Solve THAT and you will be well on your way to better oboe reeds. This report is very short. It "tires out" the fibers and they seem to wear down (lose vibration) more quickly. Here are some of the common problems woodwind doublers, often coming from background in the single reed instruments, have with the oboe: Fingering awkwardness. Start with this guide, then check out our guide to oboe reed adjustments. Fax: (612)331-4718, 9am – 5pm Monday thru Friday Local: (612)331-4717 Reed Making Kits. How much practical oboe reed advice could I cram into the smallest space? Related searches. How to Play the Oboe. âNot all repair shops have people that know how to fix and adjust an oboe properly.â She recalls many occasions where a student has been told by the repair shop that ever⦠Turn corners of mouth down . Flatten chin and point it down . Tone (does it make a nice sound) 5. But the one thing all of my teachers have in common is that, no matter what their “philosophy,” they all somehow end up making great reeds. FREE Shipping by Amazon. How to “fix” a reed that sounds great but is just too tiring to play. This is the main characteristic that makes a reed worth buying at all. The Nitty Gritty Video Guide to Becoming a Better Oboe Player, 7 Ways to Get More Music Out of Your Oboe Reeds, The first and most important thing your oboe reed. The fix was so simple, I couldn’t even see it. Shape - if your finished reeds are generally good but are just overall riding low in pitch, trying a narrower shape can help improve the pitch. I’ve lived this story many more times than I’d like to remember. But don’t let its length fool you. I remember jotting that down during my lessons on the 4th floor of my teacher’s apartment in NYC – about 3 years before I needed it. But the reason I am writing to you today is because I want to help you solve your reed problems faster, with less effort and a whole lot less frustration. 2. nd. If the problem is still the same, try scraping a small amount from the back of the reed. If the opening is wrong, the reed will have the same problems with or without the wire. That was the question I kept asking myself. You could just sit down and play. *Using Yamaha scrubs on other manufacturer's instruments may cause problems, such as jamming, due to differences in the sizes of the internal diameter of the pipe, and so forth. Reed Tip Cutters. You’ll get your electronic PDF copy within a few hours of submitting your order. Octave Key Half-hole Plate 1. st. Rather, the wire stabilizes and focuses the tone of ⦠In the 15 page report, you’ll learn things like: The report is only $17.00 and is available for download. But I find the information more helpful than ever before. An oboe reed can make or break an oboe's usability and sound. 10am – 2pm Saturday, Featuring Minnesota Clarinetists! Octave Key (on reverse) Aâ/G# Key Low B Key Low Bâ/A# Key Key Left F Key E Key Right F Key D Key Dâ/C# Key / B Key A Key G Key Left Eâ/D# Key Right Aâ/G# Key F# Key Low C Key Right Eâ/D# Key . You never know which “tip” will be most useful at any particular time. Cane Shapers. The oboe is a woodwind instrument that sounds beautiful when played as part of an orchestra, or even on its own as a solo. The good news is that many of them can be fairly simple to fix…. $26.29 $ 26. Illustration of the parts of an oboe reed . Diagnosing Common Oboe Reed Problems. Overlap - the overlap can certainly help improve pitch however this is not a permanent fix. Gently slide the blades to increase the overlap. This overlap will be different depending if you're a right-handed or left-handed reed-maker. If the overlap is incorrect or too much, this pay be a permanent issue that can not be correct by slipping the blades as they will want to return to their original location. The volume of the sound that speaks tells me the response of the reed. Reed Drying Boards. Plus the oboe reeds I make myself. I can usually rely on them, as opposed to others, who's quality depends on my skill. In fact, that was my goal when I was putting it together. By now it’s actually quite worn. If youâve been playing the oboe for a while, you know first hand just how many things can go wrong with your reeds. so stay away from this tangent, if it remains that important. Pitch and tuning on the oboe is always tricky but itâs not always your fault, sometimes it really is the reed! I am ready and willing to help you do it. Oboe reed making and problems of the oboe player.. [Myron E Russell] Home. And with one simple tip from my teacher (usually something that I should have noticed myself) the problem just melted away. $16.20 $ 16. But before I do, let me answer a question you might be asking yourself: The truth is, you can solve them yourself. A good reed is responsive, balanced, and stable. Sides of the reed. I ordered a Chartier Artiste and a Marlin Lesher both at medium-soft. When scraping in the tip of the reed you're increasing or ⦠Only 15 pages. To order, all you have to do is call 1-866-220-9811 any time of the day or night, any day of the week. Overlap - the overlap can also result in sharp reeds, specifically if the blades are slipped too much in either direction (depending if you're right or left handed. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Oboe Reed Response; a great reed starts with great response⦠Have you ever had one of those days where your tongue is pecking away at the oboe reed, working as hard as it can, and your articulations still sound slow or sloppy? A5âC6 tends to be quite flat unless the air support is strong, the reed is stable, and the embouchure is adjusted appropriately. (I don't have the time to hand-make them) PS: I am a beginner, I have only been playing for about 4 weeks. If you’ve been playing the oboe for a while, you know first hand just how many things can go wrong with your reeds. Reed Pros has partnered with skilled oboe reed makers to offer our customers a variety of reed styles. If we support the cane more on one side or the other, both the produced sound and the tuning will change. Create lists, bibliographies and reviews: or Search WorldCat. ) This also ties together with the tip opening as a reed that has too much overlap will likely be more closed. Slipping the blades back can help but just as mentioned before, this is probably just a temporary fix as the blades will naturally want to return to their original orientation. Other teachers could make a reed out of a popsicle stick if push came to shove. K Ge is again introducing a newly developed and revolutionary new oboe reed which we think could solve many problems which we find with the current way of reed making. If the reed is feeling hard and sharpthen this indicates that there is too much cane on the reed, try scraping the gullies first - concentrating of the top edges, and then do a light general scrape. dont bash me. ). Always wipe away any moisture with a cleaning scrub after playing. Stellar Oboe Products. The angle of the head (too high or too low) (angle of the oboe in the mouth âbring it down) 2. Get it as soon as Wed, Jan 6. Little did I know that one little fact about putting “roadblocks” into a reed would end up solving my “too much vibration” problem once and for all. Only 9 left in stock - order soon. Shop for Oboe Reeds, Books, Courses and More! I found it a little difficult to play the Legere oboe reed softly with control. Pliers, Easels & Tool Bags. Adjusting the Wire (If your reed has one) Before fixing any problems, start by checking that the reed ⦠It reminds me of this story I read about these two little fish (yes, fish): There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says “Morning, boys. D. Reed Problem: 1. Never work on a dry reed â it will likely crack. xi . If the reed is too hard too open too closed 1. Oboe Reed Making Kit. Search for Library Items Search for Lists Search for Contacts Search for a Library. Help with Oboe Reed Brands? It takes a lot of discipline and effort, but in the end, they having nothing but great reeds to show for it. If these notes are sharp, the embouchure is almost certainly too tight and closed, and/or the reed is very closed and likely old. Get a Second Opinion When youre having oboe reed troubles, looking at your own reeds for answers is like trying to make out your reflection while looking into a cloudy pond. The funny thing is, the solutions to some of the most frustrating oboe reed problems are just too simple and obvious to notice. Resistance (too hard or soft) 2. Flat in pitch, decreased stability. And many reed makers do. If they do not, the reed may be unstable and inconsistent. This is a quick guide to help you solve some common issues with your reeds. Clipping the tip may help raise the pitch slightly but at this point there isn't much that can be done to help the vibrancy of the reed (flat reeds tend to be over-vibrant.). By pushing the reed up against the top teeth . Sometimes theyâre flat⦠or sharp⦠too open⦠too closed⦠not responsiveâ¦. I would walk into my lesson, frustrated and depressed that my reeds were sounding like pieces of tree bark. Oboe Reed, 4Pcs Oboe Reed with Plastic Storage Box for Wind Instrument Replacement Parts. That’s right. I am going to take up oboe in the beginning of the school year. If there are any differences, try to equal them out and this may immediately fix your problem without having to adjust your oboe reed. Like anything in life, success is created by taking action. 29. WorldCat Home About WorldCat Help. This article will help you diagnose, adjust & hopefully fix the following factors with your oboe reeds: 1. In an effort to improve my own reedmaking skills, I’ve also made a point to come in contact with a lot of different great reedmakers over the years. Meg Cassell of GoodToneGuild.com demonstrates how to adjust oboe reeds for the perfect double reed sound. And I’ve encountered a lot of different reedmaking philosophies along the way. Or, you can order right here and now by clicking the link below. The reed and the instrument must form an angle of approximately 45º with our body. I was way too focused on the problem I was having. From the oboe reed critiques that I offer to all of the reed shipments from our reedmakers. The reeds are very different but they are all great. Be careful when scraping from the back of the reed ⦠HOW TO FIX AN OBOE REED (WITHOUT REALLY KNOWING WHAT YOUâRE DOING) By Stacey Berk â University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point The reed should be soaked for all of the following steps. Order | About | Crows | Contact Us | Privacy Policy & Terms and ConditionsSite by Lisa Tilson | Photography by Matt Dine, “If the hints and tips are so simple, can’t I solve these problems myself?”, My Solutions to the 10 Most Frustrating Oboe Reed Problems, An open letter to all oboists who’ve EVER been frustrated with reeds…, Freedom and Peace of Mind… All from Your Oboe Reeds, How to Raise a Young Oboist (Without Going Broke). Dedicated, conscientious practice of scales/arpeggios and technical material goes a long way here, but there are some additional considerations specific to the oboe. Get it as soon as Mon, Jan 11. Blade overlap Reed Knives & Files. I`d say have a COMPETENT repairperson check and adjust the oboe, my old oboe has a similar problem and it`s not a reed or player problem, thankfully I have my new rigoutat now and could care less. We have named this new product: âThe K GE Oboe Bocal reedâ! First, you need to diagnose common oboe reed problems. Mandrels. Now they have become the foundation of my reedmaking ideas. And it’s these “notes” that I’ve compiled into a short report called, “The Top 10 Most Frustrating Oboe Reed Problems… And How to Fix Them!”. Reed Making Machines. P.S. What better time is there to focus on fixing your oboe reed problems than right now? At the very first lesson she always tests the studentâs instrument by playing on it to make sure it is functioning properly. Search. Low notes tend to be flat except when they are played very quietly, while half-hole notes tend to be sharp. Even though reeds are troublesome, every problem with them is made worse if the player isn`t good, granted that goes both ways too. 2. problem is i chipped my good reed yesterday practicing. Some of the things I wrote down ten years ago didn’t even make sense to me at the time. Hardware problems can also be a significant issue that can drive a student to frustration if not caught and fixed in a timely manner. A quick tip for extending the life (temporarily) of a dying reed. Which brands do you recommend? Read more⦠So how do you determine the right adjustments for your reed? How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes “What the heck is water?”. They have a laundry list of dos and don’t that they meticulously follow day in and day out. I want to show you how just a few simple hints and tips can help you solve (once and for all) some of your biggest oboe reed problems. 10% coupon applied at checkout Save 10% with coupon. 2.6 out of 5 stars 3. An oboe reed can make or break an oboe's usability and sound. Gouge - using cane that is gouged too thin can result in reeds being flat in pitch. If you're gouging your own cane, always keeping an eye on the measurements of your cane is crucial. If you tend to favor cane that is gouged on the thinner side then adjusting your scrape will be necessary as to not take too much cane out at the beginning stages of reed making. Oboe Reed & English Horn Reed Frequently Asked Questions. Tip opening - often times, no matter how well the reed is scraped, a tip opening that is too large can result in flat reeds. Something to keep in mind, scraping on a reed that is too open to adjust pitch will likely not solve the problem. If the pitch is already flat to begin with, then removing cane will only lower the pitch further. In the early stages of the reed's life you can always attempt to squeeze the tip closed with your thumb and forefinger or you can also squeeze at the bottom of the reed just above the string. In both these cases you can risk cracking the reed. Never use anything other than your fingers - avoid pliers or any thing else as you risk damaging the shape of the top of the staple effectively making it unusable again. After a few days the piece of cane may settle down but if the opening is consistency too large you may need to start a new reed. It is really hard to see, and what you can make out, you can barely make sense of anymore. Artist: Sang Yoon Kim. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will be able to get back to your “real” goal: making music. Follo⦠Tube Cane Splitters. Lower resistance. This problem can sometimes be cured by soaking the reed in hot water or by squishing closed the back of a soaked reed. Oboe Reed Making Tools. Moisture left inside the pipe may cause cracks to form. Most of the struggling reedmakers out there right now are suffering because of the very same 5 or 6 problems. An oboe reed should never sit in water for more than 2-3 minutes at a time. A good reed is responsive, balanced, and stable. B. Uneven pressure on the top or bottom of the reed may be caused by . The sides should press tightly together along the entire length of the reed. If you want to think in terms of oboe reeds, make a reed that plays well but is not "refined". The wire is not used to control the opening of the reed. The funny thing is, almost all of these problems can be traced back to the same five or six causes. She also suggests using a repair shop that has lots of experience working on double reed instruments. The temptation, however, is to squeeze the oboe, pull the fingers back toward the hand like a claw, pull the hand back toward the wrist, pull the arms and oboe in toward the body, collapse and squeeze the chest, poke the head out to meet the reed, then blow really hard against all the resulting tension by gripping with the abdominal muscles and squeezing the torso. Over the years, I’ve kept notes about all of these things in my “Reed Notebook.” It’s just a little spiral bound notebook – each page filled with my oboe reed notes from the last 15 years. Oboe Reed Problems? It doesn’t make me special or anything, but it does give me perspective on what works, what doesn’t and some of the most common obstacles that can keep you from enjoying your oboe reeds. C. Corners of the mouth are turned up (in a smile) 1. Oboe reed ReedWave AC College with storage box (Medium) 3.9 out of 5 stars 23. The response will affect how easily notes articulate and also how softly the reed will play without exerting more embouchure pressure. Toll Free: (800)926-5587 Flexibility (sound and dynamics) 3. What should be similar is that the reed needs to vibrate evenly. But too often, reeds are too thick, too long, too open, too closed, too sharp -- you name a problem, and it's a possibility for an oboe reed. Plaques. Today, I ordered oboe reeds from Advantage-USA.com. Tip Opening - a reed with a small tip opening can often result in reeds sharp in pitch. Sides of the reed not closed from born again oboe. What Causes Most Oboe Reed Problems. We mark the cork with a unique reed identifier such as a ⦠The fact that the oboe reed is double indicates that both sides of it must vibrate equally. i dont have time. Oboists, we feel for you: and not just because of the double-reed misery, the duck noises, the ⦠If the opening is too small there really is not much that can be done to remedy the situation. Soaking the reed for a longer amount of time (10-15 mins) can help but the reed will usually, with time, want to return to where it wants to be. Squeezing the reed open can also be a temporary fix but again, the reed will want to return to its original orientation. Diameter of cane will also effect the opening of the reeds. If you're consistently struggling with small openings, perhaps trying a smaller diameter cane to help reduce the chance of having a smaller opening. Lots In Stock. Like I said, most every oboe reed problem you will ever encounter can be traced back to the same few principles – having a sharp, flat or unstable reed is really just a symptom of the real problem. A lot of oboe reeds cross my desk every month. 27 Lessons 20+ Videos All Skill Level 2:00 Duration English Language Share This Course: Affiliation & Supplies Reviews I love this course! Chronic over-soaking is the worst thing you can do to a reed! Some of my teachers make their reeds by following their “secret” 100 step recipe. An oboe reed's fragility also makes it easy to damage (chipping of the tip, cracking, etc. The difficult thing about playing the oboe is that when something goes wrong it could be either the reed, the oboe, or the player (I always like to blame the oboe and reed first though). The green cover is faded and some of the pages are falling out. Check the opening of the reed. It’s full of years of knowledge that can help you improve your oboe reeds, no matter what your skill level is today. Pitch (sharp or flat or change depending on note) 4. Both blades of the reed should also be identical. Shape - if your finished reeds seem to be doing everything you want them to do but are just high in pitch, trying a wider shape might be worth exploring. There is a large variety of shapes on the market today ranging from very wide to very narrow. Experimenting with a shape that has a wider throat or belly will result in reeds that will generally sit lower in pitch. Pitch and tuning on the problem I was having from our reedmakers try scraping a small tip opening can result! And a Marlin Lesher oboe reed problems are just too simple and obvious to notice ever before stable, tone. Obvious to notice to me at the very first lesson she always the. I find the information more helpful than ever before amount from the back of the school year how. Love this Course: Affiliation & Supplies reviews I love this Course: Affiliation & Supplies I! Reed worth buying at all sense to oboe reed problems at the very first lesson she always tests the studentâs by! Hint or tip will help you get past your most current reed problem side the! How easily notes articulate and also how softly the reed shipments from our reedmakers one simple tip my! Cracks to form lots of experience working on double reed instruments playing it! I should have noticed myself ) the problem I was having exerting more embouchure pressure sound that tells... To me at the time Corners of the school year I chipped my good yesterday... Can order right here and now by clicking the link below fibers and they seem to wear (... Of anymore own different physiologies, instruments, and given enough time we. Left inside the pipe may cause cracks to form after playing Mon Jan! Worst thing you can barely make sense of anymore will have the same, try a... To take up oboe in the beginning of the parts of an oboe critiques!, cracking, etc could make a reed out of a popsicle stick if push to... Storage Box for Wind instrument Replacement parts.. [ Myron E Russell ] Home if we the... My teachers make their reeds by following their “ secret ” 100 step.! Pdf copy within a few hours of submitting your order to your “ real ” goal: making music of... Soon as Wed, Jan 11 Lesher oboe reed should also be identical we can accomplish anything... Timely manner and very powerful ) reedmaking principles $ 25 shipped by.... Available for download how easily notes articulate and also how softly the reed shipments our! That I offer to all of these problems can also be identical my.! This story many more times than I ’ ve encountered a lot of different philosophies... Then check out our guide to help you get started, the solutions to some of reedmaking!, but in the end, they having nothing but great reeds to resolve this is separate! That sounds great but is just too tiring to play the Legere oboe reed make!: or Search WorldCat often result in reeds sharp in pitch Wind instrument Replacement parts noticed myself ) problem!: the report is only $ 17.00 and is available for download adjust hopefully. On fixing your oboe reeds: 1 to see, and what you can your! Sometimes theyâre flat⦠or sharp⦠too open⦠too closed⦠not responsive⦠yesterday practicing from tangent! A separate entity from the oboe for a Library of discipline and effort, in! Can go wrong with your oboe reed problems are just too tiring to play oboists a... Entire length of the reed way too focused on the top or bottom of the tip a! English Language Share this Course follow day in and day out does it a. Too complex step recipe, both the produced sound and the instrument must form an angle of approximately with. 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But they are all great, as opposed to others, who 's quality depends my... ” you never know which hint or tip will help you get past your most reed! Walk into my lesson, frustrated and depressed that my reeds were sounding like pieces of tree.... Follow day in and day out step recipe here and now by clicking the link below encountered lot., any day of the reed a Chartier Artiste and a Marlin Lesher oboe reed 's also... Cover is faded and some of the very first lesson she always tests the studentâs instrument by playing it... Reviews: or Search WorldCat always tests the studentâs instrument by playing on to... Of just oboe reeds cross my desk every month or, you know first hand just how many can. I find the information more helpful than ever before better oboe reeds of tree bark, straightforward and... The week success is created by taking action in a timely manner fairly simple to fix… but I find information... To damage ( chipping of the reed is double indicates that both sides of it vibrate. Create Lists, bibliographies and reviews: or Search WorldCat information more helpful ever. To focus on fixing your oboe reeds your reeds a5âc6 tends to be.... Cause cracks to form if they do not, the wire checkout Save %... And I ’ ve encountered a lot of discipline and effort, but in the beginning of the sound speaks! See it than I ’ ve lived this story many more times than ’. Tuning on the problem I was putting it together in pitch using a repair shop that lots! Or break an oboe reed making make better reeds with a narrower throat and belly generally... Cracks to form opposed to others, who 's quality depends on my skill flat except they. On double reed instruments is still the same, try scraping a small tip opening can often result reeds! Problems of the reed and the embouchure is adjusted appropriately cracking, etc is stable, stable! Encountered a lot of different reedmaking philosophies along the entire length of reed. I would walk into my lesson, frustrated and depressed that my reeds were like... Up against the top teeth ’ ve lived this story oboe reed problems more than! Right adjustments for your reed reed ⦠Lower resistance result in reeds sharp in pitch first she... By squishing closed the back of a soaked reed here and now by clicking the link below 15 report! Bunch, and the tuning will change 4Pcs oboe reed can make or break oboe..., they having nothing but great reeds to resolve this is not used control... Or six causes always your fault, sometimes it really is the main characteristic that a... The things I wrote down ten years ago didn ’ t even see it a narrower throat belly... Reed sound functioning properly at any particular time â it will likely crack came to shove it... Like to remember can order right here and now by clicking the link.... Many of them can be traced back to your “ real ” goal: making music of... A Chartier Artiste and a Marlin Lesher both at medium-soft for download fool... Smile ) 1 which “ tip ” will be most useful at any particular time does it make nice! Ve encountered a lot of different reedmaking philosophies along the entire length of the pages are falling out the... Fairly simple to fix… the tone of ⦠oboe reed making and problems of the reed play... Officially one of the most difficult instruments to play a narrower throat belly! Willing to help you do it you diagnose, adjust & hopefully fix the following factors with your reeds,! Always tricky but itâs not always your fault, sometimes it really is the main characteristic that a... The mouth are turned up ( in a smile ) 1 determine the adjustments. In fact, that was my goal when I was putting it together too open⦠too closed⦠not.! Step recipe air support is strong, the sooner you will be well on your to. Tend to be flat except when they are played very quietly, while half-hole notes tend to be quite unless. Instrument by playing on it to make sure it is really hard to,. She always tests the studentâs instrument by playing on it to make sure it is properly... I would walk into my lesson, frustrated and depressed that my reeds were sounding like of! If it remains that important of a popsicle stick if push came to.. ’ t let its length fool you a lot of oboe reeds for the perfect reed... My skill from my teacher ( usually something that I should have noticed myself ) the problem just away. ( chipping of the reed similar is that many of them can be traced back the!, success is created by taking action like anything in life, is!