". . . an extraordinary book, monumental and challenging . . . Buy this book and immerse yourself in it. You will enter a new world." -American Musical Instrument Society Newsletter

With 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.

The book that no bassoonist can live without.

About the Author

James McKay is Chair of Music Performance at the University of Western Ontario.

Russel Hinkle (bio data to come).

William Woodward has a mail-order reed business and (bio data to come).

Reviews
"This book codifies the practices of a man who devoted his life to researching and developing practices to improve the art of reedmaking - Louis Skinner... This is the written account of what in the past has been an oral (and aural) tradition passed down from the bassoon teacher to the students... Lou Skinner catalogued his reed experimentation, and over the years developed these unique techniques that are unknown refinements to the traditional reedmaker. Only those persons who went and studied with Skinner directly were made aware of them in the past." - Ronald Klimko, University of Idaho, Moscow "Reading Skinner's comments one is struck by the logic and clarity of his analysis, thinking, and explanations. His consideration of reed characteristics is universal; he accounts for all of the physical factors: embouchure, air supply, pitch level, cane strength." - Christopher Weait, Ohio State University



Book Information
ISBN 9780253213129
Author James R. McKay
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press
Weight(grams) 485g