The Internal dimension of double reeds.

The Inside story of the double reed. Understanding how the internal dimensions of a double reed affects its playing qualities. An oboist recently wrote to me with some questions about shaper tip dimensions and what qualities different shapes affect. I watched my mind start chattering away about how the shaper tip affects different qualities of…

oboe reed intonation introduction.

Evaluating intonation in oboe reeds. The ability for a musician to play in tune with other instrumentalists is an important ability no matter what level they are at. While many instruments can be adjusted to play better in tune by changing either the length of the instrument, or  string tension,  the oboe must be tuned…

oboe reed resistance.

Understanding Oboe Reed Resistance The term “resistance” is one we oboists all know well in practice, but can struggle slightly when it comes to describing what the term actually refers to. What causes resistance? how can I understand what affects the level of resistance in oboe reeds ? how can know what is causing the…

How to adjust flat oboe reeds without any tools.

How to adjust flat oboe reeds without any tools. Here are a few simple ways to adjust flat oboe reeds without any reed making tools. These tricks are all manipulating the internal dimensions of the oboe reed. I speak about this more in the article oboe reed intonation introduction.  Soak new reeds in warm water…