I am sorry to hear that the previous reviewer has had a hard time with his reeds. Indeed, the Gibson/Abbot style reeds are a departure from what many are used to. Often those accustomed to weaker practice chanter reeds are shocked at the amount of throughput the Gibson/Abbot reeds can require. The “duck call” noise he describes is generally produced when the tone is not supported, i.e. not putting enough air through the chanter.

The other consideration is that Gibson/Abbot reeds can be altered by proper sanding and/or trimming to alter both the pitch and strength of the reed. Such an endeavor should only be undertaken when one is fully aware of what he or she is doing. However, given the fact that normal “breaking in,” humidity, and temperature can affect the way the reed sounds, the fact that the reed can be ‘tweaked’ should not be overlooked.

Overall, I would contend that the Gibson/Abbot reed is the new standard. The power, vibrancy, and responsiveness is unparalleled. Paired with the proper practice chanter, you will find a quality of tone you previously thought impossible in a practice chanter. Definitely recommended, provided you have a practice chanter that will accept wide-bladed reeds. For chanters that require a narrower blade and like a higher degree of backpressure, I have always enjoyed Warnock reeds for such a purpose.

good price on quite possibly the best practice chanter reed on the market. They do work best in the Gibson chanters, and very well in others that have a large reed chamber. Not quite so well in the slimmer practice chanters (like the shepherd, which sounds great with narrow bladed reeds).

I was frustrated with practice reeds: sound, lack of tonal quality, instability. The one that came with my first practice chanter was real junk! I bought about one of everything in practice reeds, but didn’t get a Gibson/Abbot because of some negative reviews I had read. (Among these, I preferred the Walsh reed. Henderson/Warmac are nice for those who blow softly.) I have played them all!

An Abbot reed came with a used Gibson chanter I purchased. Liking, but having stability issues with the Abbot, I decided to try Gibson. My first reaction was just like that of the one-star review on this list. His is a sad story because now I know the fix. The seller gave me the instruction and courage I needed to sand the reed (instructions on the internet, Gibson/Abbot reeds). Now, I won’t have another! I was also able to tune up the Abbot reed.

It is relatively hard to blow, but I’m used to it. (Seems it’d be good training to maintain a bag.)

Gibson is a consistent and reliable reed. The sound is terrific throughout the scale, and practice is a real pleasure! It makes music!

Some won’t like a Gibson reed: too complicated, too hard to blow,… Although she likes hearing it, my wife won’t play it. It seems: you either swear by it like I do, or you swear at it.