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subject: Reeds - What Type of Reed Do I Use For The Oboe [print this page]

Reeds - What Type of Reed Do I Use For The Oboe

In one sense playing the oboe can be thought of as a

partnership. The three components of that partnership are

the oboe, the player and the reed. The three components have

to be compatible or the end result is unlikely to be good.

Obviously, all players are different and there are various

types and makes of oboe. Similarly there are several

different ways to make a reed.

I think of the reed as being the valve which joins the

player to the oboe. As with any other kind of valve, if is

inferior or faulty, the oboe will not work properly, - and

it doesn't make a blind bit of difference how good or

expensive the oboe is. So, this whole issue of reeds for

oboe is a very crucial one for all players, beginners or

professionals.

There are several different ways to scrape a reed. The

'scrape' is simply the name we give to the part of the reed

where the bark has been removed. The three main types of

scrape are the V-scrape, the W-scrape and the U-scrape. The

letter names refer to the shape created by the removal of

the bark. Some players prefer one type and some another. If

you are unsure as to which one to use then simply try all

three and settle for the one which is most comfortable and

gives you the sound and facility which you are looking for.

In the UK, the 'U' or 'thumbnail' scrape is the one most

widely used. There tend to be national preferences in other

countries around the world.

Another issue is the strength of the reed. The strength is

basically defined by the thickness of the cane used. In my

experience most professional players use a 'medium-soft'

reed. Some players prefer a little more thickness and use a

'medium' reed. Soft reeds are often used by out-and-out

beginners as they tax the lip muscles very little. It is

possible to get reeds harder than 'medium' but I would not

recommend them. The ideal reed is one which has enough

thickness to give a good tone but without stressing the

embouchure too much.

Once you have ascertained which type and strength of reed

suits you best, assuming you are not making your own, where

would you purchase good quality reeds. One over-riding piece

of advice I would give here is to always, always buy reeds

which have been handmade. In these days of online shopping,

use your search engine to track down reeds made by

specialists. If you do go into a music shop to buy reeds for

oboe, always ask if the reeds are handmade. If the shop

assistant can't or won't answer, take that as a "No!" The

mass produced reeds are made on machines and come to you

totally untested. They will cost you just as much as

handmade reeds, often, in my experience, even more and 90%

of the time they are complete rubbish!

As you become a more advanced player you will reach a point

where you will be looking to make reeds for oboe yourself.

This is the ideal as you can make the reeds exactly the way

you like them. Your teacher will guide you in this. Very

young players rarely make their own reeds as it does involve

the use of sharp knives and other tools. It is not a

difficult skill to learn but it will take time to master it.

So do remember that reeds for oboe are crucial to your

success as an oboist. If your reed is old, shoddy or faulty,

your playing will be hard work and will sound poor. Always

try to stay ahead of the situation so that you always have

spare reeds available. There is nothing more frustrating

than having your favourite reed chewed by the dog the day

before a concert when you don't have a decent spare reed to

turn too.

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