The Beginning.
Dr. Wendal Jones
Jones Double Reed Products (JDRP) has produced oboe and bassoon reeds for over fifty years.
The company started on the kitchen table of Dr. Wendal Jones, who in the 1960’s, made reeds for his students at the University of Arizona. During those days other professional double reed players and school music directors, began requesting that he make reeds for them.
Dr. Jones soon became interested in finding machinery that would make this process possible. However, he soon realized that he would have to create the devices himself, since only the simplest machines were readily available in those days.
The Quest for the Finest Double Reeds
The Making of Our Machines
The first machine to be created ended up being one of the most complex -- a profiling that operates continuously. This profiler is also capable of producing different patterns of “the scrape”. An extremely talented local toolmaker in Arizona helped a great deal in the design and construction of that machine and it is still in use today. Starting at that level was the inspiration that has led to the creation of many machines, devices, and techniques that are the backbone of Jones Double Reed Productd.
By utilizing CNC technology, multiple machines can be programmed to cut many different patterns of profiles. This technology has allowed JDRP to become one of the largest producers of oboe and bassoon reeds in the world.
Where Our Cane Comes From
Finding reliable sources of cane was of the utmost importance when JDRP was being formed.
All of our cane comes from predominantly the Var region of France and the Mediterranean region of Spain, where undeniably the best cane is grown.
Both single reeds (clarinet & saxophone) and double reeds (oboe and bassoon) are made from the same natural product, Arundo Donax. This cane is a tall perennial cousin to grass that grows year-round.
Meet Jake
The current manager of Jones Double Reeds. Jake Swartz is skilled in all things manufacturing and has implemented new technology and machinery that brings your double reeds to life.
JDRP currently employs over thirty people, all of whom have very diverse backgrounds. We have artists, teachers, professional musicians, and so on. Our employees are all committed to crafting products that are consistent of the highest quality.