Reeds

The best has been kept to the end! Reeds are a topic that could fill many books. They are the part of the Oboe that is totally an unknown quantity. Oboe reeds are made from shaped and scraped cane (similar to garden canes) that are bound onto the staples. The staple with a base covered in cork is carefully pushed into the top of the Oboe.  

The cane part is totally fragile and the slightest knock or touch, even against your teeth, can cause it to split and that expensive reed, or your favourite playing tool, is DEAD. Guard it with you life. Never leave it in the oboe when you are not playing. Either place it in a case, or keep it loosely in your mouth.

There are three major points regarding your reeds, all of which are explained in detail in Tips & Techniques but for the moment it is enough if you understand that it is of paramount importance that you:

• (1) Soak reeds in plain tap water for about five minutes before starting to play. Use enough in a small glass just to cover the tip.

•  (2) Choose the correct strength to suit you and the strength of your muscles. Too soft and you will play sharp; too hard and you will play flat.

• (3) Break in new reeds slowly so, as with shoes, they will reward you with long life if you do! 

In your oboe case is a slot for a reedcase which will hold three reeds. This will carry the main reeds you are playing on at the present time. You will also need a larger case for say ten or a dozen reeds as you will eventually acquire old reeds and new reeds plus, ones under construction.  You need to have three with you for performance etc as you could have an accident and split one at any time.

In the early stages you are best to have reeds professionally made for you. Once you become more proficient it is possible to buy reeds at different stages of construction from basic shaped cane through to part scraped. You can learn to make your own reeds from these basic supplies if you wish. This is a time consuming enterprise and, if you are a busy person, it could absorb too much of your practicing time. Tips and Techniques will help you learn how to do repair jobs, or to understand reed making in more depth, but the professionally made reeds by a personal reedmaker can be recommended as a way of giving you maximum time to enjoy your playing.

Consult Oboe Tips and Techniques for much more detail about the fascinating world of reed making and pointers to finding a reedmaker whose reeds suit you and enable you to produce a super Oboe sound.