And your cousin is who? Is he a hobby builder (that's not a pejorative, I am a hobby builder, or trying to be) or does he build them for sale? He is right. Making reeds is an art in itself, and adjusting them during the year is another.

I would probably take a little issue. Getting the chanter right is pretty difficult. It is a conical bore, and one has to deal with shrinkage in the wood. Usually one cuts the billets, and rough bores them, and lets them sit for a year or more. Then some turning, a little more boring, and let them sit. Finish bore and polish. It is a demanding process. Never mind the various turns you put on them.

There are a lot of cool woods folks are using.

Mick