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Re: Are German and French cut reeds really very different

Author: Chris P
Date: 2021-09-07 23:50

If it's a Belgian, French or English made Albert system (or some American makes of French or Belgian heritage or design) with a French bore, a German mouthpiece won't fit it. They have long barrels (67mm down to 62mm) and a short top joint just as you'd have with most French bore Boehm systems (except the Yamaha CSG). The expansion in the lower joint starts above the lowest (F/C) tonehole and usually has curved sides.

Simple German systems made by German, Austrian, Czech or other East European makers (or some American makes of Germananic/East European heritage or design) will tend to have a German bore and consequently a French mouthpiece will usually rattle around in the socket. They have short barrels (around 58mm down to 54mm) and longer top joints compared to French bore Boehm and simple/Albert systems. The expansion in the lower joint starts below the lowest (F/C) tonehole and is more pronlunced and has straight sides.

German reeds are usually narrower and shorter in comparison to French reeds so they may not suit French style mouthpieces well, especially if the side rails are widely spaced. German mouthpieces also have a much narrower tip opening and longer lay to work best with stronger reeds.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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