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Melvin Elite Brass Chanter Reed
Crafted for Refinement.
 
The Melvin Elite Brass Chanter Reed is designed for experienced pipers and championship-level pipe bands seeking the highest level of tone, projection, and refinement.
 
Each Elite reed is handcrafted from carefully selected, denser cane and built in stronger strengths ranging from 31–42 inches of water. A slightly fuller tip profile provides additional adjustment room, allowing experienced players to fine-tune the reed to their exact preference while maintaining exceptional stability and tonal depth.
 
The result is a rich, vibrant sound with outstanding projection, balance, and harmonic complexity—ideal for Grade 1 and Grade 2 bands, and pipers who demand complete control over their setup.
 
Features
Handcrafted from carefully selected, high-quality cane
 
Available in strengths from 31–42 inches of water
 
Fuller reed tips allow for precise final adjustment
 
Rich, vibrant tone with exceptional body and projection
 
Designed for experienced pipers and championship-level performance
 
Handcrafted by Melvin Reeds in Raleigh, North Carolina
 
Not sure which reed is right for you? The Melvin Brass Chanter Reed remains our flagship reed for the majority of pipers and bands. The Elite is designed specifically for experienced players who prefer stronger reeds and enjoy making precise final adjustments to achieve their ideal setup.
 
Melvin Elite Reeds for Pipe Bands
 
Interested in outfitting your pipe corps with Melvin Elite Reeds?
 
Please contact Melvin Reeds to discuss band pricing, reed selection, and available options for larger band orders.
 
We’ve been working directly with pipe bands to adjust and fine-tune the Melvin Elite Reed to complement the specific chanters they’re playing. Different chanters can respond differently to reed characteristics, and working directly with the band allows us to better understand the sound, strength, and response they’re looking for.
 
Band options can also include individual pressure testing and selection, with each reed measured and marked by its blowing strength in inches of water.
 
Rather than simply ordering reeds in quantity, we can work with your band to develop a reed setup specifically suited to your pipe corps.
 
Contact Melvin Reeds to discuss your band, your chanters, and the options available.
 
**The Melvin Elite Brass Chanter Reed is available on purchases of two or more reeds.

Melvin Elite Brass Chanter Reed

$30.00Price
Quantity

  • Melvin Selection Service

    Add our Reed Selection Service and we'll personally select, measure, test, and prepare your reed based on your chanter, preferred strength, and playing preferences.

    Using the Thistle Tone Reed Tester, we'll measure your reed's pressure in inches of water, evaluate its response and stability, and make any small initial adjustments we feel will help get it closer to what you're looking for before it leaves our workshop.

    And strength isn't the only thing we can select for.

    Need a stable Piobaireachd High G? Prefer a slightly flatter top hand? Looking for a particular High A, F, or D? Tell us. Different reeds have different characteristics, and knowing what you're trying to achieve helps us choose the right reed for your particular setup.

    This service is also especially helpful for pipers who aren't comfortable pinching, poking, sanding, adding moisture, or otherwise manipulating a new reed themselves—or for anyone who simply wants us to do some of that initial work for them.

    Every Melvin reed is made to the same high standards. The Selection Service isn't an upgrade to a “better” reed. You're paying for the additional time and expertise involved in finding and preparing an individual reed specifically for you.

    Tell Us What You're Looking For

    After placing your order, email Melvin Reeds and tell us exactly what you're looking for. The more information you can give us, the better.

    Helpful information includes:

    • Your preferred pressure in inches of water, if known

    • The make and model of chanter you're playing

    • Your bagpipe setup

    • Your location and typical playing conditions

    • Any particular notes or characteristics you're trying to achieve

    • Any issues you're currently trying to solve

    • What you liked—or didn't like—about your previous reeds

    If you don't know your pressure in inches of water, that's okay. Give us as much information as you can and we'll work from there.

    And once you've played the reed, we want your feedback. The more we learn about your preferences, chanter and setup, the better we can become at selecting reeds for you in the future.

    You choose the reed from the Melvin Reed Family. Tell us what you're looking for. We'll help find the one that fits you.

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