Author: d-oboe
Date: 2005-12-29 06:33
Just to add....
Maybe you'd like to get reeds from a more reputable source? Jones reeds are bulk factory reeds, and they are more likely to be sub-par, even for the beginner. Get a few decent reeds, and, even if you don't practice much, they can still last for a longer time.
There are many specialty double-reed shops (Forrests Music in the States, Roseau Chantant, and Gary Armstrong Woodwinds in Canada, and others) who have handmade reeds and are usually of acceptable quality. You might even be lucky enough to contact a private oboist who would be willing to ship reeds in a similar way.
As far as reed salvaging - do take care of your reeds, but don't try to prolong them too long. (Otherwise it's like those life-support machines in hospitals.) Play a reed until it seems to collapse, as you describe, and then put it away. Make sure the tip is protected otherwise you will come back to a damaged reed! Also, if the tip is a bit frayed on entry into the retiree box, simply clip a SMALL amount off the tip to clean it up. This shouldn't change the function too much.
(You can buy a cutting block {also called a billot} for this purpose online - as for the reeds.)
Another alternative is to invest in some basic reed tools. You can buy slightly thicker reeds (which will last longer) and then adjust them to suit you, only if you have to. This way, you won't be stuck with too-soft reeds. A too-hard reed allows you to scrape to soften; a too soft-reed is usually hopeless.
Good luck with the reeds!
D
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