Recommended Reed Books:
- Principles and Techniques for Oboe Reed Adjustment $29.00 order here
A reed adjustment guide written by Cheryl Wefler of Cascade Reeds; recently recommended by Allan Vogel in the IDRS journal. Great info on adjustment and high altitude reeds. - Making Oboe Reeds $29 order here
This ebook by Joseph Shalita of Mexico City is great for any beginner AND for "pro" reed makers. Available online only. With a online subscription to his site you can obtain a free "sneak peak" chapter. - The Art of Oboe Playing: Including Problems and Techniques of Oboe Reedmaking $16.13 order hereThis is two books in one and includes details of oboe playing, why reed making is important and info on how to make reeds. The author is Robert Sprenkle.
- The Reed Makers Manual $49.95 order here
This book by David Weber or Weber reeds in collaboration with Ferald Capps is a great beginning reed book. It includes extensive supply lists and test by step instructions with photos. - Gouge, Shape and Scrape. A Complete Guide to the Oboe Reed $38.95 order here
From their website: "Gouge, Shape and Scrape: A Complete Guide to the Oboe Reed" by Valarie Anderson. This book, by the designer of Jeanne oboe shapers and gougers, details the steps in oboe reed making. It has 115 pages with a spiral binding and includes: over 80 full color, detailed photographs of the reed making steps, a series of play tests and reed adjustments to take the guess work out of oboe reed making, steps to make reeds that are designed to achieve stability of pitch."
Recommended Oboe/English Horn Reed Cases:
Selection of an appropriate reed case is extremely important. A good reed case allows the reeds to dry out after use (or else they'll mold), holds the reeds firmly in place (so they dont slip around and break), and is sturdy in structure. It is beneficial to have a reed case that holds at least 3 reeds. Here is my lift of recommended reed cases:
- Reed Cases from Forrests Music. $13-99 (depending on how many reeds it holds) order here
May favorite cases have pegs to put each reed on individually. - RDG Woodwind Reed Cases. $25-152 (depending on how many reeds it holds) order here
- Bocal Majority Reed Cases. $12.50-116 (depending on how many reeds it holds) order here
Please note, any case that requires you to shove the reed into a crevice is not a good reed case. The danger of cracking the tip is extremely high with cases in this style. Although they are an economical options in the long run your reeds will be damaged more frequently meaning you'll need new ones more frequently.
Tubes, or cases that reeds are shipped in from distributors are also not suitable for long term storage.
Why do reeds matter?
