Evaluating the Relative Qualities of Arundo donax L. for the Manufacture of Double Reeds

This document explores the art and science of reed making. Both bassoonists and oboists dedicate extensive time and effort to crafting reeds that meet their precise musical standards. Performance success hinges on technical proficiency and the interplay between reed and instrument quality. While many reed makers have distinct preferences for specific cane sources and suppliers, these choices are often anecdotal, indicating a lack of data regarding the superiority of different sources. To address this, the research focuses on Arundo donax L., the primary material for crafting woodwind reeds. This species predominantly thrives in Mediterranean regions, particularly in the Var region of France. Interestingly, Arundo donax L. has also been found growing in the urban environment of Lubbock, West Texas, an area with a climate significantly different from southern France. Preliminary experiments have successfully transformed this local cane into functional bassoon reeds, prompting investigation for potential applications. This study aims to rigorously compare cane samples from Lubbock and those from renowned cane-producing regions in France, Turkey, Argentina, Spain, Italy, China, and other parts of the U.S., such as Arkansas and Corpus Christi in South Texas. This will highlight the differences in various properties. Ultimately, research data is provided with a scientific basis rather than solely relying on traditional reputation or anecdotal preferences. Through experimentation, this project seeks to contribute to the bassoon pedagogy literature in reed making with deeper understanding of the factors influencing quality and offers valuable insights for musicians and reed makers.