Reeds for Oboe - What Type of Reed Do I Use

Copyright (c) 2010 Robert Hinchliffe

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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