Cornelison Bassoon Forming Pins by LC Double Reeds

Intuitively designed bassoon forming pins by LC Double Reeds. These steel forming pins utilize an alloy and taper which slides easily through the throat of the reed to promote a smoother forming process, while providing enough grip to the cane when fully inserted to promise a sufficient hold while aging the blank. 

Their forming pins, designed by bassoonist and LC Double Reeds' co-founder Conrad Cornelison, can be used with any shape of bassoon cane, have been thoughtfully designed with the Herzberg bassoon shape and "Herzberg Bevel" technique in mind.

Sensing a need for a product which would allow one to monitor consistent forming depths as well as post-bevel depths, they took average measurements of over 100 recently formed and finished reeds to determine where on the forming pin a bassoonist could form his/her reeds to add another element of consistency to one's reed-making.

Each forming pin is laser-inscribed with two lines: one which marks a recommended forming depth, and one which marks a recommended depth after performing the beveling process. They made sure not to include any hard ledges along the length of the forming pin so that their users have the option of deviating from their marks if they so choose. In this instance, their marks could be used as a consistent reference point.

Endorsed by the fine professor of bassoon at Rice University in Houston:

LC Double Reeds “Cornelison” mandrel tips are hands-down the best system I have seen for making well-formed bassoon reeds using the Herzberg shape.  They have excellent guiding lines on the tips so you know exactly how far on the mandrel to go when forming the tube.  As they go further into the reed they bridge the gap between blade and tube giving sturdy, integrated structure to the reed. I give them my highest recommendation.

-Benjamin Kamins