As it’s the second day back to school for most schools, it’s also prime winter concert prep season, and thus it’s super important to remind your oboe students (maybe all reed instruments?) to order new reeds or start breaking in their new reeds ASAP!
Remember, new reeds are often more resistant, not quite in tune yet, and uncomfortable to play, so I always recommend that students practice on their new reeds to break them in, but DON’T play a brand new reed in class. That way you’ll get their realistic sound (even on an old reed) and full participation in class when it matters most! After 3-4 practice sessions, the new reed is ready to use in class/rehearsal/performance.
And as a handy reference, here again are my top rated reed sources ranked by level of student they’ll be most useful for:
Beginner:
Singin’ Dog Classic Reeds - medium hardness
Forrest Green Reeds - medium hardness
Bennett Lopez Entry Level reeds - soft hardness
Intermediate:
Bocal Majority Intermediate reeds - S or A
Forrest RSB Reeds - medium hardness
Bennett Lopez Entry Level reeds - medium hardness
Oboe Duck reeds - student/intermediate
Singin’ Dog Superior Reeds - medium or medium-soft hardness
Jennet Ingle reeds - medium soft (I prefer a Chiarugi cork, but there’s nothing wrong with synthetic cork)
Advanced:
Bennett Lopez Entry Level or Pro reeds - medium hardness
Oboe Duck reeds - student/intermediate or pro
Reeds by Anish
Jennet Ingle reeds - medium soft or medium hardness (I prefer a Chiarugi cork, but there’s nothing wrong with synthetic cork)
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