I got my Oboe on Monday, I`m learning it in school with a woodwind teacher who I used to do flute with, it`s going pretty well so far. I can do A, B, C, D and G. I find the notes pretty easy as I did flute and the fingerings are the same. I`m really enjoying it so far but I have a problem.. I`ve gone through 2 reeds since Monday!! And the reeds are quite expensive, so any tips so they won`t break so easily? Thanks

Well.. if you dont have a case for your reeds.. get one!! and when you`re taking your reed out of your oboe, hold it by the cork... this is basic stuff but yeah haha.. umm.. mayb dont put your reed in your oboe unless you`re about to play it.. thats all i really know in general... how is your reed breaking exactly??...

hope that helps in some kind of way haha

@~> Jaspie boi..

Hi
Well I had another lesson today and she gave me a new reed. Yeah I already had a case for the reed, and I don`t put it in the Oboe unless I play. Thanks for the tips It just cracked down the front and the sides :S

Are you soaking your reed in a container for a few minutes before you play?
If not, that might be the problem.
Soaking your reed is the best... It makes the oboe so much easier to play, not that I`ve played without soaking before...

I usually wet it in my mouth, do you think its because it isnt wet enough?

It takes a long time to get a red moist enough in your mouth and while it`s sitting there for 5 minutes... you are digesting the reed.

If you soak in water the reed should last longer as water will not break down so much as when the reed is soaked in water it is less likely to absorb saliva (I also soak a little after playing to rinse).

If you go to your local Grocery store to the film section find the 35mm cheapest film you can find and get it. The film canisters are water tight (burp the lid). You can fill and put it in your bag and have water at all times. However... do change the water on occaision or things will start to grow in there.

jeepers! I have yet to break or wear out a reed. I`ve been playing for a couple of years and bought 8 altogether - 3 with the instrument and the rest in harder grades each time. I still play the older reeds when I have a lot of playing, practice to do and need the softest I can get away with.
I`m trying to figure how someone can get through that many reeds in a week. Are they made of reasonable quality aliud?

Just out of curiosity, are you playing on handmade or machine-made reeds?

Hey I have been playing snice 6th gr. and i am in 9th now. Just to let yall all know. I bent my reed into a 90 degree from. the oboe fell. (poor oboe) so it can happen! but if you want to talk or need any help on the oboe, I would be more than happy to let you e-mail me! at chickendance2@rock.com
write soon! just to let me know that you got the message. and I can help.
-fye. (POWER TO THE OBOE!!!!!) 14yr. Texas.

Please... please... SOAK YOUR REEDS IN ACTUAL WATER. [3-5 min. should be enough, every time before you play. Then rinse when done, DO NOT SHAKE THE WATER OFF and put it in a actual reed case.]

If you don`t, then I guarantee that:
1. Your reeds will break OFTENLY.
2. You may/will get splinters in your MOUTH. [OUCH!]
3. Your $$$ will decrease...

if you don`t soak your reed, it`ll crack soon enough. cause if you soak it with your mouth, it just moists the outside, when the inside is sill very dry.

wel its really simple.just dont bite down on it to hard, or if you have to leave it on something take your reed out of the instrument and put it in your case or somethin.
b careful because i`ve had my reed for an month now and dont plan using any of my others untill my tone start to sound bad then it time to change.but 4 u i guess since you just started it ok youll get the hang of it!:`)

How old are you and where do you live? i know a really fab reed maker in England, i am 10 years old in year 6 and i have been playing the Oboe for 3 years good luck and get a descent reed case.

A reed case that lets air go right through the reeds, don`t block the end or anything.