My Reeds
Oboe reeds are one of the most tempramental and difficult parts of oboe playing. It is a "catch-22" -- to be a good oboist, you must be a good reed maker, but to be a good reedmaker, you must be a good oboist! Reedmaking takes many years. In fact, some really never learn to make reeds well! I have been making oboe reeds for OVER 35 YEARS.
Reed making is something that is very natural for me. I have had to make so many reeds in SO many places in the United States and the world as Principal Oboist with The United States Army Field Band. Different altitudes, different climates...all these contribute to difficulties in reed making, and I have had experience in all of these factors over the years.
The reeds that I play can be heard under the Information - Example Recordings section. I seek a dark, warm and vibrant tone. Intonation is of course important, and in that, I seek A=440. All oboes are different just as all embouchures are different. I will do my best to make reeds to your specifications. To do your part, you need to tell me some things about you and your playing.
You will see many CHEAP; reeds on Ebay, or at major music stores. I cannot compete with those prices, but then again, I would NOT want to play one of those reeds! Many are not even made with an "American" scrape. They are uncomfortable, difficult to play and have a nasty sound. Synthetic reeds are also of this catagory and are not to be purchased. If you have a teacher, ask them about reeds. Many teachers do not have time to make reeds for their students, and I can fill that gap. Your teacher can also do small adjustments on my reeds to perfectly fit your embouchure
Why do my reeds seem "Bumpy" compared to other reeds?
That is a question that I have been asked, and the reason is that I put "Windows" in my reeds--in fact, I use DOUBLE WINDOWS. This gives the reed a very nice, DARK sound that is found in many American Orchestras today. There is a favorite quote from the Oboist/Teacher Stevens Hewitt which says, "There is NO dark without light." This means that to have a dark sound, the reed has to have portions that are much thinner. This is one of the difficult things for young reedmakers to understand about the art of reedmaking! So the "bumpy" reed means YOU will have a beautiful sound! Also, sometimes there are small "surface" cracks near the string. These mean nothing and are just the way the shiny bark will "bend" around the oboe tube when it is tied on the cork tube. Cracks at the TIP are a different story, so please let me know if you see anything like that when you get your reeds!
Why am I playing FLAT on these reeds?
If your embouchure is not correct, then NO reed will work for you. If you have TOO much of the "Red"part of your lips on the outside of your mouth, then YES, you will play flat. Take a look at the Embouchure Video on my website. That will help you find the right place to put your lips on the reed. You can call me, and I will try to help you! Also, if your lips are very thin, then you will have a tendency to play flat on reeds. If you have a teacher, talk to them! Playing flat on the reed is one of the most difficult things for a reedmaker to work with in young and inexperienced players.
For more informaiton please click the video link on the top left
How long do Student Reeds last?
The answer varies, but if you or your young student has not chipped or broken the reed, then a student reed can last several weeks. As a teacher, I do not let my students play reeds older than 3 weeks. I just encountered someone who has had a reed for FOUR months. This is NOT acceptable! Cane just does not last that long and needs to be replaced. A good rule of thumb is that a reed will last for 10 hours of playing. After this, the quality of the reed will go down. Reeds also will last on the "shelf" many months as long as they are dry and not in extreme temperatures.
If you have ANY questions, please do not hesitate to email or call TOLL FREE at: 1-(866)-585-8707 or 410-268-3996, and I would be happy to discuss your reed needs with you! If I don't answer, leave a message and I will return your call as soon as I can.
Thank you for your interest in my reeds and Happy Playing!