Do Hard Reeds Produce Better Tone?

If you’ve hung around pipers long enough, you’ve probably heard this common bit of “wisdom” tossed around: “Real pipers play hard reeds.”

It’s one of those statements that gets repeated so often it starts to sound like gospel. But is it actually true? Does a harder reed automatically give you a better tone – or is that just one of those myths that’s been passed down from piper to piper for generations?

Let’s separate fact from folklore.

Where the “Hard Reed” Myth Comes From

The idea that “hard equals better” likely came from pipe band culture. Hard reeds can make the pipes louder and give a bit more crackle – that bright, snappy edge that cuts through in a big ensemble. To a judge or audience member fifty feet away, that volume can sound impressive.

So over time, harder reeds became a kind of badge of honor. If you could blow one, you were considered a “strong” player. Some bands even hand them out to new members thinking it’ll improve the group’s overall sound.

But volume is not tone. And chasing brute strength over musicality can backfire fast.

The Upsides: Why Some Players Swear by Hard Reeds

There are some benefits to harder reeds:

• More volume. They project well in big outdoor performances or massed bands.

• Stability. They’re less sensitive to small fluctuations in blowing, so your tone may stay steadier.

• Consistency across players. In a big band, hard reeds can even out individual differences in blowing pressure.

These factors make sense if you’re playing in a top-tier competition band or recording for broadcast. But for most pipers, the downsides start to outweigh the perks pretty quickly.

The Hidden Costs of Playing A Reed That's Too Hard

If you’ve ever finished a set feeling dizzy, gasping, or with your arms trembling... congratulations, you’ve met the downside of the “hard reed equals better tone” myth.

Physical strain

Hard reeds require more pressure and stamina. Over time, that can lead to serious fatigue, shortened practice sessions, and even physical injury. Yes, really. There are stories of pipers developing hernias or burst blood vessels from pushing too hard. And as much as we might want to chase a glorious tone, it's certainly not worth injuring yourself to get there. 

Loss of control

When all your focus goes into keeping the pipes going, there’s little room left for finesse. Expression, phrasing, and steady blowing all suffer.

Tone quality

Ironically, the “big sound” people chase often becomes harsh or unrefined. Hard reeds can kill the subtle harmonics that make a pipe’s tone truly beautiful.

Less fun

Playing shouldn’t feel like a workout. When the reed is so hard that every session feels like a battle, it's not anywhere near as fun anymore. And as your enjoyment drops, so does motivation to practice.

The Sweet Spot: Comfort, Control, and Music

So, what’s the right reed strength? Simple: the one you can control comfortably while producing a steady, pleasing tone.

A slightly easier reed doesn’t make you a weaker player – it makes you a smarter one. Easier reeds let you:

• Play longer without fatigue or excess moisture buildup.

• Focus on expression instead of survival.

• Produce more harmonics, giving your pipes that warm, singing quality.

When you’re comfortable, you can relax into your sound! That’s where real tone lives.

Don’t Blow a Gasket

Every piper’s heard of (or been) that guy – the one red in the face, veins bulging, determined to “tame” the monster reed. Sure, it’s impressive for five minutes… until the gasket actually blows.

It’s not worth it. Your tone doesn’t improve with pain – it improves with consistency, control, and mindful practice.

And the very last thing you want to do is injure yourself, temporarily or permanently (a reminder – hernias and muscle injuries are a real possibility here!), for something that's not even helping you produce good music. 

The great players aren’t the ones who blow hardest. They’re the ones who sound best.

Forget the Dogma

The piping world is slowly moving away from the old “hard reed” mentality – and thank goodness.

Good tone isn’t about force. It’s about finesse. If you find yourself wrestling your pipes, try something easier. You’ll play longer, sound better, and actually enjoy it.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to prove your lung power – it’s to make great music. Find the reed that lets you do that, and your pipes (and your body) will thank you.

Check out this episode of our weekly "Ask Dojo Anything" class as Carl and I chat through this concept, as well as a few other common Q&A topics including why most practice chanters sound like sad recorders, whether synthetic reeds will ever be a thing, and the art of miking drones without breaking your neck!