What is a Handmade Reed, and Why Should I Play On One? 

Did you know that professional bassoon and oboe players make their own reeds? This is a unique aspect of learning to play a double reed instrument. Bassoon and oboe reeds and the instrument itself can be extremely finicky, there is less wiggle room when it comes to tuning, and every instrument will have slightly different key work that creates unique tuning challenges. This is why many players take to the art of reed making and adjusting to ensure a reed plays well on their particular instrument and their embouchure (the way your lips form around the reed). 

A common question we get asked is, “Why are reeds so expensive, and what is the difference between them all?” So let’s break that down: 

Cost

There’s no way around it, playing bassoon or oboe is more expensive than other woodwind instruments. Bassoon and oboe reeds are significantly more time-consuming to make than their clarinet and saxophone counterparts, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. When first learning the instrument, you will need to test different types of reeds to figure out what works best for you and your instrument. 

Differences Between Reeds 

The biggest thing to note when buying reeds is that some are mass-produced while others are handmade. The gold standard is to play on a handmade reed, and here’s why:

Mass-Produced/Store-bought Reeds 

• Are less reliable, and you don’t know what you’re getting. You could buy three with all the same strengths and they will all play differently. Some might not even work at all. The quality will vary significantly between each reed. 
•  Typically play on the flat side, and the player will sacrifice embouchure to play in tune.
• Are cheaper but often won’t last as long, and you’ll go through more of them because some won’t play at all out of the box.  

Handmade Reeds

• Are made by professionals with cane uniqueness taken into account.
• Are always play-tested (and disinfected) before being sold. 
• Are consistent and will all play in a similar manner. 
• Are more expensive, but it will save you time and frustration in the long run. 

Where do I buy a handmade reed? 

All oboe, bassoon, and contrabassoon reeds sold through Reed Supplies Canada are handmade. Our reed makers are carefully selected, and their reeds go through a rigorous testing process before we agree to carry them. We inspect all reeds upon arrival to ensure they are not damaged.

Why can my clarinet or saxophone friend play on a store-bought reed? 

Clarinet and saxophone players will face similar issues, especially a lack of consistency across reeds, but they are less labor-intensive and significantly cheaper to produce. The time it takes to master reed making and adjusting often isn’t worth it for our clarinet and saxophone comrades. 

Clarinets and saxophones can easily adjust the length of their instrument if a reed is playing sharp or flat. Double reed players don’t have that luxury. And because cane comes from a living organism that is constantly changing, buying a handmade reed ensures that someone has given attention to how well the reed plays in tune and responds across all ranges of the instrument. 

How do I know if a reed is mass-produced?

If you purchased reeds from Amazon or a general music store like Long and McQuade, chances are you are playing on a mass-produced reed. If you are renting an instrument, the reed it came with is also likely to be mass-produced. Common mass-produced reed brands include Jones (by far the most common as a first reed and given out with rentals), Carlton, Emerald, Marlin Lesher, and Eastman. 

If you can find the name of the individual reed maker (e.g., Julie Paul) in the product name or description or the reed is made by a cane manufacturer (e.g., Glotin, Rigotti), you know you’re getting a handmade reed. If Amazon is trying to sell you a bassoon reed and the image is an oboe reed, you’ve got a problem, no matter what the description says. 

If you end up trying this bassoon reed from Amazon, PLEASE email us and let us know how it went. (All jokes aside, the image above is an oboe reed that's been photoshopped onto a bassoon.) 

What to Look for if You Are Buying Store-Bought Reeds:

Whether it’s cost, geography, it came with the instrument, or maybe the only thing your school offers at a discount, there are many reasons why someone may be playing on a mass-produced reed. If you are purchasing from a local music store, ask to see as many reeds as possible and try to avoid the following:

• Too Wide or Narrow Tip Opening. Oboe no more than 1mm, bassoon 1-1.5mm. (This can be hard to tell depending on the reed case, but some stores will let you open them if it’s in front of a staff member) 

• Asymmetrical Tip Opening

• Damaged Tip

• Visible Cracks, most commonly at the base of the reed. On bassoon reeds, it is normal to see some cracking, however it should never go higher than the first wire.

  

• Split Edges (This might correct itself after soaking, but if you have the option, don’t risk it.)

Final Thoughts:

Although more expensive, handmade reeds will save you endless time and frustration. It is extremely difficult to play bassoon or oboe well on a bad reed, and that extra couple of dollars sets you up for success at the start. 

We understand that cost can be a prohibiting factor in reed selection. That’s why Reed Supplies Canada is proud to offer a 10% student discount to post-secondary, middle, and high school students. 

You can also check out this blog post for tips on taking care of and extending the life of your reeds.