 The Doublers BBoard
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Author: seifrij
Date: 2015-07-31 20:29
I'm a longtime clarinet/sax player, and want to learn oboe. I bought a used CABART grenadilla wood oboe (from Craigs list) after meeting the seller and inspecting the instrument. All pads and keyworks seemed just fine and he had one reed, which I inserted into the hole and it was a nice fit.
I ordered a couple new reeds (inexpensive, just to learn) and when I got them, the cork base on each was TOO SMALL for the opening in the oboe. Then I looked carefully at the reed that came with it, and realized it had about 1 thickness of masking tape wrapped around the cork. Just for kicks, I also wrapped one of the new reeds with a layer of masking tape (roughly added .3 mm to the diameter of the reed base) and it now fits snugly into the instrument. With this adaptation, the instrument does seem to play well, though I am, of course, still learning how to control the embouchure.
So.... I wondered - do older oboes have a different diameter opening for the reed? Are there reeds that have a thicker cork base to fit correctly?
Any help appreciated.
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Author: Jaysne
Date: 2015-10-21 18:17
My guess is that it's the reeds that are the problem, not the oboe. You get what you pay for, and cheap oboe reeds may not necessarily be made to exacting dimensions. Also, they often have a type of artificial cork instead of real cork, which could explain the poor fit.
If I were you, I would spring for some better reeds. Cheap reeds give off a cheap sound, and you'll be gratified when a good reed helps you sound better. And it's quite possible that the better reeds will fit your Cabart just fine.
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