Technical Information

The Reed Selection Guide, courtesy of Larry Whittle (USA)

Reed Strengths

McLaren Synthetic Highland Chanter Reeds are available in strengths ranging from 13 (very, very easy) up to 20+ (too hard for most pipers to play comfortably).

In comparison to reeds graded using the water manometer method:

13 ≈ 18 inches of water (super soft)
17 ≈ 28 inches of water (soft / medium)
20 ≈ 35 inches of water (medium / hard)

These pressure numbers are unique to McLaren Synthetic Reeds and are measured using a specialised manometer.

Compatibility

The reeds are designed for chanters made in recent years, operating at a pitch of approximately 475 Hz at normal room temperature.

Attempting to use these reeds in older, lower-pitched chanters may result in tuning issues. Please make contact for advice regarding reeds suited to older instruments.

Care and Handling

Reeds are hand-made and tested to operate at the indicated pressure.
They should not be altered in any way after manufacture.
Care should be taken to protect them from physical damage.
When fitting, handle only by the staple — do not squeeze the blades.

Performance Characteristics

Once fitted, the reed can remain in the chanter without removal after playing, unlike traditional cane reeds.

The reed typically takes 1–2 minutes to reach operating temperature and come into tune. It can then be left for up to an hour and will return to the same pitch when played again.

This makes them particularly suitable for events such as weddings and funerals where reliability and consistency are essential.

The reeds have an excellent lifespan, with some remaining in use after five years of intermittent playing.