How Long Do Oboe Reeds Last?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Whether you buy or make reeds, the longevity of the reed always seems far too short. Oboe reeds last for about 10-15 hours of playing and usually no longer than one month after construction, though some reeds, un-played and kept in stable environments, may last longer .

Why are oboe reeds so expensive?

Oboes are expensive for many different reasons, but the most important are the cost of the exotic woods and other materials , and the skill in craftsmanship.

How many oboe reeds should I have?

I recommend that beginners have an inexpensive reed case that holds a minimum of 3-4 reeds . (FYI: You can find reed cases that hold 3 to 50 reeds.) As an oboist advances, so will their tendency to collect reeds, which means they may eventually need a case that holds 5-10 reeds.

How do you soak oboe reeds?

How long do the reeds soak in water? Oboe reeds are soaked in water before playing so that they have the right level of moisture. They are soaked in lukewarm water for around 2 to 3 minutes .

How much does a oboe reed cost?

How much does it cost? Let’s deal with the biggest question that comes to mind: Cost. Oboe reed making kits average between $65 – $200 . Prices can vary widely between suppliers and items the kit come with will vary as well.

Should you soak oboe reed?

It should stay in the water for a period of 30 seconds up to several minutes depending on the age of the reed and the humidity of the environment. Newer reeds can usually be soaked for a shorter period of time, older reeds may need to be soaked longer.

Is oboe difficult to play?

The oboe: one of the more difficult woodwind instruments to play. The oboe is said to be one of the more difficult woodwind instruments to play. It first takes some time until the player can even produce a sound, and even then, a beginner has little ability to control it. ... It would seem to be a challenging instrument.

Can you soak a reed for too long?

Soaking the reed for more than a few minutes can cause the cane to expand too much leaving the reed flat, stoggy, and resistant. ... Reeds need to be soaked again every hour or so of playing depending on the climate where you are playing, so plan accordingly.

Why do oboe reeds crack?

The vibrating blades of the reed create the sound. The vibrations travel through the air and are interpreted by the ear as sound. The sound is then amplified by the instrument body when it is placed in the oboe. Since the reed is so thin it can easily chip or crack from even slight trauma .

How do you revive an oboe reed?

Heat a shot glass with water in the microwave for 15 seconds, WARNING IT WILL BE HOT ! Place the old reed into the water for 20-30 seconds remove the reeds and blow out excess moisture. The oboe reed may be too open, I suggest letting the reed dry fully and then soak as you normally would.

What is the best oboe reed brand?

  1. #1. Jones JR101M Oboe Reed; Medium,Natural. ...
  2. #2. Jones JR101AM Artist Oboe Reed; Medium. ...
  3. #3. Emerald 601MS Medium Soft Oboe Reed. ...
  4. #4. Sky Oboe Reeds (SKYOBOEREED5) ...
  5. #5. Emerald Oboe Reed- Medium. ...
  6. #6. Singin’ Dog Oboe Reed Medium. ...
  7. #7. ...
  8. #8.

What oboe reed is best for beginners?

The best oboe reeds for beginners are reeds that have less resistance. For the beginner oboist it is often recommend that one select a Soft or Medium Soft Reed. These reeds will be easier to play while the beginner oboe or bassoonist are developing his or hers embouchure.

What is the best oboe?

  • Yamaha YOB-441 Series Intermediate Oboe YOB-441 – All Grenadilla. ...
  • Schiller Elite Conservatory Oboe. ...
  • Buffet Crampon Model 3613G Green Line Oboe. ...
  • Ammoon Oboe. ...
  • Selmer Model 122F Intermediate Oboe. ...
  • OBOE – Bulgheroni (091/3)

How do you clean an oboe reed?

Carefully run some warm water through the reed , beginning from the cork end. Carefully wipe the cork and reed dry. Put it aside on a paper towel to dry completely before returning it to the reed case. Be sure to put fresh cork grease on the reed cork before putting it into the oboe.

How do you make an oboe reed less resistant?

If your reed is too resistant or stuffy but you want to keep the tone, scrape using a specialist sharp oboe reed knife at the top of the gulley’s towards the edge of the reed & then in the gulley’s from the bottom of the scrape .

How do you care for an oboe reed?

  1. Always brush your teeth before playing. ...
  2. Always store reeds in a case that holds reeds securely in pl. ...
  3. Make sure that your reed case is well ventilated. ...
  4. Soak reeds in water for 2-3 minutes in FRESH water, not saliva. ...
  5. playing, return reeds to their case.
Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.