A stainless steel reed is formed by cutting a strip of full-hard stainless. A rounded edge is formed at the tongue end of the strip which is then tapered toward the tongue end by friction extraction of material from the lower surface to form a wedge. Additional material is removed from the central portions of the lower side of the tongue end to create a generally concave depression. Material remaining around the perimeter of the depression acts as supports for the thin center section created by the concave depression, permitting harmonic vibration in the center section while maintaining adequate strength. A method of forming a stainless steel reed includes cutting strips of full-hard stainless steel to fit the mouthpiece of the instrument. The tongue end of the strip is rounded and the lower surface is tapered toward the tongue end by friction extraction. A concave depression is created in the tongue end by friction extraction.
