Steuer Reeds

as the soul of any woodwind instrument, thanks to its intimate communion with the artist who has chosen it, the reed is the key which unlocks all the performer’s potential… in germany, near lake constance in the late 1940s, a reed maker, gebhart steuer, called on honorat donati, a producer of music reed cane. this cane, arundo donax, known for its exceptional vibratory qualities, grows along the shores of the mediterranean, in the var area of france. the donati family in carqueiranne knows the secrets of good reed cane production. simultaneously fragile, flexible, and strong (it bends but does not break), this long stem, from which the delicate little musical reeds will be produced, requires a great deal of care. only an adaptable wood, which has been able to bend and develop its “muscles” at the mercy of the wind for many long months, can provide this combination of flexibility and sturdiness, essential to the demands of the artist. this is how the reed is able to meet the musicia