Oboe
There are many different styles, thicknesses, and brands of reeds to choose from when selecting a reed. This page will explain the parts of the reed, different reed styles, help you determine the quality of a reed, brand names your can trust when selecting a store bought reed, and basic adjustments to help your reed play more easily.
What is it?
An oboe reed is made from the cane of the Arundo donax or "giant reed" plant that grows in warm temperate or subtropical regions. It's similar to bamboo in appearance and can grow up to 20 feet tall. Although it grows throughout parts of Asia, North America, and the Mediterranean, only the crops of the southern French départements of Var and Vaucluse are satisfactory for reed making.
Styles of Oboe Reeds
American Scrape -
These are the most common reed in America. The scrape goes almost to the thread making for a free blowing, smoother tone. The wire at the base of the reed is used to adjust the width and opening of the tip. This is not a necessity though, because the tip can be adjusted by scraping more cane instead. |
French Scrape -
The scrape on these reeds, known as a "short scrape", produces a much harder reed with a brighter, more nasal tone. These reeds almost always have a wire for adjustment. |
Pitch of the reed
Having a reed that plays in tune is vitally important before the instrument has any chance of playing with quality intonation. If the reed is out of tune, the instrument is out of tune. Ideally, when only the reed is played it should sound around a C. Two factors go into determining the pitch of a reed.
LENGTH - The reed should play in tune when it is inserted fully into the oboe. Pulling or pushing the reed in and out is not a desirable way to effect the pitch of the instrument. Ideally, 70-72mm should be the length of the reed from base to tip when inserted into the instrument properly.
OPENING - The distance between the two blades of the cane at the tip is the opening. It needs to look like a small flattened football. Too large of an opening causes the reed to play flat. Too small and the pitch goes sharp or won't play at all. Adjusting this part of the reed is a fairly simple way to improve intonation.
LENGTH - The reed should play in tune when it is inserted fully into the oboe. Pulling or pushing the reed in and out is not a desirable way to effect the pitch of the instrument. Ideally, 70-72mm should be the length of the reed from base to tip when inserted into the instrument properly.
OPENING - The distance between the two blades of the cane at the tip is the opening. It needs to look like a small flattened football. Too large of an opening causes the reed to play flat. Too small and the pitch goes sharp or won't play at all. Adjusting this part of the reed is a fairly simple way to improve intonation.
Things to Look for When Selecting a Quality Reed Without Playing It
When you buy a reed at a music store you don't have the opportunity to play test it before you buy it. Below is a list of what to look for when selecting a reed:
Recommended Brands:
- Balance - The two sides of a reed need to be as symmetrical as possible. Hold the reed up to a bright light and look to make sure both sides of the spine look similar and the tip is even.
- Thickness - The thicker the cane, the more stiff the reed will be and will need more air and a stronger embouchure to vibrate properly. Beginners should start on a medium-hard reed to give enough stability to make a good sound, but not so hard it is difficult to vibrate. A bit of resistance is desired but too much will make the oboe unplayable.
- Tip Opening - If you look down the reed from the tip, it should look like a flattened football. If it is too open you will get a shrill, honking sound. Too closed and the reed will not vibrate at all.
Recommended Brands:
- Lesher (best)
- Jones
- Find a private teacher that will make them for you
Common Reed Problems and remedies
Before adjusting your store bought reed. Talk to a professional oboe player about scraping the reed. If you are uncomfortable adjusting the reed when it requires scraping have them do it for you. Always better safe than sorry, because reeds are expensive.