Pat Whitlock wrote in 000111 MMD:

> Is there any way to straighten reeds without altering their pitch?

While I am far from expert in such matters, I have to wonder exactly
what you're doing here.  According to my reading on the subject, reeds
are frequently slightly twisted in order to facilitate the air movement
that makes the reed vibrate, thereby reducing the pressure differential
required to operate it.

If you are trying to flatten a reed twisted in this manner you will
greatly increase the force needed to pump the organ -- perhaps beyond
the ability of the pump mechanism to supply -- and you will alter the
sound as well.  If the reed is out-and-out bent, then you'll need to
replace it, any attempt to bend it back will result in impaired sound.

Organ reeds are usually some brass alloy (smaller organs sometimes used
wood) and can be had from the appropriate metal supply house.  The big
problem is how to temper them to get the right tone.  You might read up
on the topic in a good metal-working book.

regards,

Larry Smith