Cane:
The following are brief descriptions of the cane types we offer. Our observations of this cane are based on the information and feedback we received from hundreds of reeds produced by each manufacturer. Please keep in mind that these are only observations that serve as a guide for someone interested in trying a new grower. What can be said in general for a cane grower is in no way true for every individual piece of cane.
Alliaud Cane
Alliaud is harvested near Sarrians, France. Sarrians is north of Avignon and further inland than any other French cane grower we know of, their cane is usually thicker and harder, with varied density. The Alliaud Roseaux family has been harvesting cane for over 80 years.
Danzi Cane
During his 25 years as principal bassoon in La Scala, Ovidio Danzi developed a special method for selecting bassoon cane. By building on his techniques and passion for selecting the finest raw materials, the Danzi company has become one of the most highly regarded suppliers of cane for a variety of reed instruments.
Donati Cane
Donati began in 1932 as an Arundo donax harvester for wicker baskets. The Donati family purchased fifteen acres of land exclusively for cane harvesting in 1985 and have since become one of the leading world suppliers of bassoon and oboe cane. Their cane is of medium density and is typically on the softer side.
Glotin Cane
Glotin is sourced from throughout the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of France. Glotin owns all of its farms, and grows cane exclusively in this region, ensuring a consistent product. Glotin has been a staple among bassoonists for over 50 years and is typically fairly soft.
Lavarro Cane
Lavarro was founded in 2013 and is based out of Ankara, Turkey, that grows their cane domestically across Mediterranean Turkey. Tubes are typically very straight and thin, with medium hardness and very high density. We find that Lavarro produces a high yield of usable reeds.
Marca Cane
Marca is a single farm operation based out of Ollioules, France. Marca has been producing cane in this region for 70 years. The crop has only recently begun exporting to the US. It is of medium density and medium hardness, with a fairly low yield of gouged pieces.
Medir Cane
Located in southern Spain, Medir offers cane for all woodwind instruments. Our recipe is simple, a bit of love for music and reed making, good climate and knowledge that has been passed on from generation to generation. Our cane has the soul of the Mediterranean!
Rieger Cane
Grown near Sainte-Maxime in the Var region of France, Rieger bassoon cane is sorted by Georg Rieger GmbH in Gaggenau, Germany. We find that the tubes are typically hard with medium density, and that the tubes are often pre-sorted, meaning undesirable pieces have been removed prior to processing. Relatively expensive, but produces a high yield of usable reeds.
Rigotti Cane
Rigotti is the most widely distributed cane in the world. Rigotti has been producing cane from farms in Cogolin, France since 1966. Their cane is of medium density and is medium to medium hard. Rigotti is by far our most uniform cane and consistently yields a high amount of straight pieces, keeping its price low compared to the competition.