressure.

The template is designed to be shifted left or right in the tip profiler, giving the reed maker control over both the amount of tip work and the final tonal character. At the standard 61.1 mm position, the first approximately 1.5 mm of the tip maintains a consistent thickness from center to corner, providing a neutral starting point for finishing the tone.

Moving the template approximately 0.5 – 1 mm to the left increases the center-to-side taper in the tip, allowing the machine to perform more of the finishing work and leaving minimal handwork in the corners.

Designed to work with all bassoon shapes.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #KSB 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:54 +0200

California Sun

The KSB Template was developed together with contrabassoonist Steven Braunstein, instructor at the San Francisco Conservatory and retired contrabassoonist of the San Francisco Symphony. These reeds are modeled after his own reeds and provide an unparalleled ease of response and depth of sound.

From narrow to wide, KSB delivers great results with blanks of all shapes. Its foundation in K2 model reeds gives it an edge with wider profiles, without limiting its versatility.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #KFH1 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:46 +0200

The templates #KFH1 and #KFH2 for contrabassoon
are the big sisters of our #FG1 and #FG2 templates.
The design of #KFH1 features a wide, robust heart area;
#KFH2 is built with a narrower heart and pronounced side channels.
#KFH2 offers a somewhat more direct attack with less effort required.
Both templates are appropriate for use with common contrabassoon shapes
(like K1 and K2) and produce a warm, round tone.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #KFH2 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:46 +0200

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #FG1 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:47 +0200

Our templates for bassoon, #FG1 and #FG2,
both feature a parabolic tip shape with light corners.
#FG1 is characterized by a wide, full heart.
#FG2 is distinguished by a narrower heart area
and quite pronounced channels on the sides.
Both templates are appropriate for use with popular shapes (R2, R1A, etc.)
and deliver a round, warm sound.
#FG1, with its sturdy design, is also suited for use
with softer cane; #FG2 offers somewhat more flexibility.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #FG2 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:47 +0200

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #FG3 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:47 +0200

The FG3 Template is similar to the PM template, but has thinner sides and light channels.

This scrape produces a warm, dark sound while maintaining focus and clarity.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #ARB 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:52 +0200

Eric Arbiter

"I discuss the history of this pattern in my book, The Way of Cane. Here are page numbers for other shadow photographs of this particular trim type, similar to these except they are in black and white.

Pages xxv, p. 22, p.73, 92, 111, 172-173, 235 (with thickness measurements), p. 305, Bernard Garfield’s reed.

There are so many different ways to trim the bassoon reed. This particular style is the one that works best for me and my bassoon. It’s also one of the reasons that I wrote The Way of Cane: to sketch out some of the major types of trim styles to try if looking for alternatives for directions for possible improvement.

For anyone more interested in the development and history of this pattern I outline it below.

I found the reed style that made a big difference for me with my month of lessons with Bernard Garfield during my winter term in 1969, my first year at Oberlin Conservatory. I immediately took to his reeds and began to model mine after this style. In those days, reed machines were much simpler so most of the work had to be done by hand.

Fast-forward several years later to 1974 when I started my position of Associate Principal in the Houston Symphony. During my first year, I was having problems playing 3rd bassoon (low and very softly) when the repertory required it. My bassoon was leaking a lot— or my reed making just wasn’t up to the task– but for whatever the reason, I needed help.

I read in To The World’s Bassoonists by Gerald Corey, a recommendation for reeds made by Walter Urbach, who performed in the Berlin and Nuremberg Philharmonic Orchestras, and I ordered four reeds from him, which ended up working very well for me. Coincidentally these reeds were constructed along similar lines to Mr. Garfield’s so it was a win-win for me and solved my problems until I could get my bassoon sealed properly. I continued to use both the Urbach and Garfield reeds as models for my own since that time. This new Reeds ’n Stuff template— ARB— is based on my adaptation of Mr. Garfield’s and Herr Urbach’s reed designs."

The following table provides the most crucial measurements for setting up the templates on the tip profiling machine.
The position and thickness measurements given are guidelines used by the factory, and are meant to help you reset your machine or find a starting point after having changed templates.

The given Length of Scrape is the factory setting, most templates allow for a longer scrape than how the machine is delivered. This allows for flexibility in finding an individualized setup for each user.

Generally it is only necessary to profile the first few millimeters of a sacrificial blank to set up a tip profiling machine. Utilizing this method, one blank can be clipped several times and used to set up several machines.

Machines delivered from the factory are set up with these measurements and the dial then calibrated to zero.

Template	Distance to Line (Gen1)	Distance to Line (Gen2)	Thickness at Center (Tip of Reed)	Length of Scrape
FG1	61.20 mm	61.10 mm	0.31 - 0.32 mm	15 mm
FG2	61.20 mm	61.10 mm	0.34 - 0.35 mm	15 mm
FG3		61.10 mm	0.34 - 0.35 mm	15 mm
GR	60.50 mm	61.10 mm	0.30 mm	14 mm
GR5	61.50 mm	61.10 mm	0.30 mm	14 mm
PM	60.95 mm	61.10 mm	0.34 - 0.35 mm	15 mm
PM3	60.95 mm	61.10 mm	0.34 - 0.35 mm	15 mm
MGH1		61,10 mm	0,20 mm	15 mm
LM3	60.30 mm	61.10 mm	0.30 mm	19 mm
VZ	61.20 mm	61.10 mm	0.34 - 0.35 mm	18 mm
DJ	61.50 mm	61.10 mm	0.32 - 0.33 mm	18 mm
THOM	61.20 mm	61.10 mm	0.34 - 0.35 mm	15 mm
HER1	60.20 mm	61.10 mm	0.20 mm	15 mm
BOSA		61.10 mm	0.21 mm	15 mm
ARB		61.10 mm	0.38 mm	15 mm
VR1		61.10 mm	0.29 mm	18 mm
TS1		61.10 mm	0.18 mm	18 mm
TK		61.10 mm	0.42 mm	15 mm
KSB		61.10 mm	0.35 mm	17 mm
KFH1	61.20 mm	61.10 mm	0.40 mm	17 mm
KFH2	61.20 mm	61.10 mm	0.43 mm	17 mm

- Distance to Line is measured from the far end of the template to the engraving line on the tongue of the tip profiling machine.
- Gen2 templates are identified by an engraved dot on the underside of the template.

Template #PM 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:43 +0200

Description

The #PM template was developed with Prof. Pierre Martens of the Lübeck Conservatory.
It is characterized by a parabolic tip shape with light corners and a moderately broad heart.
While conceived for wider shapes (R2 or similar), it is also well suited to narrower ones.
The finished bassoon reed features a round, supple sound and a great deal of flexibility.
It requires a well-supported, direct air flow and is therefore especially appropriate for solo and orchestral playing as well as chamber music.
It enables a large dynamic range.

A scraping length of up to 20 mm is possible.

Background Information

Prof. Martens uses an R2 shape and primarily Güner, Lavoro, and Danzi cane with hardness 15-16, gouged to approx. 1.25 mm and profiled to 0.95 – 0.60/0.55 mm.
The length of his finished reeds is 56 mm, with a shaft length of 28 mm and a scrape length of 28 mm.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #DJ 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:52:46 +0200

The characteristics of the DJ templates relate to the predecessor template GR5. The reeds have a solistic sound with a good projection as well.
The sides are slightly thinner and you will promptly achieve playable results.

A scraping length of 20 mm is possible.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #HER1 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:47 +0200

The HER1 Template was designed after the Herzberg principles and designed to pair with the Herzberg shape.

The tip is characteristically thin and the sharp step has been lightly rounded, as intended.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #VZ 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:47 +0200

The template VZ is based on the characteristics of the template DJ.
It has however a thicker heart, which allows for a thinner overall thickness, depending on the characteristics of the cane.
For reeds with a warm and dark sound, especially for dry acoustics, for example in the orchestra pit.

A scraping length of 20 mm is possible.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #THOM 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:47 +0200

Description

The #THOM template was developed with Prof. Jörg Michael Thome of the Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy School of Music and Theater in Leipzig.
This template is characterized by its very distinct side channels, which yield reeds with excellent flexibility.
The tip is parabolic with light corners; the contour of the heart is narrow.
This template is particularly well suited to hard, dense cane and relatively narrow shapes (R1a, Fox 1, FB 1, etc.).
The sound of the finished reed is both agreeably dark and vivid.
It is balanced throughout all registers and speaks easily, offering a precise attack with little resistance in addition to flexibility.
These qualities render #THOM valuable not only for soloistic and orchestral work, but also for use with students.

Background Information

Prof. Thome prefers the R1A shape and generally uses hard Marca and Vic cane, gouged to 1.25 – 1.30 mm and profiled to 0.90 – 0.60 mm.
The length of his finished reeds is 55.5 mm, with a shaft length of 27.5 mm and a scrape length of 28 mm.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #TS1 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:52 +0200

French style

This template was designed specifically for the French bassoon. It also plays well on German bassoons.

The TS1 features a W-shaped tip, allowing for lighter airflow and ease of playing in quiet dynamics.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #VR1 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:52 +0200

Viennese Style

This template was developed together with Vladimir Kacar-Hammer,
founder of Vienna Reeds.

He processes his reeds by first clipping the tip to a finished length of about 28 mm. With the tip profiler set up somewhat thicker than the finished thickness, and the rotating clamp placed between the two first wires, he profiles the entire blade of the reed. He then sets the thickness of the tip profiler to its final setting and profiles the entire reed again.

He recommends reed blanks with a thickness of about 0.62 - 0.64 mm at the tip and 0.98 - 1.0 mm at the collar.

This template is designed to profile the entire length of the blade.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #GR5 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:52:46 +0200

For reeds with a soloistic sound, that are suitable for a continuous airflow and have a good projection. The template GR5 works great with harder cane, as well as for thinner profiled cane.

A scraping length up to 15 mm is possible.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #LM3 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:52:46 +0200

The template LM3 has similar characteristics as the template GR. It produces flexible and soft reeds with a good piano and can be used with soft and thicker profiled cane.
The sides of the reeds remain thicker with this template than with the template GR, especially in the front corners. This allows a thinner overall thickness for lighter reeds that will still have stable sides.

A scraping length of up to 20 mm is possible.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #TK 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:53 +0200

Historical yet Modern

The TK template was designed together with Amsterdam-based bassoonist and reed maker Takako Kunugi. Known for her expertise in historical performance, Takako has delivered masterclasses in Mexico and Argentina and regularly performs with leading ensembles, including B’Rock Orchestra, Bach Collegium Japan, Yokohama Sinfonietta, Holland Baroque, Die Kölner Akademie, Die Wiener Akademie, Les Musiciens du Prince-Monaco, Anima Eterna Brugge, and Boxwood & Brass. She was also the baroque bassoon soloist for the Cydonia Barocca | Muziekfestival Gent 2021.

Background Information

Takako Kunugi prefers a gouge thickness of 1.44 - 1.46 mm when measured dry, and medium hard cane for producing her reeds.
She primarily uses the B2 and similar shapes.

Settings and Processing

The TK template should be aligned with the long line on the template positioning ruler for optimal preparation. Takako recommends a thickness of 0.47 - 0.55 mm at 2 mm behind the tip after profiling.
The TK Template was designed for use with the KFH Tongue. Results on other tongues might vary slightly.

Fine Tuning

For improved playability and a balanced sound of the instrument, you can make the following adjustments to your reed:

- Depending on your profile, you may need to blend the transition on the side of the reeds (area A).
  
  If necessary, the response can be made easier by scraping the tip (area B).
  
  If you are satisfied with other aspects of the reed but find it too tiring for the lips, try scraping (area C).
  
  If you would like the reed to have a little less vibration gently file the back of the blade (area D).
  
  If you need more flexibility gently file the around the spine (area E).

Template #MART 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:52:46 +0200

For Baroque Bassoon.

A scraping length of 20 mm is possible.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #GR 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:52:46 +0200

For flexible and soft reeds that can be played with a variable airflow. The template GR is ideal for softer cane, as well as for thicker profiled cane.

A scraping length up to 15 mm is possible.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.

Template #BOSA 475.24 €

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:50:52 +0200

The BOSA template was developed with Matthew Boice, and is consistent with the measurements of the first day scrape from
"Making Reeds Start to Finish with George Sakakeeny."

This template is designed to be used with the van Hoesen and SVH shapes, but can also be used with the following narrow shapes with good results:

Herzberg (With 3 mm cut off of the butt of the shape)
Rieger 14
Rieger 1A
Fox 1
Fox 2

The template is designed for a reed with an overall length of 53.5 mm to 54 mm,
with a 27 mm tube length. A scrape length of 15 mm is possible with this template.

Here is a table of setup measurements to help reset your tip profiling machine
or set up a new template.