The Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Drone reed was redesigned in 2013 to improve the brightness and brilliance of the tenor reeds. The Kinnaird Evolution Drone Reeds are bright but not buzzy. The very popular Kinnaird Bass reed is largely the same as the previous design with slightly more power. Similar to the Kinnaird Carbon Fibre Reed, a metal set screw and allen key allows for easy adjustment of tuning height. The reed body and seats are glass fibre and stronger than other reeds. Pitch adjustment is with the tuning screw in the nose cone. The o-ring bridle is used to control air flow. These reeds are extremely air efficient. They are easy to set-up and offer excellent moisture resistance. The reeds have a curved carbon fibre molded tongue.
If you play an easy reed or struggle with your pipes, consider the "Easy" version which come set up out of the box easier than our regular reeds. Customization available, please inquire.
Testimonials:
"I have been playing a full set of the new Kinnaird Evolution Drone Reeds and am absolutely delighted with the entire combination. In my Naill pipe they are producing a full tonal quality without being overpowering. The tenors are tuning around the hemp line, resulting in a bright and warm effect. They balance perfectly with the bass. The harmonics resulting from the entire combination are quite impressive. All three reeds are extremely air efficient, and probably require about the same amount of air as a good going set of cane reeds. They produce a depth and warmth without the undesirable buzz associated with many synthetic reeds. I am also pleased with their ease of "strike in" and how easy it is to manage an efficient cutoff at the end of a performance. The efficiency of the reeds allows for amazing tuning stability while performing. In short, I'm loving these reeds!" - Bob Worrall
"I have played Rob Kinnaird’s drone reeds for years in both my sets of Henderson pipes. I thought I had the perfect reed for the perfect instrument. It is hard to improve on perfection, but Rob has done it. Using his engineering background, he has taken a great product and made it a superlative product. By harmonically analyzing the tenor sound, he has been able to enhance the timbre. Not one of us can single out a specific harmonic, but it is obvious that the higher end harmonics are present in the current model. Immediately on inserting the tenor reeds I hear an impressive “new” brightness to the tone quality – something I have never experienced before. They are stable and easily pitched using his unique nosecone screw to set the tenors well up on the hemp line for superior resonance and tuning stability. I experienced a slight increase in volume as well, part due to their perfect match. The bass has been altered slightly to produce a harmonious blend with the tenors. Air efficiency is superb. In fact, these reeds strike in with ease, a feature every piper will enjoy… no fear of early introductions. Cut offs are precise with little need for stoppage plugs. I have played these reeds for many hours of enjoyment. Count on me to order another set for my pipes and encourage all my students to do likewise. Well done, Rob…. much appreciated." - Ken Eller
"I've been enjoying playing your redesigned drone reeds. Fantastic! I've compared them with all of the other reeds I have presently, including your old design, and I can't find any other reeds else that gives the same richness and resonance. Well done and congratulations on another great product." - Jori Chisholm, Founder of BagpipeLessons.com
"Rob Kinnaird has been making superb drone reeds for many years now, and much to my surprise he has just made them better! The tenors are now richer and steadier than ever, more air efficient and less likely to double-tone. Combine these with what I've always felt was one of the best bass drone reeds there is, and I have no hesitation in ranking Kinnaird among the leading drone reed makers on the planet today." - Jim McGillivray, McGillivray Piping
We stand behind our products. Please let us know if you have any problems with your purchases, and we'll find a way to help.
Multiple item discounts are available. Ask us for more details.
Wow!, January 28th, 2019 07:49 pm By: John Thompson
I’m a new piper but a lifelong musician at 53 years old. I am currently in a pipe band and have been on the pipes for just over a year. I recently switched out the drone reeds in my MacCallum ABW’s and all I can say is WOW! What a difference. Plug and play. The brightness and clarity of these drone reeds is quite amazing. I would recommend 100%! Excellent reeds, January 9th, 2019 06:44 pm By: Gordon MacDonald(Piper Grade 1) Read my other reviews
I just finished setting up a new set of Evolutions in my Wylie pipes and the results are impressive.. The reeds produce an excellent harmonic with less air and give a slight up tick in volume over my old setup of Kinnaird tenors and EZ drone inverted bass that I had played for years. Thank you for continuing to improve your reeds. - Gordon MacDonald Made my kids day, December 3rd, 2018 11:12 am By: Tina Stalker
When my son got his first set of pipes, we knew where to go. Kinnairds Evolution reeds allow him the adjust the reeds to his comfort level. Although I know nothing about these, my son loves them. Being shown how to adjust them and install them was perfect. Daniel is the piper in my house and truly loves the ease of use and the ease of playing these reeds. I highly recommend the EVOLUTION reeds yo any piper new or old. The sound is amazing, no screech or scratchy sounds at all, just nice playing Whole band plays them, December 3rd, 2018 10:53 am By: Robert Reibl(Piper ) Read my other reviews
We really like the sound and efficiency of those reeds. The whole band plays them now Great set - perfect for the relaxed player, December 3rd, 2018 10:44 am By: Ryan Moore
So i'm not as heavy a player as I used to be... getting my pipes out a couple times a week, if that.
But when I play, I want them to be as ready as possible and these are great for that. Just a little warming up and they're singing. Hardly any tweaks were needed.
Definitely an improvement over the originals these have a definitive 'wood sound' to them.
I have them in my McCallums with achiltibuie drying system and if anything I need to tweak those things more than the reeds (when I'm really playing heavily for say July 4th parades, those things really let the moisture through) revolutionised my playing, December 3rd, 2018 10:39 am By: John Baklinski(Piper ) Read my other reviews
I bought these reeds at the recommendation of my instructor and let me tell you they are wonderful. I felt like I had been fighting my pipes and just couldn't get a good consistent sound that I was happy with. Ever since I started using these I felt like I got a whole new set of better pipes. I would highly recommend them if you are looking to get the most out of any set of pipes. PERFECT, August 3rd, 2018 03:23 pm By: Jake Carpenter
I really hope Rob Kinnaird doesn't retire any time soon. This guy has really out done himself with these Edge reeds. I'm completely amazed at how awesome they sound. Just complete amazement. I wouldn't put any other reeds in my pipes. Full sound and very efficient., May 18th, 2018 09:37 pm By: Daniel Mallais(Piper Beginner) Read my other reviews
These are a lifesaver, super comfortable to play. Using less air, September 17th, 2017 07:16 am By: Tom Garcia(Piper Beginner none) Read my other reviews
I'm new to piping, I placed these in my drones and they seem to do the job well. I have stopped making unintentional strange noises from my drones. Kinnard provided wonder support. My base drone just stopped working due to a bring bridal breaking. One pleasant call and they sent replacements. The drones sound great when played by my pipe sgt. at this point I'm happy to sound. Great stable drone sound, March 19th, 2017 02:54 pm By: J. Gordon Titsworth(Piper 3) Read my other reviews
Have used for older players, and new ones to great effect. Great in Hardie pipes, January 11th, 2017 10:30 am By: Robert Trayner(Piper ) Read my other reviews
I too have evolutions in my set of late '60s RG Hardie pipes and am constantly complimented on the sound of my pipes. I'm sure it's the reeds. I'm sure as heck it's not my playing. Kinnaird Evolution Reeds, January 2nd, 2017 06:41 am By: Takeshi Morishige(Piper ) Read my other reviews
This is the great reeds producing a deep and nice tone with the very high efficiency. Thank you for a great product. Kinnaird Evolution Drone Reeds, November 19th, 2016 05:36 am By: Rudi Driesen(Piper student-piper) Read my other reviews
Got my 3th set as a spare set...
One works outstanding on my Lawrie from the 60's and the other set I used them in my Peter Henderson PH02A that I bought recently...In both pipes they sound great and don't use a lot of air...they are verry stable and in cold condition I dont have problems with condence on the reeds...for me a great product Great Reeds, April 9th, 2016 07:50 am By: Donald Mearns(Piper ) Read my other reviews
Not much to say great reeds just as advertised. • Kinnaird Evolution Drone Reeds, January 1st, 2016 10:56 am By: Mirjam Suppers
The reeds are awesome! Very worthwhile the investment. The only thing I did not take into account is the additional custom clearance costs of E 30,- :-(
But, I am going to start saving money for a spare set of drone reeds so if something happens I have them at hand! I never want to play with other drone reeds again! The sound is amazing and I was starting to doubt myself with the former reeds because I was having troubles with the cut off but with my new Kinnaird reeds I am doing fine!!! I am soooo happy!!!! The Best!!, October 13th, 2015 10:38 am By: John McIntyre
I've had my new reeds for a few months, and could not be more pleased. I've tried many others over the past 25 years, and have always been frustrated until now. They've performed perfectly from the very first try, and I play a lot! In addition to the great sound and easy strike-in, the pointed ends make it easier to install in the stocks without bumping them loose. All around great reeds! Wonderful product, July 9th, 2015 02:53 pm By: Warwick Mitchell(Piper ) Read my other reviews
What are the odds of purchasing a set of drone reeds and not having to tune them in? That seems to have happened when I started using Kinnaird Evolution Drone reeds. I set them up in my Wallace pipes and have never had to adjust them. I was having a fair amount of trouble with the reeds I was using but Evolution reeds have changed my outlook on piping. I often get comments from other band members who say how nice the reeds sound. I couldn't be happier. Excellent reeds., September 24th, 2014 09:04 pm By: Allan Walker(Piper 4) Read my other reviews
I've played the Evolution reeds all year in competition and I've had many compliments about the sound of my pipes. I'm very impressed. The reeds have beautiful tone, are rock steady, and are easy to maintain.
I'm probably going to have to buy a second set because my other set of pipes, which don't have Evolution reeds, are borderline unpleasant to listen to now. Great Product!, May 8th, 2014 01:40 pm By: Reed Lancaster(Piper N/A) Read my other reviews
I have installed the tenor reeds in my 2007 Naills, with a Canning bass. Just a great sound, and just what I was looking for in a tenor drone reed. Louder, more buzz without being overly so, and very air efficient. Excellent harmonics once the pipe is in tune. Very steady indeed. Strike ins are a snap, and cut offs the same. Just a great product, and a fine improvement based on the previous edition. I have bought a second set for my Atherton MacDougall model, and am getting a third set as a back up. I will try the bass drone reed soon, and get back to you when I do. Well done, Rob! Great sounding drone reeds, September 27th, 2013 01:34 pm By: Fabian Martin
I've got my set of Kinnaird Evolution a couple of months ago (got them from Gordon MacDonald, of Island Bagpipe, who should also get a 5-star review from me!). I'm using them with my Peter Henderson drones. They worked fine inmediately when I set them in, no tweaking needed at all. Bold and robust bass drone sound, tenors blending perfectly, nice harmonics, easy to lock on, and they *stay* in tune. I like them for both solo and band playing (especially for solo, though!). So far, my best piping-related purchase of 2013. Bold in Hardie Pipes, September 12th, 2013 09:04 pm By: Charlie Martin(Piper ) Read my other reviews
I just finished setting up a set in my 1968 Hardies. Hardies are known for their "mellow" sound. Not with these reeds!. Bold, steady, well-blended. I have a set with the easier tongues to match my chanter setup better. This is now my band set of reeds. Lots of great qualities but, September 8th, 2013 05:09 pm By: Patrick McLaurin(Piper ) Read my other reviews
These reeds meet all my criteria, however they have one drawback in my opinion, and that is they are rather buzzy. In speaking with Rob, he believes this is an effect of the pronounced overtones of having made the reeds brighter. No doubt there is more tenor presence and the bass is a bit deeper than the older model, but it comes at the price of the buzziness. Other than that, the reeds are excellent. Air efficient and generally work very well, plug and play as expected. Even better than the original, September 7th, 2013 12:38 pm By: John Dennis(Piper ) Read my other reviews
I just finished setting up the new Evolution reeds in my Dunbar blackwood bagpipe, and I am so impressed with the design and sound produced. The tenors in particular are brighter sounding, and with the bass reed, my drones filled the room. Big, bold, easy to set and adjust....these are great reeds. Going to have to order a second set for my Kron's. Fantastic plug and play reeds that handle moisture well, and make cut offs so easy. Way to go Rob!
Wow!, January 28th, 2019 07:49 pm
Using less air, September 17th, 2017 07:16 am