About the Book:”. . . an extraordinary book, monumental and challenging . . . Buy this book and immerse yourself in it. You will enter a new world.” American Musical Instrument Society NewsletterWith the help of author James McKay, the late Louis Skinner, America’s master bassoon reedmaker, documented his techniques for making specialized and general purpose reeds for the bassoon and the contrabassoon. In this work, step-by-step explanations of reedmaking techniques are complemented by photographs and drawings, making every procedure clear. Throughout, the emphasis is on giving practical advice, not just giving steps to follow but explaining why they are important.Table of Contents: List of FiguresList of TablesPrefaceIntroduction1. Theoretical Principles and Concepts2. Essential Tools for Reed Making3. The Straight-Taper Reed: Lou Skinner’s Interpretation of Mechler’s Reed4. The Tip-Taper Reed: Lou Skinner’s Interpretation of Knockenhauer’s Reed5. Variations to the Tube6. Variations to the Gouge and the Inside of the Blades and Tubes7. Variations to the Outside of the Blades8. Special Reeds and Processes9. A Comparison of the Mechler and Knockenhauer Reeds10. Contrabassoon ReedsReferences