Hey, um, I`m pretty new at the oboe (woodwind instruments for that matter - go brass;-P) and I was just wondering if there is something that must be looked for/at when purchasing a reed. The only thing I know is that RICO tends to, well, SUCK, and that`s what I bought (in my ignorance). So is there a trick to it? I need to know.

well, I say totally go for the handmade reeds, but that`s just if you can get them. If you`re taking lessons, then perhaps your teacher knows how and can make reeds for you like mine does. Out of the different store-bought reeds I`ve used, I think that Jones is a very nice reeds, but others I`m sure have different opinions. But, it`s just like the oboe, it`s what`s comfortable and brings a good sound for that particualar oboe player. Best of luck, welcome to the crowd!

I wouldn`t start on hand made reeds. They make your tone better, but the are expensive!!! THey are generally $15 each and when you are beginning, you can break quite a few reeds. If you are buying store bought ones, go through and check them to make sure that thye are not too open or to closed or if they have a leak on the side. It is hard to tell how great a reed is without playing it, so when you buy reeds from the store, it is like one big guessing game. THe store should let you look at the reeds, but they won`t let you play them for obvious reasons. When I buy sotre bought reeds I like the Fox reeds. But never never NEVER buy Plastic or FIbercane reeds. Believe me form experience, stick to the wooden ones!! GOod lUck with Oboe! And btw Brass is awesome! OBoe is my main instrument, but I march Horn hehe it`s a blast!

I concur, don`t go handmade reeds until later. I would suggest the Everett`s and who knows if you are going to get a good one.......that`s the sucky part about getting store bought ones, but usually if you have a teacher they will be able to adjust them for you....plus the store bought one`s aren`t that expensive.