Best Oboe Reeds of 2026
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Oboe reeds are an essential component for any oboist. These small, delicate pieces of equipment are responsible for producing the rich, warm sound that the oboe is known for. Made from a combination of cane and metal, oboe reeds require a skilled hand to create. They come in a variety of strengths, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, having a reliable supply of high-quality oboe reeds is crucial for achieving the best possible sound.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Oboe Reeds
Emerald Oboe Reed- Medium
This medium Oboe Reed is made with fine French cane and provides a high-quality sound for your instrument. It is sold individually, making it easy to purchase just what you need. As an Oboe Reed, it is a great addition to your instrument accessories, providing a reliable and consistent sound.
Jones JR101AMS Oboe Reed
The Jones JR101AMS Oboe Reed is a medium soft reed designed for oboe players. This reed features a 47 mm nickel silver tube with cane tied to it, ensuring durability and longevity. The tip of the reed receives extra refinement, allowing for a smooth and balanced sound. The heart and back of the reed are carefully balanced with the tip, resulting in a consistent and easy-to-play range across the entire instrument. Additionally, the 'crow' of each reed is adjusted by hand to an exact pitch, ensuring optimal performance. With its high-quality construction and attention to detail, the Jones JR101AMS Oboe Reed is a reliable choice for oboe players of all levels.
Chartier CPO-MS Plastic Oboe Reed
The Chartier Plastic Oboe Reed, also known as the Chartier CPO-MS, is a medium-soft plastic oboe reed that offers easy playing and produces a mellow tone. Designed for oboe players of all levels, this reed provides a convenient alternative to traditional cane reeds. With its easy playing style, beginners can quickly adapt to the reed and produce beautiful sounds with minimal effort. The medium-soft strength allows for flexibility in sound production, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres. The mellow tone adds a warm and smooth quality to the sound, enhancing the overall musical experience. Whether you are a student or a professional oboist, the Chartier Plastic Oboe Reed is a reliable and versatile choice.
Jones JR101MS Oboe Reed
The Jones Oboe Reed is designed for optimal performance, allowing you to play your instrument with confidence. The unique tip opening is achieved without the use of a wire, making it easier for you to produce sound. Skilled craftsmen carefully process the cane using top-of-the-line machinery, ensuring high-quality reeds. Each reed is individually tested and fine-tuned by hand, which guarantees that you can play the entire range of your oboe effortlessly. With its durable construction, you can expect this reed to last longer, giving you great value for your investment.
Jones JR101M Medium Oboe Reed
The Jones Medium Oboe Reed is crafted to meet the needs of beginners and intermediate players. It features a carefully shaped tip that achieves the right opening without the need for additional wires, making it easier for you to get a consistent sound. The cane used is expertly processed by skilled craftsmen using advanced machinery, ensuring high quality and reliability. Each reed is then individually tested and fine-tuned by hand, so you can enjoy a reed that is ready to play right out of the box. This attention to detail helps you focus on improving your skills without worrying about reed issues.
Emerald 601MS Oboe Reed
The Emerald 601MS Oboe Reed is made from high-quality French cane and comes in a single package per reed.
Singin' Dog ORBMS Oboe Reed
The Singin' Dog Oboe Reed is designed for oboe players seeking a medium-soft reed option. This model, ORBMS, offers a balanced softness that can help you achieve a smooth and flexible sound. Being part of the Singin' Dog brand, it assures quality craftsmanship tailored to enhance your playing experience. If you want a reed that responds well to your breath control and provides ease in producing warm tones, this reed is a practical choice. It is suitable for musicians who prefer a reed that is neither too hard nor too soft, giving you more control and comfort during practice or performance.
Marlin Lesher Oboe Reed-Soft
The Marlin Lesher Oboe Reed-Soft is a student oboe reed that includes oboe cane and brass staple. It is designed to provide a soft sound to help beginners practice and improve their skills. The Lesher Oboe Reed is an excellent choice for those who are new to playing the oboe or those who want to practice playing the instrument.
Marlin Lesher Medium Oboe Reed
The Marlin Lesher Oboe Reed is crafted from cane, giving you a natural feel and sound quality that many oboists appreciate. It features a brass staple, which adds durability and helps maintain the reed's shape, so you can rely on consistent performance. The synthetic CK material used in the construction offers added stability, making it easier to play and less sensitive to changes in humidity. With a medium strength, this reed strikes a balance between ease of play and rich tone, making it a great choice whether you're practicing or performing.
Jiayouy Medium Soft Oboe Reeds with Case
The Jiayouy Oboe Reeds are designed with convenience and quality in mind. Each reed comes in a sturdy plastic case, making it easy for you to store and carry them safely while preventing dust and damage. Made from natural bamboo, these reeds are durable and built to last, giving you a reliable playing experience over time. They are carefully tested and hand-adjusted to ensure you can comfortably play across the full range of your oboe. With a medium-soft strength, these reeds are perfect if you are just starting out or transitioning to the oboe, offering stable intonation and smooth sound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do oboe reeds last?
The lifespan of oboe reeds can vary, but generally it is recommended to replace the reed every 2-3 weeks for intermediate players, and every few days for advanced or professional players. Each reed is unique and will slowly lose its function over time.
2. What strength reed is recommended for beginner oboe players?
For beginner oboe players, it is recommended to start with a soft or medium soft reed. These reeds have less resistance and are easier to play while the embouchure is being developed.
3. Does a harder reed produce a better sound?
Harder reeds can produce a louder, heavier, darker, or fuller sound, but they require strong support and a developed embouchure. They are particularly beneficial in projecting the sound in the upper registers of the oboe without compromising the tone texture.
4. Why do you need to soak an oboe reed?
Soaking the oboe reed prepares it to play better. It is recommended to use water for soaking, as it gives the reed more brilliance compared to saliva. Soaking for 1-3 minutes is usually sufficient, depending on the age and condition of the reed.
5. Can you oversoak an oboe reed?
Yes, oversoaking an oboe reed can have negative effects. It can make the reed stiff, too open, and flat. It is important to soak the reed for the appropriate amount of time, which is generally 1-3 minutes, or until the reed reaches the desired strength.
6. How can you break in a new oboe reed quickly?
To break in a new oboe reed quickly, you can follow these steps: 1) Dip the reed in water and massage the cane to seal and close the pores. 2) Repeat this process for 3 days. 3) On the 4th day, play the reed for a few minutes. 4) Gradually increase the playing time each day until a week has passed. This helps the reed adjust and perform optimally.
During our oboe reed research, we found 24 oboe reed products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,936 customer reviews through our big data system to write the oboe reeds list. We found that most customers choose oboe reeds with an average price of $16.72.
The oboe reeds are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of oboe reeds, including Emerald, Jones Double Reed Products, Chartier, Singin' Dog, Marlin Lesher Double Reed. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 71 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.