Logo for Free Reed Making Instructions

Reed Making Video

This oboe reed making lesson will show you up close how to scrape an oboe reed. You will see how to scrape the different sections of an oboe reed and how to adjust an oboe reed.

Step by step instructions for making oboe reeds

Bass Oboe Reed

Here is how I made a bass oboe reed that was used in a performance of The Planets by Gustav Holst. Scraping This was the only time I have ever played a bass oboe so I made a reed specifically for this one performance. The solo in the ‘Saturn’ movement is in the low register…...

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Oboe Reed Doctor Image

Reed Doctor Intro

The reed doctor posts will teach you how to adjust your oboe reeds. It will help you diagnose common reed making problems and show you where to scrape or how to adjust your oboe reed.

Step by step instructions for making oboe reeds

Step By Step Reed Making Introduction

This post will tell you where to look for the information that you need to know. Also provides a general step by step instruction for how to make reeds.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Step by step instructions for making oboe reeds

How To Prepare Cane to be Gouged

After you have selected your cane, you will need to prepare it for your gouging machine. This includes removing some excess cane and chopping it down to size.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Step by step instructions for making oboe reeds

Shaping and Tying Reeds

Shaping and tying reeds is one of the most crucial steps. The shape of the cane and the resulting length at which you tie the reed can make a huge difference in response, flexibility, and intonation.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Step by step instructions for making oboe reeds

Scraping Techniques

Here are three different scraping techniques that will help you scrape your oboe reeds more smoothly. This will help your oboe reeds vibrate and respond more easily.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Magic bullets logo for oboe reed making

Scraping the Tip

The tip on the oboe reed is the most important part of the reed and certainly the most difficult to perfect, but this method will make it a lot easier. This online reed making lesson will help you refine your oboe reeds.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Step by step instructions for making oboe reeds

Initial Scraping

By the end of this post, you will know how to start scraping an oboe reed. This post will take you through initials scrapes until the reed is ready to crow.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Step by step instructions for making oboe reeds

How To Crow and Test a Reed

You will need several reliable tests to see how functional a reed is. This post will show you how to crow an oboe reed and what you can learn from the crow.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Oboe Reed Doctor Image

Reed Doctor Diagram

Here you will find a list of every part of the oboe reed that you can scrape and the results (positive and negative) that come from scraping those areas of an oboe reed.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Magic bullets logo for oboe reed making

Reed Slope Pictures/Video

These oboe reed pictures are here to help you look at the architecture of a reed and help you create smooth transitions between the three main sections of a reed.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Oboe Reed Doctor Image

Reeds That Are Too Open

Oboe reeds that are too open will normally be flat and while it is largely determined by everything you do before tying a reed, here are a few strategies to help your reed making.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Oboe Reed Doctor Image

Reeds That Are Too Closed

While the opening of the reed is mostly determined by the cane, gouge, and shaper tip, but this oboe reed lesson shares a few additional ideas on how to open up a reed.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Oboe Reed Doctor Image

Reeds That Are Unresponsive

Oboe reeds can be unresponsive in a variety of ways. This oboe reed making lesson will help you determine why your reed is unresponsive and how to fix it.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Oboe Reed Doctor Image

Reeds That Are Too Responsive or Bright

Oboe reeds need to be responsive, but there also needs to be restraint in the sound. This oboe reed making lesson will give you some tips on how to darken the tone of your oboe reeds.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Oboe Reed Doctor Image

Reeds That Are Too Flat

This oboe lesson will teach you have to raise the pitch of flat oboe reeds. In general, the gouge, shaper tip, and diameter cane that you use will be the biggest factors with pitch, but here are a few scraping techniques that you can use.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register
Oboe Reed Doctor Image

Reeds That Are Too Sharp

This online oboe lesson will help you fix oboe reeds that are too sharp. Often times, sharp oboe reeds simply need more cane removed, but this reed making lesson will show you a few other tricks.

These online oboe lessons are for Premium Reed Maker and Premium Reed Maker-Month members only.
Log In Register