It is common practice to play harder reeds in band. There is a good reason for this. Harder reeds don’t move too much with pitch versus pressure.
Obviously, some consideration is needed for the individual. If a piper is supplied with a reed that is much too hard for them to blow, they will not produce a good sound. Getting to know your players strength limit is vital for great tone.
What is the perfect strength for best sound?
The perfect reed strength that will enable you to make the best music possible is whatever reed strength you are most comfortable playing. Whenever I watch a video of John D Burgess piping, I marvel at how relaxed he is. He doesn’t tense any part of his body. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but I do know he’s playing a comfortable reed. You’ll never play your best if you are struggling to blow a steady reed. Don’t worry about what the other guy is playing. You are you, and your perfect strength is yours and yours alone. If it’s not the same as the piper next to you it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to justify anything to anybody. Find what is comfortable and you’ll play your best.
