Shapers enable the gouged cane to be cut to the correct shape or form for making the reed. They employ a hardened steel 'shape' on which the cane is laid and firmly held throughout its length; a blade slides along the block (from centre to tail in each direction) cutting the cane very accurately to the same shape as the block. The true centre of the shaped piece is shown by a mark pressed lightly by the clamp into the surface of the cane.

All TA shapers cut the cane in its 'straight' condition, unlike many hand-held shapers which require the cane to be folded before it can be cut. The TA method ensures greater accuracy especially at the tip of the reed where it is so important, the geometry of the cut ensuring a better seal on the finished reed; and the special design of the expanding tail of TA shapers for oboe gives greater mechanical strength to the finished reed.

An expanding range of TA standard shapes is supplemented by designs to suit the special needs of players. This flexibility has been achieved in manufacture through the use of computerised machine tools working to purpose-made programmes.

TA shapers are made in two versions: Hand-shapers (type 800) and Machine-shapers (type 820). Both utilise the same shaper-units (which are easily interchanged). Both versions are available for oboe-type and bassoon-type canes.

TA Machine Shapers

Lifting a lever on TA Machine Shapers separates the shaper-unit from the clamp allowing the cane to be inserted and automatically centred lengthways. Visual adjustments are made to the sideways position when the same lever is lowered again, clamping the cane firmly along its total length. Two blades then move from centre to tail of the cane - both sides simultaneously - and then from centre to tail the other way, controlled by two short handles, one each side of the machine - the work of only two or three seconds. Lifting the lever releases the finished cane. The cane is commonly cut dry.