To help you find your ideal reed faster, we’ve summarized all English horn reed models with their sound and playing characteristics. This overview lets you instantly see which reed fits you, your instrument, and your crooks best. 
| Reed model | Sound / Volume | Response / Stability | Recommended for crooks | Shape | Staple |
| Rich and flexible in color, large to very large sound volume | Very stable, especially in the upper range; balanced response across all registers; our most frequently played professional model |
Best suited for medium to wide crooks | Kreedo 9 (H13) | Lorée | |
| Sonorous and powerful, large sound volume | Stable in all registers; smooth response; strong, resonant upper range |
| Roseau Chantant RC1 | Chiarugi 2 | |
| Kreedo | Full and resonant tone, very large sound volume | Stable and open in all registers; excellent response; free and vibrant projection | Fits all crooks: the threaded connection with sealing ring ensures a tight and secure fit | Kreedo 9 (H13) | Chudnow |
| Kreedo | Gentle, well-rounded tone, smaller sound volume | Highly consistent intonation; clear response; narrower shape for precise control |
Ideal for traditional German-style crooks | Kreedo 9 (H13) | Guercio B |
| Kreedo | Brilliant tone, medium sound volume | Very stable; focused high range (g''–c'''); secure and easy projection |
Best suited for narrower crooks | Kreedo 9 (H13) | Chiarugi 1 |
Finding your favorite English horn reed
Try, compare, listen — the right English horn reed simply feels right. And if you’re uncertain: get in touch! Together we’ll find the reed that lets you focus entirely on your music.
For EH beginners – play with ease:
Light and medium models make it easier to start and provide a free, well-controlled playing feel without requiring too much air support.
For advanced players – your sound, your style:
Most English horn players prefer medium/regular reeds that offers generously sound shaping and projection.
For professionals – maximum projection:
In orchestral settings, medium reeds are most common; depending on hall acoustics or repertoire, hard models are chosen for greater resistance, tonal depth, and extra stability in the upper range.
Lifespan varies greatly depending on use and care — usually between 1 and 10 weeks. When played only occasionally, a reed can remain usable for many months. Most players rotate several reeds to maintain consistent playing comfort over time.
Careful maintenance — including regular cleaning and disinfection — significantly extends its usable life.
Choose a reed that fits firmly and securely on your crook — nothing matters more than an airtight fit. Every Kreedo reed is personally crafted by Jürgen Krebs, ensuring consistent quality you can rely on.
New reeds need a short break-in period to unfold their full potential. Play them gently over several days. Store reeds in a ventilated reed case so they can breathe — plastic sleeves are meant for shipping only.
Before the first use, soak the reed for 4–5 minutes. During the break-in phase, 1–2 minutes are enough. Always submerge only up to the end of the scrape (about 1–1.5 cm). If a reed has been soaked for too long, let it dry completely and try again the next day.
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