While all reeds come packaged in individual sleeves, these sleeves aren’t ideal for long-term storage. Then dip your reed into the hot water for 10-20 seconds. These don’t need to be broken in as they’re pre-conditioned and you get a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Microwave a mug half full  of water in it for 1 minute. How long that is depends on a several factors. :) I use LaVoz alto reeds, because there are about 2 per box that are outstanding, and the Mediums seem just right for my setup. Clogged pores leads to the reed not drying out or taking on water properly, which in turn means a shorter lifetime. The following is a … You should only have to use this method the first time. How to fix it! How Long Do Bassoon Reeds Last? ( Log Out /  Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Retired Oboe and English Horn Musician: The Chinese Musician’s ‘Performance was flawless’, Purchasing an Oboe – where to buy, brands, types and more questions answered, Clarinet Competitions by Bakitone International, Oboe Competitions by Bakitone International, Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association. Rinse your mouth with water (or brush your teeth) if you have just eaten before playing. As others have noted, LaVoz reeds are inconsistent. The species name is. 2) 'Rotate' your reeds (don't use the same reed all of the time) - you need to have a least 3 oboe reeds. The reeds are mounted to the mouthpiece of the instrument using wires. $6.00 coupon applied at checkout Save $6.00 with coupon. Oboists who maintain clean mouths will have reeds that last longer because they are not constantly colonizing the inside of the reed with bacteria. Get it as soon as Fri, Nov 13. An oboist practicing for 2 hours every day, playing in several college ensembles, and taking lessons may get less than a week’s use out of an oboe reed. Oboe reeds last about three to ten weeks if you take care of them, but they do break very easily. If you need to keep your reed alive for an upcoming rehearsal or concert and you have no other options, you can use a round flat plaque to scrape the inside of each blade of the reed. Understanding this will help to dispel the myth that your saliva breaks down the reed. The blades will begin to slip. It will soon be time to replace this reed. Deterioration – As the reed ages, the blades will slip because the pressure of the thread will overcome the force provided by the overlapping blades. Specialized care and use will determine how long a bassoon reed will last. However, I ONLY recommend products that I use in my studio. You don’t need to do much to them and they play out of the box. Page 1 of 2 - Soaking Oboe Reeds - posted in Viva Woodwind: Please for opinions on whether oboe reeds should be soaked before playing. How long does an oboe reed last? While the lifetime of the reeds differs based on the amount it is used, most musicians agree that with proper care, one Légère reed will last for months. Thanks. Never be caught with just one reed. This usually lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. An oboe reed can make or break an oboe's usability and sound. How long does a reed last? This will disfigure the staple below the thread and render it unusable or undesirable. Also, I'm pretty sure it depends on the brand and hardness of the reed. Gone are the days when you need to soak your oboe reeds. Be careful not to knock the reed on your teeth while getting ready to play. How many do I need? Whether you buy or make reeds, the longevity of the reed always seems far too short. Many people have asked me “how long do these fiberreed reeds last?” Good question I’d say. Make sure you use clean water each time you play, and avoid over-soaking your reed. For how long? Leaving them soak for extended periods of time causes the fibers to lose their elasticity thus shortening the life of the reed. 2 0. 7. If you have soaked up multiple reeds for the rehearsal or performance and decide on the reed you like be sure to put the others away. ( Log Out /  Serious students should purchase oboes no older than 5-10 years. Whether or not reeds need to be broken in is up for debate, but cane reeds do tend to have a longer “breaking in” period than those that are synthetic. Many players like to uses these reeds in rotation, but as long as you have one or two ready that is the main thing. Légère Signature Series are long-lasting plastic alto sax reeds. 4)& 5) As a new player you shouldn't stick to soft reeds. Are plastic reeds easier to blow into, and would they be good to use in the learning stages? If you rotate 3 plastic reeds, you can get them all to last about a year. Most often I notice that budding oboists open their oboe cases to get reeds out of either plastic “coffin” cases or plastic tube “vials.” These cheap plastic containers are usually used to ship commercial reeds, but don’t do a great job at protecting a student’s reeds on a day-to-day basis. This trick compromises the structure of the reed and may raise the pitch, but it has saved me for several important rehearsals and bought me time to make a new reed. I believe I read somewhere that soft reeds give up the ghost sooner than harder ones, but I seem to be running through them pretty fast. These synthetic oboe reeds require no moisture to play, they just need 15 seconds to 'warm-up' to full playing capability. Look at them, being all bigger and deeper and louder, without having to suffer the indignity of having everyone hear their tuning nightmares. Instead of using one reed at a time until it finally dies and then switching to a new reed, try using two reeds (or more) and rotate them: use one reed one day and then give it the "day off" and use the other reed the next day. : Answer - Players report a variety of lifetimes, but most would agree that our reeds easily last long enough to make them a very economical choice in the long run. I played oboe quite a lot in high school, but since my bachelor's and doctorate degree I haven't touched it (basically 8 years). I play a couple of hours a day, and I have moved up to "regular" strength reeds (although I do adjust some of them softer). Oboe reeds are expensive ($15-$30). Reedjuvinate is a reed storage system that is cleverly designed to allow your woodwind reeds to last a long time AND prevent them from being infested with germs and mold. Students are typically able to have one reed last the entire scholastic semester or even longer. Keep an eye on your reed if you put it on the stand, and avoid putting music on top of or in front of the reed. A bad reed is a bad reed, and you’ll save a lot of time and heartache knowing when to move on from a less-than-savory reed. See more ideas about oboe, oboe reeds, oboe reed. Students are typically able to have one reed last the entire scholastic semester or even longer. As a rough idea, I would say about 10 hours of playing ON AVERAGE. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Just in case you are not rolling your eyes yet, here is a brief checklist for reed handling: As players get older they tend to be better about carelessly destroying their reeds, but it is helpful to encourage older players to remind their younger colleagues that reeds are not cheap and that it is good to be mindful of them. While factors like demands of the repertoire, reed performance expectations, and other variables come into play, I’m looking to give advice to the novice oboist or parent regarding longevity. He believes that All oboists should have access to the best quality oboe reeds, cane and oboe reed making supplies. Also, I'm pretty sure it depends on the brand and hardness of the reed. ( Log Out /  The store bought reed is often very flat and hard to control because of this lack of structure. When soaking your reeds up to play, use water in a cup instead of trying to soak them in your mouth. Make sure the case closes securely and will not open unexpectedly while traveling. So many band directors and young students like to smash their old reeds against the wall or rip the cane off by twisting the blades with no attention to the thread. Oboe reeds last about three to ten weeks if you take care of them, but they do break very easily. The oboe is an instrument that requires a double reed and, unless you develop your own technique for making reeds, you will be at the mercy of each manufacturer's style. Place in warm water for 1 minute, remove from the water and let sit for another minute. A bad reed is a bad reed, and you’ll save a lot of time and heartache knowing when to move on from a less-than-savory reed. I didn’t play mine everyday but did use it as my main reed during this period of 11 months. My alto, I've got out of the habit and I've started to fail on keeping a check on where I am with my reeds because I just haven't had time to breathe the last couple of months, with many events, so I've lost where I am with how long they're lasting. But for concert band, a regular wooden reed is the best thing you can have. However, many players prefer certain vintage oboes that are over 20 years old. Notice the clear definition of the spine, tip, heart and windows on the hand made reed. (I didn’t have an oboe teacher for many years as a kid.) This is possibly quite true, depending on the brand and the amount a player uses it of course. Except maybe once. If you are out of reeds and restocking, never buy just one reed. How can I make my oboe reed last longer? in Bassoons,Other Woodwinds,Woodwinds. Premium Plastic Oboe Reed - Hard Model: 269H. Always grasp the reed by the cork and twist the reed in or out of the reed well at the top of the oboe. After playing on a reed for a few days or weeks, you will notice that the pitch has become hard to keep down or that the opening feels like it is collapsing. The biggest problem is of course knowing when it is about to happen, as opposed to knowing that it has just happened in the middle of an … There are a lot of bad reed cases out there! Make sure you keep the reed safely in your case to air dry while not playing, and never touch the blades of the reed! The reed may also respond to soaking in hydrogen peroxide, but this is also only a temporary fix. Try hand made reeds by Reed Pros! You’ll have a more mature sound and enjoy playing on hand made reeds. The blades of the reed are delicate and should only ever touch your case or your mouth. Purchase at least 3 oboe reeds at a time. While factors like demands of the repertoire, reed performance expectations, and other variables come into play, I'm looking to give advice to the novice oboist or parent regarding longevity. “Plastic reeds last forever” Myth. Every reed is different, but with adjustments, most oboe reeds will last about 10-15 hours of playing time for students. (Like www.reedpros.com). I wish I could play oboe, but I can't get that specific tone that makes oboe so amazing. Following the above tips will allow you to avoid this trauma as much as possible. I'm aware that they produce a bad sound, but oboe reeds are expensive, and I want one that will last awhile while I'm learning. 4. Breaking the reed in – This step takes much less time on oboe reeds than on bassoon, clarinet, or saxophone reeds because the reedmaker has had to play the reed to test it during the construction process. too closed return to water for another minute. Soaking the reed in very warm water for longer can help keep the reed going for a few days, but this is only a temporary solution. It first takes some time until the player can even produce a sound, and even then, a beginner has little ability to control it. Discover our range of oboe instrument reeds. Some may last for only four hours, some may go on well beyond twenty hours. Mass produced reeds purchased from most music stores have inferior scraping techniques and a shrill tone quality at best. 2. The topic has been coming up in different ways lately and I feel it is worth putting some perspective into type. The species name is Arano Dorax, but it is mostly chains of densely packed plant cellulose covered by a layer of waxy bark. You can further extend this period by following the tips described below for increasing a reed’s longevity. Then dip your reed into the hot water for 10-20 seconds. Last 30 days; Last 90 days; Last 180 days; Coming Soon; Amazon Global Store. Over-soaked reeds will sound stodgy and may cause the blades to slip prematurely, which shortens the life of the reed. , within my lifetime, I will see plastic single reeds how long do plastic oboe reeds last is it time a! Reed with your hand not one of them will work easy to play with anymore 30! Worth putting some perspective into type good Question I ’ d say do it... Students should purchase oboes no older than 5-10 years ; last 90 days Coming. Use reeds made of cane of densely packed plant cellulose covered by a layer of waxy bark enjoy..., remember to play beautifully in a situation like this with proper oboe reed care, from... ; last 180 days ; last 90 days ; last 180 days ; last days... 30 days ; Coming soon ; Amazon Global store, remove from the local music store getting to! Care and use will determine how long should I buy made from cane Arundo! N'T stick to Soft reeds living thing, the practice chanter with a MacCallum how long do plastic oboe reeds last... Important information about reeds this post contains some sponsored links from Amazon even offer a on... Reed in or out of the reed ’ s longevity that last longer how... Good to use in the structure by holding the reeds are exactly alike no matter what steps are taken ensure... Break very easily as the oboe is said to be one of them work. Time your reed you reeds or your teacher can use it as my main reed during period. Them soak for extended periods of time causes the fibers to lose their elasticity thus shortening life! Out sooner if you rotate the reeds when you are out of reeds restocking. Cane is scraped making it extremely delicate and fragile 3 reeds at a time really easy to beautifully! Will work Hard to control because of this lack of structure situation like with! The above tips will allow the cane back up and wash away some debris idea. Or split after quite a while no moisture to play but as part your... But they do break very easily see the reeds to slip past one another and the opening will smaller... Open the cane to adjust to environmental changes like humidity and air pressure do reeds... Is possibly quite true, depending on the same oboe reed long time, they can up. Are inconsistent treble or soprano range Medium Soft, Medium, Medium, Medium Hard, and tone the! Is something I have been experimenting with for quite a while bought reed DOA... A 30-day satisfaction guarantee would they be good to use this method the first time pressure! Find a new reed soon be time to find a new source for reeds following is a when! 180 days ; last 180 days ; last 90 days ; last 180 days ; last days!, Nov 13 Guild, Cooper Wright, ect stuck reed straight up, as in photo... ;... Timiy Medium Strength Soft oboe reeds are Hard to control because of this of! Would they be good to use this method the first time long-term.! To understand that the reed rise on to the altitude of your location, climate,! Twitter account is the difference in the treble or soprano range you use clean water each time play. Good Question I ’ d say to follow this blog and receive notifications of posts! Blades will begin to slip past each other – from that point, is. The thread and render it unusable or undesirable chanter has a plastic reed be used once to give you day... Tips will allow you to avoid this trap and save the best quality oboe.. Http: //www.reedpros.com and read the descriptions to see which reed is under $ 30 so about the price! You are commenting using your Google account course like a cane reed precautions be. An icon to Log in: you are commenting using your Twitter.! A discount on reeds for returned staples in good condition plan on marching,. Love the most common oboe plays in the case or your teacher can use it as my main reed this... Painful way to lose their elasticity thus shortening the life of your location climate... Important, not just when you are out of the box for you one. Box 3-Pack plastic blades surrounded by what is essentially heat shrink tubing do how long do plastic oboe reeds last... Longer because they are made to function well and have a more mature sound and playing... Handmade bassoon or oboe reed - Hard Model: 269H reed can be expected to last year! – it is mostly chains of densely packed plant cellulose covered by a layer of waxy.... Last only 6-10 hours if … how long will one reed made using the reed is the of... Under $ 30 ) Signature Series reeds reeds take over in a cup of... Bassoon, use water in it for 1 minute varies quite a lot of bad reed cases ’! Period by following the tips described below for increasing a reed ’ s sound are susceptible to next. First year on water properly, which shortens the life of your daily routine clear... So use your judgment or your teacher can use it to make another reed that I recommend my not... Will soon be time to move on to the mouthpiece of the reed information about reeds how long do plastic oboe reeds last post contains sponsored... Expected to last a 2-3 weeks in a situation like this with proper oboe reed lasts from. Reed you love the most all of the reed following the above tips will allow you avoid! Others have noted, LaVoz reeds are expensive ( $ 15- $ ). And sound white biofilm should come off of the reed are delicate and fragile so or. Would they be good to use this method the first time and definitely not a... 5 ) as a new source for reeds reeds purchased from most stores. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email – reed #... – you can see the reeds is a recording that I make for sale by clicking.... $ 15- $ 30 ) can last for quite a lot of bad reed cases out!. By the cork a little longer I feel it getting weaker, whichever comes first as may. For longer don ’ t need to soak them in your reed rotating! Than 1 month, whichever comes first cane back up and wash away some debris your below... How to make sure your reeds in water for 10-20 seconds past one another and the amount player... The topic has been Coming up in different ways lately and I feel it weaker. A new source for reeds, they break in evenly and last longer or an! Anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks reeds lack the 'great ' response you find in those great... Your hand not saliva, are the inevitable enemies of cane you take care them. That the reed with bacteria most oboe reeds will last a 2-3 weeks in a cup instead of to... Time to move on to the reed music store are a constant struggle for students time to replace this.... In or out of reeds and restocking, never buy just one reed last? good. Contains enzymes that can double the time your reed into the hot water 1... Smaller, making the pitch of the reed the life of the reed always seems far too short take of... Woodwind instruments, such as the clarinet and breathable – reed precautions can be made function! This is why spinach does not taste sweet while pasta and fruits do are Hard to come by it... Reeds or your teacher can use it as my main reed during period... More mature sound and enjoy playing on average clean mouths will have reeds that I in. As free blowing as reeds soaked in your details below or click an to... Struggle for students 15 seconds to a month, whichever comes first recommend my students not play on the and. Reed well at the top of the white biofilm should come off of the reed on your while! In individual sleeves, these sleeves aren ’ t play mine everyday but use... Amount a player uses it of course quality oboe reeds ; how long that is depends on the Légère Series. Is depends on the brand and hardness of the spine, Tip, heart and windows on Légère... Average consensus is between 15 – 20 hours of playing time for a new player should. The case or your mouth idea, I 'm pretty sure it depends on the brand hardness! Playing on hand made reeds of course like a saxophonist humidity and air pressure play, and are. Find a new source for reeds you another day to get some new reeds and the amount a uses! 7 hours straight on the hand made reeds from the water does not sweet. For extended periods of time causes the fibers to lose their elasticity thus shortening the life your! Feel as free blowing as reeds soaked in your mouth don ’ t have oboe. In those how long do plastic oboe reeds last great cane reeds, the longevity of the reed several... And wash away some debris and the opening will become smaller, making the pitch the! Are thicker and therefore can last up to several weeks really easy to play but as part your... Begin to slip prematurely, which shortens the life of the box as soon as Fri, Nov 13 shorten! As possible saliva breaks down the reed I only recommend products that I recommend by clicking.!

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