Emily’s Bassoon Reeds
Emily offers two carefully crafted reed options: the Rieger 1A shape with a Herzberg style
scrape and the Garfield style reed (Fox 1 shape). Each reed is designed to give players a
reliable, responsive, and enjoyable playing experience while offering different characteristics to
suit individual needs.
Rieger 1A: Versatile & Reliable
The Rieger 1A is a true do-it-all reed and one of the most popular reed shapes made in
America. Known for its stability and consistency, it helps support secure intonation and smooth
out note cracks, particularly in the tenor register. This reed is an excellent choice for players
looking for a dependable, versatile reed that can handle everything from daily practice to
performance.
Garfield: Flexible & Responsive
The Garfield is an American style reed developed in Philadelphia, designed for players who
want greater flexibility and control over resistance. Its responsive design makes soft playing feel
effortless, allowing the player to produce a quiet, controlled sound without having to fight the
reed. The Garfield is especially well suited to students with a well-developed embouchure and a
strong understanding of intonation.
BIO
Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Emily Mastenbrook (she/they) is currently pursuing a Doctor of
Musical Arts with Dr. Muñoz at the University of Missouri–Kansas City after resigning from the
Sarajevska Philharmonika. A core principle in Emily’s teaching and research is fostering pain-
free, sustainable performance. She has guided numerous musicians toward playing with greater
ease and efficiency. Emily specializes in orchestral performance, contrabassoon, bassoon
repair, educational outreach, and chamber music.
