oboeinsight

I’ve written about this before, I’m sure, and it’s nothing a double reed player doesn’t already know, but since there are readers here who aren’t reeders (aren’t I just so darn funny sometimes?!) I’ll write about it again.

I’m in the middle of an Opera San José run of La traviata. This Friday night I have a recital at UCSC where I’m playing the Carl Reinecke trio for oboe, horn and piano. I can’t play the same reeds for these two events. For opera I have been playing several reeds for the first and second acts, and then I use another for the end of the opera. The reed I’m hoping to use for the recital is a different one from anything I would ever play in the pit. We have to choose reeds for different acoustics. We have to choose reeds for different climates and elevations. It’s crazy making, to be honest. I’m hopeful that the reed I’m planning on using for the recital will work on Friday; with the weather changing and all, who knows? I know I’ll need more reeds for opera, as we have eight performances and reeds just don’t last long when I’m playing so much. Following the opera run I play in San Jose Chamber Orchestra’s performance of Mahler’s fourth symphony, where we are doing the chamber orchestra version. For that I have to have oboe and English horn reeds ready to go.

I hate reeds. But I also love them. When they are bad, they really are just hideous to work with. When they are good they feel heavenly. Most times they are somewhere between those two ends of the spectrum, though. So far I have nothing I love, but I also am not going to crazy. I still do wish I had a few that felt a wee bit better, though.

Ah well. Reeds are the curse of the oboist. And that’s just the way it goes.

Check out the photo of bassoon reeds in this blog post. Amazing!

But don’t they look pretty? They just looks so artistic lined up in rows like that. Which makes me wonder if maybe I should go into “oboe reed art” rather than oboe playing.

Hmmm.

(I really think these should be called “Yahoo Questions”, but I guess they didn’t bother to ask me!)

Read there:

I have been playing oboe for around a year in a half (after playing clarinet and flute) and have been looking around for possible oboe reeds that will last and sound fairly good. I also came across Emerald Plastic reeds too. What works best? Any other brand ideas? Also I use around a medium, sometimes medium soft.

Best Answer – Chosen by Asker

Oh babe, DO NOT play on a plastic reed. It may last forever, but they sound like party favors. It’s like the difference between playing on an oboe that’s wood and one that’s plastic.

Look for Jones or Fox brand if you want to go the store bought route. Otherwise, have someone make them for you. Hand made lasts longer than store bought

Read here.

I’m always amazed that people still think about buying plastic oboe reeds. I know a very fine bassoonist that began with plastic bassoon reeds. Are those reeds better, or am I just wrong to think one should never purchase a plastic oboe reed? But then I wouldn’t recommend a Jones of Fox oboe reed either. Maybe I’m just too picky!

I just loved this photo below, and received permission from Aegean Reeds to share it! The next time your child asks, “Mommy, where do baby reeds come from?” you can show them this photo and then share the whole story.

Of course now I’m curious about the cane myself. Might have to give it a go, yes?!

You played Shehnai or Mizmar? Just saw this online:

Shehnai/Mizmar Double Reed Only, 4 Pack
List Price: $4.90
Price: $3.68

Sigh.

In any case, an improved synthetic reed and a better supply of natural reeds would do much to alleviate the anxieties of woodwind players. “By the time the 21st century rolls around,” says Casadonte, “hopefully woodwind players won’t still be sitting around coffee tables complaining about reeds all day.”

Sadly, the 21st century has rolled around, and improved synthetic reeds, for oboe at least, have not appeared. (I’ve heard that some clarinetists swear by them now … lucky folk!)

I read the above quote here. Check out the article. It really is rather interesting, even while it doesn’t make my reed issues any better.

Whew! I may continue to whine!

At one point I was attempting to purchase hand made reeds and write reviews here. Well, I quickly learned I couldn’t afford this endeavor. I did purchase from a few dealers. Some reeds I liked. Some I absolutely hated. I didn’t love anything, but I think most of us who make our own reeds just can’t find anything but our own that will suffice. (I now have a box full of awful, completely unplayable reeds, using the fake cork staples … not sure what to do with these things!)

If you want to see how many reed makers are out there, though, go here. Get a load of that long list! Wow. And check out the reedmaker map. If you order a reed that was made in an entirely different climate, do you think it will behave the same way when you play it? Doubtful. But how handy to get to read reviews.

Even at that site, though, I’d be tempted to take reviews with a grain of salt. You could be reading the review of a student who plays a Bundy, right? You haven’t a clue if the player has any knowledge of reeds. One review page I landed on had this review:

The best reed I’ve used (I would be disapointed if it wasn’t considering the name) The only problem was it got spit cought in the can, and had to be blown nearly 20 minutes for it to clear. Other than that, I loved it.

Um. Okay then.