Oboe Reed #11

Q: If this reed is showing out of stock, when will it be back in stock?

A: Friday. Many of our makers ship on Mondays and we receive the reeds into inventory typically on Fridays. Especially during the busy holiday season, shipping delays occur, so we recommend you plan ahead as much as possible.

TIP: next time you order reeds, select the option to sign up for a subscription - that way you can be sure to get the kind you want regularly, without worrying about us running out.

Q: Why are you out of stock on so many reeds?

A: Each reed style from Bocal Majority is made by a different maker who is an individual person. They are limited on how many reeds they can physically make each week. During busy performance and audition times, we often get a lot of orders all at once and some styles run out. 

TIP: Many of our reed makers ship weekly. Your best bet is to check back daily with the highest likelihood of catching the reeds in stock being on Friday afternoon. Even so, it is still a good idea to check the website throughout the week - we do update the website frequently since we know folks are waiting for the reeds. We wish we were 100% in control of shipping times, however that is unfortunately out of our hands. Even when we have things shipped expedited to us, shippers do not ever guarantee a timeframe. 

Q: If I call and explain my situation, can't you just send me one? My student has their concert next week and they need this reed. Can I get on a wait list? Can I order one now and you send it to me when you get them in? If I call, maybe I can find out the insider information, right???

A: Gosh, I wish we could say yes to that, but if we are showing out of stock on the website, then we are out of stock. As much as we adore speaking to every single one of you (really we do! <3 ), truly it will not be productive for you to call to ask about the stock status. The answer to the question "when will you have more in stock?" is "Friday." (unless the shipment gets even more delayed, in which case the answer is "next Friday"). Are things more or less likely to get delayed during the holidays? I think we all know the answer to that question...  Also, we do not offer reeds on backorder and we are not able to reserve reeds ahead of time.

TIP: Try a different reed - we created our reed lineup to be easy to pick alternatives! You like the number 11 but it is out of stock? Try the #12 or the #10. Are they exactly the same? No. Are they close enough to work for the player? Yes. And MAYBE they might even like it better... you never know until you try.

Q: So what if we try another style of reed and we do not like it? Can I get my money back, ask for an exchange, etc...? 

A: Unfortunately, no. Our policy is that we do not provide refunds or exchanges on reeds due to preference - this is posted on each individual page, on our policies page, it is printed on the receipt, and it is included in automated emails sent to you about your order. Think of it like trying a new pastry at the bakery. Maybe you'll love it. Maybe you'll like it. Or maybe it was ok, but not something you will opt for again. Unless the reed has been damaged in transit and you report that to us using the damaged reed report within 24 hours, we do not accept requests for refunds or exchanges on reeds. If you have a problem with the reed (something about it is not playing right for your player, it's sharp, it's flat, it sounds wrong or bad, it's hard to play, it's too open / too closed), there may actually be a very easy adjustment that can be done to the reed! We have videos AND printed guides that are all very easy to follow - those can be found here.

Professionally handmade Oboe Reed #11 features a balance of 65% resistance to 35% freedom. Warm, clear tone. String color is apricot. Tip opening: more open (requires more air support). If out of stock, try #10 or #12.

This reed used to be called the "I" reed, but we do not call it that anymore. If you used to buy that reed, this is the same reed, just with a different name now. We appreciate you learning and using the new name.

We have a unique system for naming our reeds. We assign them a number based on criteria about their levels of resistance. The numbers on this chart show the percentage of resistance in the reed on the left, and the percentage of flexibility in the reed on the right.

Help us help you - we do not call our reeds by the old names anymore. Please call them the new names when referring to them (Oboe Reed #1, Oboe Reed #2, etc…).

The number essentially corresponds to how easy the reed is to blow to how easy the reed is to control. Here is some advice about how to select the best reed fit for you. Do you have a request for a specific tip opening (more closed | medium | more open)? Put that in the notes and we’ll do our best to select a tip to your specifications.

More information about this reed:

Cane Type: Rigotti, Medir
Shaper Tip: Samson
Profiler: Reeds 'n Stuff
Type of Staple: 47mm brass synthetic cork