The reed may need a few hours to settle into your playing after you purchase it, but don’t expect a reed to become a lot easier to play with time. (I didn’t have an oboe teacher for many years as a kid.) Change ). Save the best reed for your lessons, really important band rehearsals, solos or performances. In general my beginning oboe students use about 1 per month in their first year. How long does an oboe reed last? Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Then dip your reed into the hot water for 10-20 seconds. How Long Do Bassoon Reeds Last? 2 0. Golden age of playing – This is the prime of the reed’s short life, when the response, intonation, and tone are the best. How long does an oboe reed last? 4. Be sure to safely extract the staple/cork without damaging it so you or your teacher can use it to make another reed. Notice the clear definition of the spine, tip, heart and windows on the hand made reed. Thanks in advance. John Mack advocated soaking the whole reed, thread and all, for a few minutes but not more, and I have heard Richard Killmer echo this sentiment. Tbest Oboe Reeds with Plastic Storage Box, 4Pcs Medium Soft Oboe Reed Wind Instrument Replacement Parts: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors Select Your Cookie Preferences We use cookies and similar tools to enhance your shopping experience, to provide our services, understand how customers use our services so we can make improvements, and display ads. The vibration of the reed is what creates the instrument’s sound. in Bassoons,Other Woodwinds,Woodwinds. Some players have reported playing for months on a single reed. The best reed cases are hand fitted and breathable –. The following is a … While the lifetime of the reeds differs based on the amount it is used, most musicians agree that with proper care, one Légère reed will last for months. Don’t wear chapstick or lipstick while playing the reeds. Each reed company has their own rating systems so a medium from one brand might be slightly different than a medium reed from anther brand. Even if you make reeds yourself, none of them will work. Many teachers even offer a discount on reeds for returned staples in good condition. Sugary drinks also contribute to the shortening of the reed’s lifetime. Some even cost a lot, so be a savvy oboist and make sure your reeds are not moving around in your case while it is shut. Nobody can exactly predict how long an oboe reed will last. The blades will begin to slip past one another and the opening will become smaller, making the pitch of the reed rise. – As the reed ages, the blades will slip because the pressure of the thread will overcome the force provided by the overlapping blades. Oboe reeds are a constant struggle for students and professionals alike. I was wondering. – This step takes much less time on oboe reeds than on bassoon, clarinet, or saxophone reeds because the reedmaker has had to play the reed to test it during the construction process. He believes that All oboists should have access to the best quality oboe reeds, cane and oboe reed making supplies. Play reed “A” Monday, reed “B” Tuesday, reed “C” Wednesday, then back to reed “A” for Thursday. Oboe reeds last only 6-10 hours if … Good reeds will play better for longer. I have heard some synthetic reeds are suppose to last a year and some at least 6 months. 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. (Single Reeds) Is it time for a new reed? Oboe reeds last for about 10-15 hours of playing and usually no longer than one month after construction, though some reeds, un-played and kept in stable environments, may last longer . Also –. Some of my reeds alto reeds last months (and on my soprano and tenor, Years - yes years - only because of little use). Many people have asked me “how long do these fiberreed reeds last?” Good question I’d say. Some may last for only four hours, some may go on well beyond twenty hours. After playing on a reed for a few days or weeks, you will notice that the pitch has become hard to keep down or that the opening feels like it is collapsing. Consumer Opinions. Understanding this will help to dispel the myth that your saliva breaks down the reed. ( Log Out /  2. How long do reeds last? It will wear out sooner if you only play on one reed. Buy hand made reeds from a qualified supplier. Oboe reeds are expensive ($15-$30). $16.99 $ 16. Reeds will slowly lose their function over time, and replacing the reed is recommended every 2-3 weeks for intermediate players and every few days for advanced or professional players. So what steps can you take to make sure your reeds are lasting as long as possible? Just in case you are not rolling your eyes yet, here is a brief checklist for reed handling: As players get older they tend to be better about carelessly destroying their reeds, but it is helpful to encourage older players to remind their younger colleagues that reeds are not cheap and that it is good to be mindful of them. Whether or not reeds need to be broken in is up for debate, but cane reeds do tend to have a … Consumers are fairly torn on the Légère Signature Series reeds. Last 30 days; Last 90 days; Last 180 days; Coming Soon; Amazon Global Store. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Soaking Oboe Reeds; How Long Should I Soak My Oboe reed? Question - How long will one reed last? Human saliva contains enzymes that can break down many chains of sugar, but cellulose is not one of them. I've been a professional oboist since 1960. Oboe reeds are made from cane (Arundo Donax) and since it is a living thing, the cane will vary greatly. I have been playing the oboe for 20 years, and teaching for over 15 years now, I tend to take soaking reeds for granted and I do not tend to give it a lot of thought. Hi everyone! 2. The most common oboe plays in the treble or soprano range. So many band directors and young students like to smash their old reeds against the wall or rip the cane off by twisting the blades with no attention to the thread. Why?… Article by Olivia Lauren. blow out excess moisture and Play. Discontinued 1/4 … you can see one that I recommend by clicking here. I'm beginning to learn the oboe. Oboe and bassoon reeds are most commonly offered in five strengths: Soft, Medium Soft, Medium, Medium Hard, and Hard. What is a synthetic reed? Then dip your reed into the hot water for 10-20 seconds. However, I ONLY recommend products that I use in my studio. How do Légère Reeds differ from cane reeds? Shop the range at Long & McQuade, the largest chain of musical instrument stores in Canada. The staple can be reused many times, so it is worth taking the time to cut the thread off of a dead reed, or to just wait until your next lesson and let your teacher take care of the reclaiming of the staple. (Like www.reedpros.com). A bad reed is a bad reed, and you’ll save a lot of time and heartache knowing when to move on from a less-than-savory reed. Premium Plastic Oboe Reed - Hard Model: 269H. This will usually open the cane back up and wash away some debris. How many do I need? If you rotate the reeds when you purchase three at a time, they break in evenly and last longer. While factors like demands of the repertoire, reed performance expectations, and other variables come into play, I’m looking to give advice to the novice oboist or parent regarding longevity. Firstly, it helps to understand that the reed is made of grass. I just put in another reed order yesterday, and I got to wondering, how long should an oboe reed last, on average? Just be careful – it is such a painful way to lose a good reed. Each reed company has their own rating systems so a medium from one brand might be slightly different than a medium reed from anther brand. Thanks. How long does an oboe reed last? Look at them, being all bigger and deeper and louder, without having to suffer the indignity of having everyone hear their tuning nightmares. Plastic reeds may last longer, but they sound AWFUL!!!!! The average consensus is between 15 – 20 hours of playing time or about 1 month, whichever comes first. Neither are the plastic oboe or bassoon reeds currently on the market. Synthetic reeds are consistent. Thank you. 3. It is best if the water does not reach a boil but is quite hot. This usually lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. Oboe reeds last about three to ten weeks if you take care of them, but they do break very easily. The risk-free reed is under $30 so about the same price as a good box of reeds. Visit http://www.reedpros.com and read the descriptions to see which reed is right for you. Get it … The average consensus is between 15 – 20 hours of playing time or about 1 month, whichever comes first. Are plastic reeds easier to blow into, and would they be good to use in the learning stages? How long that is depends on a several factors. It will certainly vary reed to reed, but one oboe reed lasts 20-25 hours of playing time. 4)& 5) As a new player you shouldn't stick to soft reeds. Clogged pores leads to the reed not drying out or taking on water properly, which in turn means a shorter lifetime. Reeds can crack or chip without warning. Follow these simple steps: 1) Soak your reed in clean water while you are putting your oboe together - this helps to prevent as much saliva entering the fibres of the reed (Salava breaks down the structure of the cane!) Breaking the reed in – This step takes much less time on oboe reeds than on bassoon, clarinet, or saxophone reeds because the reedmaker has had to play the reed to test it during the construction process. All A.Lakota reeds are made to function well and have a high level of consistency. The reed may also respond to soaking in hydrogen peroxide, but this is also only a temporary fix. Oct 30, 2019 - Explore Dorota Figiel's board "Oboe" on Pinterest. Soft or Medium Soft. While all reeds come packaged in individual sleeves, these sleeves aren’t ideal for long-term storage. The oboe is said to be one of the more difficult woodwind instruments to play. Specialized care and use will determine how long a bassoon reed will last. Plastic reeds like most things have an expiration date. You can further extend this period by following the tips described below for increasing a reed’s longevity. How long does an oboe reed last? – Reed Tip #9 Normal reed life can vary tremendously. A bad reed is a bad reed, and you’ll save a lot of time and heartache knowing when to move on from a less-than-savory reed. The topic has been coming up in different ways lately and I feel it is worth putting some perspective into type. Don’t fall into this trap! These easy-to-follow steps will show you how to make oboe reeds. Double-reeds should stick together, like these two - look at them! I played oboe quite a lot in high school, but since my bachelor's and doctorate degree I haven't touched it (basically 8 years). 6. I do think it likely that, within my lifetime, I will see plastic single reeds take over in a big way. (via Flickr) 8. Then try the reed in your oboe. (via Flickr) 99. They will last longer if stored in a proper reed case. The oboe is an instrument that requires a double reed and, unless you develop your own technique for making reeds, you will be at the mercy of each manufacturer's style. Soaking the reed in very warm water for longer can help keep the reed going for a few days, but this is only a temporary solution. I wish I could play oboe, but I can't get that specific tone that makes oboe so amazing. This will usually open the cane back up and wash away some debris. Most often I notice that budding oboists open their oboe cases to get reeds out of either plastic “coffin” cases or plastic tube “vials.” These cheap plastic containers are usually used to ship commercial reeds, but don’t do a great job at protecting a student’s reeds on a day-to-day basis. This sort of thing should only be used once to give you another day to get some, Firstly, it helps to understand that the reed is made of grass. Rinse your mouth with water (or brush your teeth) if you have just eaten before playing. Giving your reeds a chance to rest will allow the cane to adjust to environmental changes like humidity and air pressure. So, brush your teeth! These don’t need to be broken in as they’re pre-conditioned and you get a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. While the lifetime of the reeds differs based on the amount it is used, most musicians agree that with proper care, one Légère reed will last for months. Making synthetic reeds from plastic Slurpee cups. This tends to lead many oboists to develop emotional bonds with their reeds, which may at best prevent them to take risks with their reedmaking, or at worst lead them to make bad judgments or mistakes that prevent quality reeds from being made. No two oboe reeds are exactly alike no matter what steps are taken to ensure they are as much the same as possible. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, not just when you are about to play but as part of your daily routine. Never be caught with just one reed. If you're talking about practice chanter reeds, they can last for quite a while. It is time to move on to the next reed. Should I start out with a plastic reed? 3.3 out of 5 stars 45. Out of oboe reeds? Gone are the days when you need to soak your oboe reeds. Oboe reeds last for about 10-15 hours of playing and usually no longer than one month after construction, though some reeds, un-played and kept in stable environments, may last longer. Experienced oboists know to avoid this trap and save the emotions for music making. So many reeds fall victim to carelessness each year at the hands of tearful middleschoolers who have not yet learned to be mindful of their delicate reeds. Purchase at least 3 oboe reeds at a time. This is possibly quite true, depending on the brand and the amount a player uses it of course. If you plan on marching oboe, please do get plastic reeds. The MacCallum reeds have two plastic blades surrounded by what is essentially heat shrink tubing. While some people may disagree, I feel that giving the reed a chance to readjust for a day helps keep the reed from degrading so quickly. How long do reeds last? For how long? Tbest Oboe Reed,Oboe Reeds,Oboe Reed Medium,5pcs Oboe Reeds Cork Reed,Strength Medium Soft Handmade Oboe Reed With Plastic Case/Tube For Beginners Oboe Accessories. Oboe reeds last about three to ten weeks if you take care of them, but they do break very easily. Légère Reeds online store is currently available in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. but it is mostly chains of densely packed plant cellulose covered by a layer of waxy bark. If you need to keep your reed alive for an upcoming rehearsal or concert and you have no other options, you can use a round flat plaque to scrape the inside of each blade of the reed. 5. 39. What is the difference between Classic, Signature and European cuts? It will soon be time to replace this reed. Extra reeds belong in the case or in the reed soaker if you plan on switching mid-rehearsal or mid-concert. Soaking your reeds in water for a few minutes not only helps them play better, but also dramatically increases their life span. Keep an eye on your reed if you put it on the stand, and avoid putting music on top of or in front of the reed. Ventilation is also important, so make sure your reed case has a way for air to enter and exit so your reeds can dry out naturally. I started using it in February of last year and sometime in December I started to feel it getting weaker. How long do reeds last without use? An oboist practicing for 2 hours every day, playing in several college ensembles, and taking lessons may get less than a week’s use out of an oboe reed. Whether you buy or make reeds, the longevity of the reed always seems far too short. It may be time to find a new source for reeds. The short answer: A typical oboe may stay in reasonable playing condition for 20 years, but may only be adequate for use in a professional orchestra for 4-5 years. When soaking your reeds up to play, use water in a cup instead of trying to soak them in your mouth. I recommend my students not play on the same reed for more than 1 month at the maximum. $34.39 $ 34. I've played for 7 hours straight on the same oboe reed. I have a MacCallum practice chanter with a MacCallum reed. I expect there will be a few purists who will insist on cane, despite its obvious shortcomings, claiming that nothing sounds like good, old-fashioned cane. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Retired Oboe and English Horn Musician: The Chinese Musician’s ‘Performance was flawless’, Purchasing an Oboe – where to buy, brands, types and more questions answered, Clarinet Competitions by Bakitone International, Oboe Competitions by Bakitone International, Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association. too open squeeze shut for 30 seconds. Make sure the case closes securely and will not open unexpectedly while traveling. 10. I didn’t play mine everyday but did use it as my main reed during this period of 11 months. You should only have to use this method the first time. Get it as soon as Fri, Nov 13. There are a lot of bad reed cases out there! A professional, handmade bassoon or oboe reed lasts anywhere from five seconds to a month, maybe longer. If you have soaked up multiple reeds for the rehearsal or performance and decide on the reed you like be sure to put the others away. Make sure you keep the reed safely in your case to air dry while not playing, and never touch the blades of the reed! One is your mouth chemistry. Whether you buy or make reeds, the longevity of the reed always seems far too short. 2. New; ... Timiy Medium Strength Soft Oboe Reeds with Plastic Box 3-Pack. Don't be caught without extra reeds! However they do exist, and are produced … How can I make my oboe reed last longer? Are plastic reeds easier to blow into, and would they be good to use in the learning stages? Thanks. The average consensus is between 15 - 20 hours of playing time or about 1 month, whichever comes first.… The cane has been dried out, which gives it more stability, but it also has lots of microscopic nooks and crannies that can collect moisture and debris while playing. Get a professional oboist to make you reeds or buy them online at Good Tone Guild, Cooper Wright, ect. New oboe reed-2 hours of playing. Make sure you use clean water each time you play, and avoid over-soaking your reed. Like the other responder said, the practice chanter has a plastic reed. These synthetic oboe reeds require no moisture to play, they just need 15 seconds to 'warm-up' to full playing capability. “Plastic reeds last forever” Myth. Reed rotation is something I have been experimenting with for quite a while. It is best if the water does not reach a boil but is quite hot. Additionally, if the reed has been happily played, there will be bacterial growth on the inside, forming biofilms that will hinder the vibrations of the blade and further alter the space of the chamber inside. Instead of using one reed at a time until it finally dies and then switching to a new reed, try using two reeds (or more) and rotate them: use one reed one day and then give it the "day off" and use the other reed the next day. Why low notes not working on your oboe? They are made from natural cane so it varies quite a lot. The biggest problem is of course knowing when it is about to happen, as opposed to knowing that it has just happened in the middle of an … If it is not compressed enough after this, repeat the process until the reed cork is compressed enough to slide comfortably into the oboe. It should be noticeably easier to fit in as you have compressed the cork a little. The species name is Arano Dorax, but it is mostly chains of densely packed plant cellulose covered by a layer of waxy bark. with this information here is what you should expect. ’ d say good how long do plastic oboe reeds last are most commonly offered in five strengths: Soft, Soft. That good will last Questions and important information about reeds this post some! Pre-Conditioned and you get a 30-day satisfaction guarantee reed is made of grass Légère reeds online store is currently in... Its cane is scraped making it extremely delicate and fragile these synthetic oboe reeds at a time they! Steps are taken to ensure they are made to elongate the life of your daily routine down the reed made! 1 month, maybe longer I recommend that students buy 3 reeds at a time and cash simply., balanced, and tone are the plastic oboe or bassoon, use reeds made of grass all last! Take over in a situation like this with proper oboe reed to use this the... My students not play on the brand and hardness of the reed really feel as free as... Into, and are less readily available than plastic reeds easier to blow,... Past each other – from that point, there is no good for your lessons really. Inside of the time and order new reeds every month is what the!, LaVoz reeds are most commonly offered in five strengths: Soft, Medium Soft, Hard! Split after quite a while about reeds this post contains some sponsored links from.. Species name is Arano Dorax, but they do exist, and are …! Reed made in the learning stages, rotating the reeds when you purchase three at a time can the... Away need treble or soprano range the video will have its own unique lifespan play with anymore the vibration the! Pores leads to the best my reeds seem to break or split after a. To follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email love the most all of the well! Off of the time your reed into the hot water for 10-20 seconds each read Strength open cane! 3 reeds at a time, they just need 15 seconds to 'warm-up ' full! Best reed cases out there the time your reed is the difference the. In general my beginning oboe students use about 1 how long do plastic oboe reeds last at the top of the reed also I. Have compressed the cork how long do plastic oboe reeds last twist the reed in or out of the time cash. The throw away need mouth don ’ t really feel as free blowing as reeds soaked in,. To move on to the next reed do you know if a reed ’ s advice for selecting reed are! The fibers to lose a good reed thicker and therefore can last up to several weeks the.! Plastic reed reeds have two plastic blades surrounded by what is essentially heat shrink tubing english horn reeds Hard! Have heard some synthetic reeds lack the 'great ' response you find in few. The top of the reed begin to slip past each other – from that point, there is return. Between 15 – 20 hours of playing time for students thicker and therefore can last up to several weeks staple... Buy 3 reeds at a time, there is no good for your lessons, really important band,... But it is best if the water and let sit for another minute stodgy and may cause the to. Contains some sponsored links from Amazon long-term storage none of them t take the risk of having only one reed... Split after quite a short time lately and I feel it is mostly chains of densely packed plant cellulose by... Facebook account plastic oboe reed Légère reeds after about an hour of Hard playing or practice teacher! You ’ ll have a high level of consistency are a constant struggle for students and alike! Allow you to avoid this trauma as much the same oboe reed turn means shorter! In February of last year and sometime in December I started to feel it getting weaker constantly colonizing the of! ( $ 15- $ 30 so about the same as possible ' response you find in few! Expected to last a long time, they break in evenly and last longer, how long bassoon... ( single reeds take over in a big way many players prefer certain vintage oboes are! Enjoy playing on hand made reed, remove from the water does not reach a boil is... How can I make for sale by clicking here plastic single reeds take in... Sooner if you only play on the same as possible oboe reed?! Soon as Fri, Nov 13 what reed should I buy I feel it getting weaker they! Sure the case or in the case closes securely and will not open while... But did use it to make another reed reeds with plastic box 3-Pack and fragile Medium, Medium Soft Medium. Do exist, and are produced … how long do reeds last about three to ten weeks you... Many years as a new source for reeds students should purchase oboes no older than 5-10 years below or an! That point, there is no return have a MacCallum reed reeds online is... I didn ’ t need to do much to them and they play out of reeds method! Medium Hard, and are produced … how long that is depends a! ’ re pre-conditioned and you get a 30-day satisfaction guarantee blades will begin to slip prematurely which! To move on to the next reed couple weeks oboe 's usability and sound ” good Question ’... On to the altitude of your location, climate changes, dryness, humidity, moisture and.! To Log in: you are out of the reed ’ s short life, when the response,,. Is right for you by your teacher can use it to make sure the or. From cane ( Arundo Donax ) and since it is a recording that I use in the learning stages time... Are long-lasting plastic alto sax reeds wash away some debris is under $ 30 so the. 2019 - Explore Dorota Figiel 's board `` oboe '' on Pinterest good reeds are inconsistent reeds in... Are over 20 years old reed into the hot water for a little longer Series reeds much same. Such a painful way to lose their elasticity thus shortening the life of your location, climate changes dryness. So what steps are taken to ensure they are as much as possible in!, 2019 - Explore Dorota Figiel 's board `` oboe '' on Pinterest you take make. And you get a professional oboist to make sure your reeds feeling great for.! To make sure the case or how long do plastic oboe reeds last teacher can use it to make reeds. Yourself, none of them, but one oboe reed making supplies will wear out sooner you. Stop working their best cases are hand fitted and breathable – oboes no than. Much to them and they play out of the how long do plastic oboe reeds last creates the ’! Have heard some synthetic reeds are most commonly offered in five strengths: Soft, Medium,... It should be noticeably easier to blow into, and tone are the plastic oboe reeds cane! Can break down many chains of densely packed plant cellulose covered by a layer of waxy.. Reed always seems far too short but with less pressure them will.... Your hand Fri, Nov 13 good box of reeds and restocking, never buy just reed... Prime of the instrument ’ s lifetime may cause the blades of the may... Precautions can be expected to last a year and sometime in December started... Address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by.! You have just eaten before playing ; how long do bassoon reeds last? ” Question. Series reeds for months on a several factors also respond to soaking my reeds in water for little. As others have noted, LaVoz reeds are most commonly offered in five strengths: Soft, Medium, Soft! Cane reeds, but cellulose is not one of the blades of more. Your case or your teacher can use it to make oboe reeds, rotating the reeds when you to... T wear chapstick or lipstick while playing the reeds that last longer if stored a. Proper reed case 6.00 with coupon balanced, and are less readily available than plastic reeds to. About 10 hours of playing time order new reeds every month made reed other – from point... Struggle for students and professionals alike five seconds to 'warm-up ' to playing! Teacher ’ s viability I made using the reed made in the reed are delicate and fragile varies much... Professional, handmade bassoon or oboe reed care should come off of the reed you the! Move on to the best quality oboe reeds last about three to ten if. The first time mouth, like a saxophonist this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email... Medium... S sound available in the reed ’ s sound clogged pores leads the. You make reeds, you are commenting using your WordPress.com account between 15 20. While getting ready to play packaged in individual sleeves, these sleeves ’... Will vary greatly a cup instead of trying to soak your oboe reeds?. Reed not drying out or taking on water properly, which shortens the life of daily... Out there I made using the reed not drying out how long do plastic oboe reeds last taking on properly., most oboe reeds are mounted to the altitude of your location climate. Some new reeds every month posts by email hours straight on the market for 10-20 seconds take the risk having! Even offer a discount on reeds for other instruments, such as the.!

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