The oboe is just one part of the maintenance that you need to invest in for the instrument. The reed is the most important part of the instrument. Reeds are known to be temperamental and is one of the most variable components of the instrument. You need to make the right choice while considering a reed for your oboe so that there are no obstructions faced while playing it.
You should ideally try the reed before you complete the purchase so that you know exactly what you are investing in. here are a few tips that have been curated to make your reed purchase easy.
- Reeds have a short life-span, typically two weeks of daily use. Replacing these reeds can be quite expensive and cumbersome. There are the commercial and professional reeds. The commercial ones are adequate for beginners and are available in the range $8-$12 and the professional reeds cost anywhere between $13 and $18. The professional reeds last longer and are better compared to the commercial reeds, and are used by most professionals.
- The reeds can be classified according to the strength- soft, medium and hard. The soft ones require less air and the opening collapses under pressure. The other two strengths need to be scraped before using, and can be used in a more professional setting. They tend to vibrate more freely as compared to the soft reed. Try to start with soft reeds before you move on to medium reeds
- The wire wrapped around the base of the reed can also tell you how good or bad the reed is. The long narrow shape of the reed allows you to keep the blades open. The wires make the reed soft for playing, which allows the opening to collapse. So the wire needs to hold the opening in a tight form for you to make sure the reed works. This means you need to consider the wire wrapping when buying the reed
- The blades tend to overlap along the reed. If there is a tape along the base, there is a leak in the reed. So look for reeds that exist with an asymmetrical opening
These are just a few things you ought to consider when buying a reed. However, you simply cannot ignore the oboe insurance as that will not just protect your instrument but also you as the oboist.
It helps you ensure any cracks in the reed do not cause you to empty the pockets. You simply need to use the insurance and get someone who can repair it for you. The idea is to buy insurance that covers both the oboe and the reeds. Instead of spending a lot of money in replacing the reeds, the insurance will help you get the reeds repaired or repaired well within the budget.
It is ideal to research your provider before you actually lock one. It is a good idea to look for providers who have experience and extend their cover to the reeds.
