The Reedmaker’s Journey: A Song in the Cane
Not all reed cane is created equal—and as any woodwind player knows, the search for high-quality cane and a great-playing reed can often feel like a guessing game. My ongoing research, which builds on my doctoral project—Nondestructive Evaluation of Reed Cane: A New Approach in Determining the Material Properties of Arundo Donax L. (Blain, 2019), completed at the University of Cincinnati—explores science-based methods for evaluating Arundo donax, the plant used for oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone reeds, through nondestructive testing (think: a sonogram for reeds).
By measuring how sound waves travel through the cane, we can assess the material characteristics that influence tone, response, and overall playability. Thousands of cane samples and hundreds of reeds were tested, with detailed performance observations recorded throughout the process.
The result is a reliable, repeatable, and scalable method—a tool that uses multiple data points to predict how likely a piece of cane is to produce a high-performing reed. Rather than relying on appearance or feel alone, this process allows for informed cane selection based on how the material will actually perform. For students and musicians, this means more consistent results, less wasted time and material, and more great reeds—grounded in data, not guesswork.
About The Shop.
Cullen supports students and professionals around the globe with performance-ready products while redefining the practice of bassoon reed-making using evidence-based solutions, including process-driven assessments, a patent-pending materials characterization technique, and environmentally sustainable practices.
Musicians using these products include members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, Colorado Symphony, Florida Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Orchestra Iowa, the United States Military Bands, freelancers in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Tampa, and students from around the country.
About Me.
Cullen Blain earned his D.M.A. and M.M. in Bassoon Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and his B.A. from Central Connecticut State University. His principal teachers include William Winstead, Martin James, Brian Kershner, and Donald Bravo.
Cullen’s research builds on his doctoral study, Nondestructive Evaluation of Reed Cane: A New Approach in Determining the Material Properties of Arundo Donax L. (University of Cincinnati, 2019). His recent acquisition of Christlieb Products expands his work in reedmaking craftsmanship. His honors include the William H. Koch Bassoon Scholarship at CCM, the Fealy Bearcat Bridge Fund Award from UC’s Lindner College of Business, recognition as a StartupUC Business Accelerator winner through UC’s Center for Entrepreneurship, and the inaugural 2026 IDRS Outstanding Student Poster Award (Bassoon). He maintains an active performance schedule and teaching studio in Southern California.
