Principal Reeds

REED CARE ~Dip In Water, Set Out Two Minutes, White Dot Faces Down, Play~

 

Upon Receiving Your Reeds  First, dip all reeds in water; do not soak. Place the wet reed on a clean surface for about two minutes. Immediately blow the water out of each reed from the cork end. Gently squeeze and hold the wet reed shut at the throat (the cane just above the thread) until it is the opening you prefer. This temporarily makes the reed feel as it will once broken in. Briefly try each reed in the oboe using the same, simple melody for comparison. Remember that the reeds should feel like they have potential, not absolutely perfect at first.

 

Dip in Water  Wetting the reed in your mouth does not saturate the inside of the reed and it will not vibrate properly. Prolonged soaking will cause it to expand and feel heavy. Carry a leak-proof container in your oboe bag to dip your reed in water.

 

White Dot  The white dot faces down when playing. It is a quick way to identify the shorter side of the reed for the best response. When the blade is cut at this angle, it helps the stability and tone of the reed. 

 

Rotate Your Reeds  It is important to use all handmade reeds in rotation, rather than saving new reeds for future use. Handmade reeds need to be played for the wood to settle properly. They sound better than store bought reeds because they are so delicate and contoured and, therefore, more likely to warp when they sit unused. Organize all of your reeds in order, from ready-to-play reeds to break-in reeds. Choose three dependable reeds for public performance and rotate the rest during home practice. Reevaluate the order of the reeds in your case weekly using the steps above: Upon Receiving Your Reeds.

 

How many reeds should I have?  Have as many reeds as possible at different stages. For example, three new reeds, three break-in reeds, three performance reeds, and three or more old, dependable reeds. Aim to keep reeds at each stage and you can be confident that you will always have a playable reed.

 

How long does a reed last?  The length a reed lasts depends on the density and type of cane, how much it is played, the player’s habits and some good luck. A new reed will need to be broken in until it is performance ready. Then as the reed ages, the cane weakens, the opening becomes smaller and the edges fray. Tonguing and dynamics will become difficult. Old, closed reeds can be soaked up to five minutes. Squeezing a reed open or soaking a reed are only temporary solutions. The reed will slowly close and feel weaker as you play. Some reeds last weeks, while others peak during only one intense performance. Have another reed ready in rotation for when your best reed fails.

 

Beginners  Breakage is the primary cause for beginners to lose a reed. Students should bring the reed to their mouth very slowly to avoid hitting their teeth when learning to play. Always carry reeds in a small case (not in your mouth or a water cup) when waiting to go on stage for a concert or rehearsal. This will avoid over-soaking the reed or bumping into someone and breaking it. When learning to double, practice the skill of switching between the oboe and English horn without damaging the reed.

 

Storage  Reeds are not meant to be stored in the plastic containers in which they arrive. Immediately move your reeds to a sturdy reed case. The case should not allow the reeds to move around if you shake it. Invest in a large case for twelve or more reeds to store reeds at various stages of use. Buy an additional small, three-reed case for your best reeds for public performance.

 

Sanitizing Your Reeds  Oboists do not need to sanitize their reeds daily, however at times, such as after an illness, you may want to clean your reeds more thoroughly. Dip the entire reed/cork in 3% hydrogen peroxide until it is saturated inside and out. Place the wet reed on a clean surface for ten minutes. Then rinse off the hydrogen peroxide with running water. Blow out the water from the cork end. For ten seconds, gently squeeze and hold the wet reed shut at the throat (the cane just above the thread) until it returns to the opening you prefer. Let the reed dry out completely. Be sure your reed case is not airtight so your reeds do not mildew. Although these tips are not guaranteed to sanitize your reeds, they are habits widely used by oboists to stay healthy. Other woodwind sanitary practices include changing your reed water daily, never sharing reeds, and always washing your hands thoroughly before touching your reeds or oboe.

 

Cost of Reeds  Craftsmanship and maintenance of equipment is the main cost of handmade reeds. Reed-makers are a combination of musician and woodworker, studying for many years to perfect their skills. A variety of costly equipment is necessary to make reeds from tube cane. Labor is invested in both the creation of each reed and retesting the function of the reed over time before shipment.

​

Reed Making  Ideally, oboists should make their own reeds. Realistically, because of a lack of time or instruction, many fine double reed players purchase their reeds. Strive to learn the art of reed-making from your teacher to help you adjust your purchased reeds and meet your individual needs. Oboists are the only instrumentalists that depend so intensely on the reed for the core of their sound. Caring for your reeds is time well invested.