Dear EthnicTune team, I am interested in making my own instruments. I have had a lot of trouble making reeds for my duduk. I have attempted about 100 times to prepare the reeds but have never successfully make one that plays well.

The problem is that they crack easily. I shave the reed down and put it in boiling water with a clamp on it in order to flatten it. It is difficult to flatten the reed without really thinning it out. But when it’s too thin, it looses its timber and sounds bad. I would really appreciate it if someone can help me.

Many thanks and hope to hear from you soon.