Abstract: A reed valve assembly is provided with a reed sandwiched between two base members, e.g. a valve plate and a cylinder head of a compressor. The reed is clamped between the two members at a central part whereby both free ends of the reed can flex. The base members are so structured that one free end of the reed forms an intake valve members and the other a discharge valve member, whereby a single reed serves both as an intake valve member and as a discharge valve member. The invention also avoids rivets or the like elements by securing the reed to the base solely by the clamping action of properly recessed faces of the two base members.