First, like everyone else, I'm going to say talk to your instructor. He or she will know a lot more about this and about your particular situation than anyone here, since we can't hold your pipes and blow your reed to compare with what we know and love.

If you want an easy reed, try Abedour Easy reeds. I've been told that they are made by Duncan Soutar, but I am not sure I was told right. I play a Soutar easy most of the time (I've also been happy with Higgins Easy reeds, though they are a little harder than Soutars). My son is 9 and just started on the big pipes. He has an Abedour reed in his chanter and it is very easy to blow.

I don't believe in playing gut-busters. In fact, Jack Lee doesn't advocate such a practice (the local band has had him up a couple of times for workshops), so there's some credibility for you. For now, play the easiest reed you can get and work to learn the blowing and squeezing. That's totally key to playing well. When you have that down, start looking for the best reed for your setup.

I do suggest Soutar reeds because they are so predictable. Apps will make a reed to match your exact pressure if you pay a little extra (great service to offer). Higgins are lovely reeds, so far, but I don't have enough time on them to give more than initial impressions.

With care, a chanter reed should last you 6-12 months. Again, that's according to Jack Lee. He does scrape and poke his reeds without fear or mercy.

When you are ready to adjust reeds (in another few months, likely), get a reed mandrel and several spare reeds. Pick out the reed you like the least after trying them all in your pipes for several tunes. Work on that one to adjust it however you are wanting to. Poke the mandrel into the staple to make it a little harder-blowing (this makes for a better top hand if you don't overdo it). Scrape the center of the blades if you need to ease it up. Pick out the reed you really don't mind killing and try to make it a winner. I've slaughtered a few reeds so far, but I no longer fear scraping or poking to get the performance I want.

-Patrick