Principal Reeds

REED CARE ~Dip In Water, Set Out Two Minutes, White Dot Faces Down, Play~

 

Upon Receiving Your Reeds   First, dip all reeds in water, do not soak. Set the wet reed out on a clean surface for about two minutes.  Immediately blow the water out of each reed from the cork end.  Gently squeeze and hold the wet reed shut at the throat (the cane just above the thread) until it is the opening you prefer.  This will temporarily make the reed feel like it will when it is broken in.   Briefly try each reed in the oboe using the same, simple melody for comparison.  Remember that the reeds should feel like they have potential, not absolutely perfect at first.  Let me know right away if any reed is unplayable for a replacement.

 

Dip in Water  Wetting the reed in your mouth does not saturate the inside of the reed and it will not vibrate properly.  Soaking the reed for long periods of time will cause it to expand and feel heavy. Carry a leak proof container in your oboe bag to dip your reed in water.

 

White Dot  The white dot faces down when playing.  It is an easy way to identify the shorter side of the reed for the best response.  When the blade is cut at this angle, it helps the stability and tone of the reed. 

 

Rotate Your Reeds  It is important to use all handmade reeds in rotation, rather than saving new reeds for future use.  Organize all of your reeds in order, from ready-to-play reeds to break-in reeds. Choose three dependable reeds for rehearsals and use the rest in rotation at home for practice. Reevaluate the order of the reeds in your case weekly using the steps above, “Upon Receiving your Reeds”. Handmade reeds need to be played for the wood to settle properly.  They sound better than store bought reeds because they are so delicate and contoured, but are therefore more likely to warp if they sit unused.

 

How many reeds should I have?  Have as many reeds as possible at different stages.  For example, three new reeds, three break-in reeds, three performance reeds, and three or more old, dependable reeds.  Aim to keep reeds at each stage and you can be confident that you will always have a playable reed.

 

How long does a reed last?   Some reeds last weeks, while others last only one intense performance.  The length a reed lasts depends on the density and type of cane, how much it is played, the player and some good luck.  A new reed will need to be broken in.  Then as the reed ages, the cane weakens, the opening becomes smaller and the edges fray. Tonguing and dynamics will become difficult.  Old, closed reeds can be soaked up to five minutes. Squeezing a reed open or soaking a reed are only temporary solutions. The reed will slowly close and feel weaker as you play. Have another reed ready in rotation when your best reed fails.

 

Beginners  Breakage is the number one cause for beginners to lose a reed. They should bring the reed to their mouth very slowly to avoid hitting their teeth, especially when learning to play the English horn. Always carry the reed in a small case (not your mouth) when waiting to go on stage for a concert or for rehearsal to begin.  This will avoid over soaking the reed or bumping into someone and breaking it.

 

Storage  Reeds are not meant to be stored in the plastic containers in which they are sold. Immediately move your reeds to a sturdy reed case.  The case should not allow the reeds to move around if you shake it.  Invest in a large twelve or more reed case for your collection of reeds.  Buy an additional small three reed case for your best reeds to bring on stage for concerts.

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Sanitizing Your Reeds   Oboists do not need to sanitize their reeds daily, however after an illness or dropping a reed on the floor, you may want to clean your reed more thoroughly. Dip the entire reed/cork in 3% hydrogen peroxide until it is saturated inside and out.  Set the wet reed out on a clean surface for ten minutes.  Then rinse off the hydrogen peroxide with running water.  Blow out the water from the reed.  For ten seconds, gently squeeze and hold the wet reed shut at the throat (the cane just above the thread) until it returns to the opening you prefer.  Let the reed dry out completely.  Be sure your reed case is not airtight so your reeds do not mold.  Although these tips are not guaranteed to sanitize your reeds, they are habits widely used by oboists to stay healthy. Other woodwind sanitary habits include changing your reed water daily, never sharing reeds and always washing your hands thoroughly before touching your reeds or oboe.

 

Cost of Reeds  Craftsmanship and maintenance of equipment is the main cost of handmade reeds. Reed makers are a combination of musicians and woodworkers who have studied for many years to perfect their skills.  A variety of costly equipment is necessary to make reeds from tube cane. Labor is invested in both the creation of each reed and retesting the function of the reed over time before shipment.

 

Reed Making  Ideally, oboists should make their own reeds.  Realistically, because of a lack of time or instruction, many fine oboists purchase their reeds.  Strive to learn the art of reed making from your teacher to help you adjust your purchased reeds and meet your individual needs.  Oboists are the only instrumentalists that depend so intensely on the reed for the core of their sound.  Caring for your reeds is time well invested.