 The Fingering Forum
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Author: Zena
Date: 2003-04-07 20:05
I realize the subject line is an oxymoron, but I live in an area where it is difficult to find handmade oboe reeds, and impossible to find handmade English horn reeds. I have been playing on Jones reeds for years, but I need something better and more reliable. If forced to use commerical reeds, what would you recommend?
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Author: d-oboe
Date: 2003-04-07 23:40
I'm not sure where you're from exactly, but if you go to the "Gary Armstrong Woodwinds" website, they sell handmade english horn reeds. You will have to call (toll free), they don't have internet order. Another alternative, is to make them yourself. Try attending courses on reed making. Once you get the idea you can buy pre-gouged cane, and then you just put together, and shape/scrape the reeds yourself. To do this though, you will need to invest in things like a mandrel, a plaque, a reed knife, reed string, tubes. The best thing I can recommend though, is to speak with a professional oboe player. They can usually give you some advice, and even make oboe reeds for you. I wouldn't pay more than 20$ for a reed though. My teacher charges me 8$, if I give her a usable tube back, or 15$ for a new-tubed one. If they don't crow, don't be afraid to give it back or ask for a better one: sometimes they just don't work. Once a reed is properly soaked, it should crow a C, and play an A (440). If it seems sharp gently squeeze the sides to open it up a little, that will usually fix things. Otherwise, they will usually bring you more grief than good. Happy double reeding!
D-oboe
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