How do you soften an oboe reed?
How do you soften an oboe reed?
To break in a reed make sure that the reed is sufficiently soaked. Then simply play on the reed for a few practice sessions letting the reed dry completely in between sessions. The reed will collapse slightly over time, and become more malleable.
How do I know if my oboe reed is good?
An oboe reed can make or break an oboe’s usability and sound. A good reed is responsive, balanced, and stable. But too often, reeds are too thick, too long, too open, too closed, too sharp — you name a problem, and it’s a possibility for an oboe reed.
How do you tell if your oboe reed is broken?
If the wood is tinted black on either the inside or the outside of the reed! If two blades are so closed that you have to squeeze it open to see through the reed! If one of the blades has cracked and the double reed has become a triple reed!
Why is my oboe reed so hard?
Firstly, the oboe is much heavier, with denser wood required to support the keywork without cracking – and this is in addition to the weight of the keywork itself. Secondly, both key systems often require the player to lower a finger to move up in pitch or raise a finger to descend a step in pitch.
How do you fix a hard oboe reed?
If the reed is feeling hard and sharp then this indicates that there is too much cane on the reed, try scraping the gullies first – concentrating of the top edges, and then do a light general scrape. If the problem is still the same, try scraping a small amount from the back of the reed.
Are harder reeds better?
Harder reeds are not better than softer reeds. It is worth using a harder reed if you wish to be louder, or if you have a thin sound in the upper register. However, this comes with the cost of being harder to play on. It is important to understand that harder reeds do not make you inherently sound better.
How long should oboe reeds last?
A reed can last anywhere from 2-3 weeks or much longer, depending on how much it is played on and how well it is cared for. If your reed is cracked: Very small cracks in the tip of the reed will usually be OK to play on.
How do you make an oboe reed easier?
a) If the reed closes up from playing the reed will then feel thin. To open the reed squeeze the wire, using your fingers, gently from the sides. b) If it’s too open this can make the reed feel ‘hard’ and difficult to produce a controlled sound, meaning that you may be compelled to scrape the reed to make it easier.
How can I improve my oboe reed stability?
Remember, clip the reed to improve stability, not tone. Clipping a reed in an attempt to improve tone will never work, especially if it is a reed that is already playing sharp and does not vibrate well. Scraping the Tip Thinner: Easier response.
