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The oboe is one of only a few instruments that uses a double reed, which can be very temperamental. Some reeds will
work just the way you get them from the store, and others require a little extra
work to make a nice sound. Since each reed is unique and has its own personality,
make sure you start out with at least three reeds.
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bad example High | Low
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good example High | Low
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As you can see I had no idea what a good reed was. My assistant reminded
me that I should find a reputable source, such as Woodwind & Brasswind
, Forrests Music or Oboe Works, and that I should
start out with a medium-hard reed. Anything softer may feel easier
to play, but will not help you make the best sound possible.
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Don't put that reed in your mouth yet! Read through the all the mesmerizing
reed information below before moving on to the next step!
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bad example High | Low
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good example High | Low
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Who knew oboe reeds had to be wet before they would work? The reed
I tried to start out with had something sticky on it and I thought that would be
enough, but my assistant reminded me that reeds should be soaked in lukewarm water
before trying to play on them. Any small plastic container works well for this,
such as a film (ask an elderly adult what film is) or thoroughly-cleaned prescription
canister.
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- Expensive | From $7 and up!
- Handmade | That's why they're expensive!
- Toughness | Make sure you start out with medium
hard!
- Self-Babbling | Makes its own sound, called a crow!
Can sometimes be mistaken for a quack, but that's what we're trying to prevent here.
- Brands | Lesher
, Fox Artist
, and Meason
are all good for young students.
- Do treat them gently and protect them! Make sure
you have a reed case, such as this cheap one: Fox Oboe Reed Case
 ,
or either of these very nice ones: J. Winter or
Wiseman
oboe reed cases. - Do keep them safe while handling
or playing! Never let anything but your mouth touch the tip of your precious reed!
- Do not let a reed problem discourage you from playing
the oboe! You'll go through thousands of reeds in your lifetime. Don't let a quacker
stop you!
- Do make sure your reed is wet before you play!
- Don't use reeds made out any synthetic materials,
such as Fibercane or Fibracell. You'll never get a natural sound on unnatural
materials! Go mother nature!
- Don't use reeds that are wrapped with wire. Your
reeds should only be wrapped with thread!
- Don't use reeds with a French (short) scrape. Your
reeds should look dull, not shiny, as this means not enough of the bark was scraped
off. That's why we don't want a 'short scrape' reed.
- Don't ever play on a dry reed!
We've uncovered some oboe reed
footage from the 1940's that has NEVER BEFORE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC!
Incredible!
back to intro |
on to air
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