Hi!
I started out in percussion since I could already play the piano, but I can now play the flute too. Soon I'm going to start playing the oboe and I'm wondering if there's anything I should avoid doing. Anything that I might end up relearning...yeah...
thanks,
R

DO NOT BUY STORE BOUGHT REEDS. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU USE THEM. haha, there's lke 3 forum topics on reeds. everyone gets all fired up about them.

learn to tounge correctly too. tounge against the tip of the reed. like this -- "ta"

Do NOT soak your reed in your mouth! You should get a small container (I got mine from Tupperware) and fill it with water to soak your reed. It will help your reed last longer. Also, It may take some time to get used to a double reed. Make sure that when you are playing, don't pinch down on the reed too much. Also, get some handmade reeds. I get mine from Reedmaker.com. You could also go to Reedreviews.net. They have a huge list of different reed suppliers. You will also have to blow harder on the oboe than on the flute.Remember, the oboe is a completely different instrument than the flute, so if you get frusterated, just keep going! Happy practicing!

Don't listen to them. Store-bought reeds are perfectly fine.

..& some hand-made reeds are rubbish as well. What suits one does not suit another - reeds are very personal things.

store-bought reeds are ok to start out with, but if you are a serious oboist, you should either learn to make your own reeds or find a good reed maker.

when oboe girl was talking about soaking ur reed, u can also use an empty pill container. u know the orange ones? just clean it out. film cases also work well.

reeds are very personal, like they have said, so just try a lot of different kinds. something will work for u.

Thanks for all of your advice!
As for the store bought to hand made reed, my band director went ahead and got me one, sooo... I'll figure it out later.
So, so far I can only make squeaky little sounds,(on just the reed)as well as tonguing.(if that's how you spell that)
I don't have the actual oboe (which I'm borrowing from the school)yet.
-R

Oh, oh!I want to add something. My awesome bass clarinet friend is now playing the CONTRABASS!!!(clarinet).Go contra!

That's a good start! Getting used to the reed will be the hardest thing. Wow! Contrabass clarinets are so cool! I've only seen one once, and they're huge!

if it is any help i play flute and i recently started clarinet and its a lot harder to blow so with a double reed it will be even harder so don't give up!