We've discovered a new item called the "light plaque" which we have found useful in reed making. 

While not yet inexpensive, it offers a new way to see the blades of a bassoon reed.  Here are links:

http://www.doublereed.fi/ (in Finnish and English; possibly more useful in Europe)

http://www.reedmaker.com/lightp.html (possibly more useful in North America)

Bassoon.org has no connection with these sites.