Chris Apps Chanter Reeds The Apps G3 bagpipe chanter reed is cut with a CNC mill and hand finished by Chris Apps. The technology ensures uniformity while the hand finish guarantees quality. Every reed produced is free, has a huge volume, is stable and produces a big vibrant sound throughout the scale. Available in hard, medium and easy strengths. Shipped humidified and ready to play. Helpful Tips: -when you receive your reeds, slightly dampen them &, if necessary, pinch the sound box. Pinching will ease it & allow easier blowing-in experience. You may pinch the reed occasionally to maintain the ease of blowing. -if, after pinching, the reed is still too strong, you may need to slightly scrape the blades of the lay (the top half of the reed). Do only a little at a time and evenly on each side. Use a very sharp utility knife and scrape lightly. A rubber band (3/16" diameter & force 4 oz) placed just above the black hemp will ease the reed too. -if you find the reed is flat on the 'F', pinch the reed; applying rubberbands may help too. If you have this problem with an easier reed, you can trim the tips of the blades with a very sharp knife.