Handcrafted Reeds for Precision, Stability, and Rich Tonal Warmth in Every Performance.
Handcrafted Reeds for Precision, Stability, and Rich Tonal Warmth in Every Performance.
Handcrafted Reeds for Precision, Stability, and Rich Tonal Warmth in Every Performance.
Handcrafted Reeds for Precision, Stability, and Rich Tonal Warmth in Every Performance.
My goal, as both a reed maker and bassoonist, is to bring stability and warmth to the orchestras I work with, especially within the bassoon section. I understand the importance of reliable equipment that allows musicians to focus fully on their performance. With these reeds, I aim to provide you the confidence to focus on what matters most—making beautiful music. I’m excited to share them with you!
My goal, as both a reed maker and bassoonist, is to bring stability and warmth to the orchestras I work with, especially within the bassoon section. I understand the importance of reliable equipment that allows musicians to focus fully on their performance. With these reeds, I aim to provide you the confidence to focus on what matters most—making beautiful music. I’m excited to share them with you!
Development TK template with Reeds’n Stuff: Development TK template with Reeds’n Stuff: Spring to Summer in 2024, I developed the TK template with meticulous attention to detail to deliver the precision and efficiency that Baroque bassoon players seek. During the design process, I employed Python to visualize the surface curves of my sample reeds that produced exceptional sound. This innovative approach allowed me to analyze and refine the reed profiles digitally, ensuring that every curve contributes to optimal performance. Through this analytical method, I was able to reach my ideal template design.
Development TK template with Reeds’n Stuff: Development TK template with Reeds’n Stuff: Spring to Summer in 2024, I developed the TK template with meticulous attention to detail to deliver the precision and efficiency that Baroque bassoon players seek. During the design process, I employed Python to visualize the surface curves of my sample reeds that produced exceptional sound. This innovative approach allowed me to analyze and refine the reed profiles digitally, ensuring that every curve contributes to optimal performance. Through this analytical method, I was able to reach my ideal template design.
What Makes Our Reeds Unique?
What Makes Our Reeds Unique?
Precision Finishing Process: Every reed undergoes a precise finishing process, Especially for baroque bassoon reeds, using the Reeds ‘n Stuff TK model tip profiler. After five wet-dry cycles, the reeds are tested and adjusted to achieve ideal balance, flexibility, and tonal quality, giving you stability and control in your playing.
Precision Finishing Process: Every reed undergoes a precise finishing process, Especially for baroque bassoon reeds, using the Reeds ‘n Stuff TK model tip profiler. After five wet-dry cycles, the reeds are tested and adjusted to achieve ideal balance, flexibility, and tonal quality, giving you stability and control in your playing.
Sample recording: Graupner GWV 201
Cydonia Barocca in 2021
Tailored for Historical Accuracy: I understand the distinct requirements of different musical periods and the unique role of the bassoon within each. My reeds are crafted with a keen understanding of these nuances, ensuring optimal performance whether you’re playing Baroque, Classical, or Romantic repertoire.
Tailored for Historical Accuracy: I understand the distinct requirements of different musical periods and the unique role of the bassoon within each. My reeds are crafted with a keen understanding of these nuances, ensuring optimal performance whether you’re playing Baroque, Classical, or Romantic repertoire.
Handcrafted by an Expert: I meticulously handcraft each reed, drawing on my extensive career performing with world-renowned ensembles and orchestras. This deep experience ensures each reed meets the highest standards of professional performance.
Handcrafted by an Expert: I meticulously handcraft each reed, drawing on my extensive career performing with world-renowned ensembles and orchestras. This deep experience ensures each reed meets the highest standards of professional performance.
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My Journey with the Historical Bassoons
My Journey with the Historical Bassoons
I’m Takako, and my journey with the baroque bassoon has been shaped by the privilege of performing with some of the world’s most esteemed historical orchestras. I began my career as a baroque bassoonist with Bach Collegium Japan in 2006, an experience that deepened my love for early music and heightened my appreciation for musical collaboration. A highlight of my career came in 2021, when I was invited to perform as a soloist at the Cydonia Barocca Muziekfestival in Ghent—an unforgettable moment.
I’m Takako, and my journey with the baroque bassoon has been shaped by the privilege of performing with some of the world’s most esteemed historical orchestras. I began my career as a baroque bassoonist with Bach Collegium Japan in 2006, an experience that deepened my love for early music and heightened my appreciation for musical collaboration. A highlight of my career came in 2021, when I was invited to perform as a soloist at the Cydonia Barocca Muziekfestival in Ghent—an unforgettable moment.
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It was during these years of performance that I realized the unique demands historical double reed instruments required. This realization led me to start crafting reeds specifically for these instruments. From 2014 to 2017, I had the privilege of working alongside medivak instruments maker Fritz Heller, where we developed Dulcians and Curtals together. This collaboration allowed me to refine my reed-making expertise in a highly specialized environment, ensuring that every reed I create reflects the quality and precision that professional musicians seek.
Currently based in Amsterdam, I perform with leading ensembles and under the direction of renowned musical leaders, including:
Bach Collegium Japan (Masaaki Suzuki)
Yokohama Sinfonietta (Kazuki Yamada)
Les Musiciens du Prince-Monaco (Cecilia Bartoli)
B’Rock Orchestra (René Jacobs)
The Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique (Sir John Eliot Gardiner)
Die Wiener Akademie (Martin Haselböck)
The Holland Baroque
Die Kölner Akademie
Anima Eterna Brugge
Boxwood & Brass
Before discovering the world of historical performance, I had built a foundation in modern bassoon. My early achievements include winning the woodwind section of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Debut Concert competition in 2000. I was also honored at the International Young Artist Presentation (IYAP) in Antwerp in 2014 as a promising ensemble performer. During these formative years, I earned positions with orchestras such as the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, where I served as principal bassoon, as well as with the Yokohama Sinfonietta and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
Born and raised in Japan, however, my passion for Baroque bassoon blossomed after graduation, leading me to pursue further studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. There, I trained under Ronald Karten for modern bassoon and Benny Aghassi for baroque bassoon, earning a Master’s diploma with cum laude in 2011.
In addition to performing, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for historical performance through masterclasses, having taught in Mexico and Argentina. My love for music continues to grow with each performance and every reed I craft, as I aim to bring warmth and stability to the sound of every ensemble and musician I collaborate with.
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