Oboe Reeds
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Singin' Dog Reeds Classic Oboe Reed - Soft
Oboe Reed, Single - Soft Strength
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Is Your Oboe Reed Holding You Back?
Much like a guitar and an amplifier, an oboe and a reed are two parts of the same signal path. Without the reed, the oboe can’t produce pitch. And without the horn, the reed would sound thin and nonmusical — sort of like a pinched balloon. Therefore, it’s important to remember that both parts play a vital role in producing the desired quality of sound.
No, a reed upgrade won’t automatically make you a better player. But choosing the right reed for your horn can give you the tone, comfort, confidence, and intonation to enjoy the journey from the practice room to the recital hall.
In this buying guide, we’ll address common questions about commercial reeds in order to help you feel confident in your next reed purchase.
Cane vs. Synthetic Oboe Reed — Does It Make a Difference?
Natural cane has been the preferred oboe reed medium for centuries. Because each double reed is a complex system of moving parts, some players feel that cane alone can produce the desired shape, vibration, and timbre. If cane has a downside, then it’s that cane reeds must be sucked on or soaked in water prior to use to achieve the proper level of moisture.
Thanks to advancements in composite materials, however, today’s synthetic reeds — sometimes called “plastic reeds” — come quite close to mimicking the response and resistance of cane while eliminating the soaking requirements and inherent limitations of the medium.
How Long Do Oboe Reeds Last?
The lifespan of an oboe reed depends on several factors: material, playing frequency, storage routine, rotation*, climate, etc. If you’re playing every day, then we’d suggest replacing a cane reed every three weeks or as it becomes damaged. Synthetic reeds may last you months or years; we’d suggest rotating these in and out and replacing them as they experience softening and struggle to produce high notes.
* For maximum life, Sweetwater recommends rotating out your reeds daily so that no one reed is more worn than another.
Which Oboe Reeds Are Best for Beginners?
Our best advice to newer oboe players is to try many types of reeds as you develop your playing style. Reeds that are too soft or too resistant can make the oboe difficult to learn and, frankly, not very fun to play.
A great way to determine your tastes is through store-bought reeds like those you’ll find at Sweetwater. Even if you graduate to handmaking your own reeds in time (and many players do), you’ll have the foundations in place to know your preferred reed cut, strength, and material.
Shopping for Oboe Reeds? Sweetwater Is Here to Help!
Are you shopping for your first set of oboe reeds? Looking for a premium pack that can go the distance all season long? Wherever you are in your playing journey, Sweetwater has you covered. Use the shop filters on this page to sort options by brand, series, strength, and quantity.
If you’d like to hear from our experts, then give Sweetwater’s knowledgeable Band & Orchestra specialists a call at (800) 222-4700. No, our advice doesn’t trump that of your oboe instructor, but we’re happy to help guide you to the best reeds for your needs, whether you’re a seasoned pro or still learning the ropes.
What are the most popular brands for Oboe Reeds on Sweetwater.com?
What are the most popular Oboe Reeds on Sweetwater.com?
Why shop Oboe Reeds at Sweetwater.com?
With a massive selection of Oboe Reeds, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Oboe Reeds, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
