Reed Problems & FAQ About Reeds
Oboe & Bassoon Reed Care
&
Common Adjustments You Can Do to Improve Your Reeds!
If you would like the PDFs of our handouts, here they are:
Oboe Reed Care and Adjusting PDF
Bassoon Reed Care and Adjusting PDF
Would you like to learn more about how to do common reed adjustments?
This is a link to a video by Sally Bohls and Jennifer Auerbach on basic oboe and bassoon reed adjusting:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nlN9UUM1aR2v1hXrfDluSiR-ys6phGVl/view?usp=drivesdk
How to make the most out of your reed:
- Do not handle the reed at the tip – only handle it from the string or the glue at the bottom (for bassoon reeds) and handle it by the cork for oboe reeds. The tip is thin and could break or bend, so do not handle it at the tip if you can avoid it.
- Always soak your reed for about in a cup of room-temperature water before you start to play.
- Soak oboe reeds for 1 minute – only soak the tip / wood of the reed (not the string or the cork part).
- Soak bassoon reeds for about 3 minutes - soak the entire reed in water, not just the tip - cane on a bassoon reed goes all the way to the butt end.
- Do not oversoak the reed. Soaking for a longer time could make the reed feel harder to play.
Tips for protecting the reed:
- It’s a good idea to keep your eyes on the reed as much as possible when in use. When the reed is not in your mouth, make sure that you are aware of where it is so that the tip does not get chipped or otherwise damaged. This will ensure that the reed lasts longer.
- A good reed case is a must. The plastic tubes/vials that the reeds come in are not suitable for storing reeds and will result in molding.
- Make sure reeds are flat and not angled in the reed case (the sides could get damaged). Wipe off the excess water at the end of your practice/lesson/class and blow the extra water out of the reed before storage to help avoid mold.
- Never store your reeds in the water soaker overnight.
- When it’s time to put away your instrument, remove the reed first.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long does each reed last?
A: Every reed is different. Reeds are made of an organic substance and they will eventually wear out naturally. A realistic expectation of a life span of a reed is about 4 weeks (depending on amount of time spent playing it). Damage to the reed also contributes to reeds wearing out or otherwise breaking. If the reed is physically damaged it will not last as long. A reed considered worn out or broken if it is cracked, chipped or molded.
Q: What if I don’t like the reed I got?
A: You might get a reed and you might love it! Or you might not love it. Why? All reeds from Bocal Majority are handmade by professional musicians. Each of our reeds is made in a slightly different style. Each player may develop preferences or specific needs over time. If you get a reed that you don’t prefer, consider a different style or ask us for advice on what you might like instead.
Take our new reed quiz to find out which reed might be the best fit for you!
Would you like to learn more about how to do common reed adjustments?
This is a link to a video by Sally Bohls and Jennifer Auerbach on basic oboe and bassoon reed adjusting:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nlN9UUM1aR2v1hXrfDluSiR-ys6phGVl/view?usp=drivesdk
