Bassoon reeds, handmade with care
London Reeds are designed to be ready to play. They are individually finished and tested to ensure that each reed is of a consistently high quality, and they have been receiving lovely feedback including:
"Your reeds are the best I’ve played on in a long time"
"They hold tuning very well and I’ve not had any issues with collapsing. Beautiful sound"
"Reeds received on Wednesday and played a concert on Thursday straight out of the box. The reeds are fabulous!"
"Just what I needed for reigniting my love for playing bassoon. The more I put in the more I got out."
(see below for more reviews)
They are used by many professionals as well as amateurs, and have been played in orchestras such as the LSO, CBSO, ENO, WNO, BBCNOW, Ulster Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, Kristiansand Symfoniorkester, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, London Contemporary Orchestra, Bath Philharmonia, and Orpheus Sinfonia, amongst others, all with positive feedback/repeat orders.
A number of players with jobs in ABO1 orchestras also report enjoying their jobs more as a result of playing on London Reeds!
Unless you request otherwise, London Reeds tend to run slightly on the softer side compared to some 'professional' model reeds, prioritising flexibility of sound and ease of use. Amy's preference, whilst maintaining a 'round' sound, is to make reeds which feel satisfying to play.
Customer Reviews
"I have played bassoon for over 40 years, and the best reeds I have ever had, are from London Reeds.
I do not understand their " magic " of reed making."
—————————————————————
"Reeds received on Wednesday and played a concert on Thursday straight out of the box. The reeds are fabulous!"
—————————————————————
“My daughter is overjoyed with the reeds. She says they look nice, are good and loud, but most of all, they are the nicest-sounding reeds she has ever had!"
—————————————————————
"Just what I needed for reigniting my love for playing bassoon. The more I put in the more I got out."
—————————————————————
"The reeds arrived today and I'm totally in love with the first one I tried. Really responsive, great tone and easy through the range. I'm a convert and will be back"
————————————————————
"I soaked the reeds for half an hour, and they both played beautifully, straight from the box. I've been using them over the past week during my regular practise sessions and last night at orchestra rehearsal. I used both reeds, and they were both responsive and easy to play on while not being too soft. Intonation was fabulous as well, with no wobbly notes.”
"Hello! I ordered one of your reeds from [retailer] this week and it's absolutely amazing. The only problem is that my son also tried it and declared it his favourite reed ever so I've now lost ownership of it!"
—————————————————————
"Hi Amy,
Just trying your reeds and I LOVE them!
Playing straight out of the box, great across all the registers and a lovely, warm tone.
They’re beautifully made and the perfect strength- not too hard, not too soft.
I can’t tell you how much money I’ve wasted on awful reeds and I’m so pleased to have found you!
Many, many thanks "
—————————————————————
"They hold tuning very well and I’ve not had any issues with collapsing. Beautiful sound"
—————————————————————
“I recently ordered 10 reeds from Amy Thompson and I was really impressed with how well they were made and how well, they all played.
A balanced resonant sound in all registers, with the right level of resistance to provide excellent dynamic range.
I highly recommended these excellent bassoon reeds.”
"I’ve been playing on both your reeds for the last 5 days and am absolutely delighted with them.
I’d go as far as to say that they are remarkable for how playable and stable they are straight “out of the box” - beautiful warm tone, reliable low and high registers, excellent dynamic range. In short, I’m a fan.
I’ll definitely be ordering some more before too long."
—————————————————————
"Your reeds are the best I’ve played on in a long time"
—————————————————————
"Amy- I have been so pleased with these reeds! ... I would like to order four (4) more reeds from you. I have so appreciated those that you supplied for me months ago! I have been working my way through a number of reeds, saving yours for special occasions... I have cherished them!"
—————————————————————
"Hi Amy, reeds play really nicely. Tried one straight out of box at lesson, then rehearsal and concert yesterday and played well. Didn't have to think about the reed, every time I came in it just played both quiet and loud passages. Thanks"
—————————————————————
"I have now tried the contra reeds and I am pleased to say that they both work excellently", "exactly what I need."
NB all reviews are used with customers’ permission. Please feel free to get in touch with feedback on your reeds, as this is helpful in improving future orders.