Correct binding of the cane to the staple is extremely important and a few vital factors must be observed. When binding a reed, the last turn of the string must be in line with the end tip of the staple. At this point the two sides of the cane should meet together without undue tension. Therefore, if one determines, that the overall length of the bound reed (before profiling) should be, say, 75mm, the following points must be taken into account: 1) The width of the shaped cane at the belly . 2) The length of the staple and the size of its tip. 3) The diameter of the dube. The combination of these factors will play a major role in determining the length of the bound reed. One may say ' The overall legth of the bound reed is not important because one can still finish the reed to the desired length'. This is true if one does not recognise the enormous importance of the correct tip opening of the reed. This, in turn, effects the overall response and intonation throughout the instrument.

We are all too aware of the fact that many variables are to be taken in to account when making reeds, thus, the art of reed making can be a difficult one. Fortunately we can have a good degree of control over most of these variables. One can never overemphasize the importance of being 'SCRUPULOUS' when selecting the right tube and 'METHODICAL' in performing all of the necessary tasks needed in preparing a reed to the profiling stage. No profiling machine can produce satisfactory results if all of the above is not taken into account.