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English Oboe Reeds
Tired of trial and error? When it comes to choosing your oboe reed, three things matter most: strength, length, and model character. They shape how the reed feels under your fingers and how it responds in sound. Choose with purpose – the reed that matches your playing level and your sound ideal. To help you get there quickly, you’ll find compact guides and further details right here.
How to Choose the Right Reed Strength
More precisely, it’s made up of several factors:
1. The strength and tension of the reed, depending on
- the cane diameter
- the cane gouge thickness and hardness
- the shape
- the staple
- the reeds exterior finish
2. The air resistance of your oboe
3. Your individual strength and conditioning (embouchure and breath support)
Although it’s subjective, the classification into very soft - soft - medium - hard has become standard.
Very Soft
Our very soft “USA” model is designed for the youngest oboe players, starting around age 8. It’s extremely easy to play, making it ideal for beginners with minimal effort. The American long scrape reduces the reed tension to a minimum, which makes them very responsive and allows excellent vibration.
These reeds are well-suited for all beginner oboes in C, such as the "F1" and "F2" by Wolf, the Oboe 100 by Oscar Adler, the Howarth Junior Oboe, and the "Petites Mains" by Cabart.
Soft
Our soft models are designed for adult beginners, students in their second year, and as light practice reeds. They have relatively low air resistance and are easy to play.
Medium
If you’re an advanced and regular player, our medium reeds are the right choice. They’re popular among students, conservatory players, dedicated amateurs, and professional orchestra musicians as well. These reeds have slightly more air resistance than the soft models, giving them a bit more core in their sound. They respond well and are free to play across all registers.
Hard
Our oboe reeds with hard strength are intended for professional players. They have higher air resistance compared to the medium reeds while maintaining good responsiveness, making them ideal for orchestral use.
How to Find the Right Reed Length
the shorter the reed, the higher the pitch.
Take your best reed and measure its length.
Chances are, it will measure somewhere between 70-72 mm. Let’s say your reed is 71 mm long.
Now, think about whether you’re tuning just right, too high, or too low (for example, when playing with a piano or orchestra).
- If you’re in tune, choose a reed of the same length (71 mm).
- If you’re too high, go for a longer reed (72 mm).
- If you’re too low, opt for a shorter reed (70 mm).
The wider the staple, the lower the pitch,
the narrower the staple, the higher the pitch.
Our oboe reeds with Guercio AM staples tend to tune a bit lower overall. With our Chiarugi 2+ staple model, the lower notes are slightly deeper and the higher notes slightly higher.
Which reed for which need?
Strengths and Features Compared
Our range includes various types of oboe reeds, each offering its own sound and playing characteristics. To help you find the reed that best fits your instrument and musical needs, we've summarized the key features for you:
Guercio
These reeds sound a bit rounder, darker, and softer than Chiarugi models – ideal for an orchestral tone. They’re particularly well suited for instruments with a brighter timbre. The slightly narrower cork makes it easier to insert the reed into the oboe.
Chiarugi and RC
Compared to our Guercio models, these sound more brilliant and soloistic – a great match for darker-sounding oboes. They offer excellent projection and are well suited for solo passages.
Guercio D11
This reed has a slightly higher blowing resistance and offers a more compact sound. Notes like g¹ and c² remain stable and don’t drop in soft dynamics – perfect for second oboe. Notes such as a², b², and c³ require a bit more effort but sound very refined and rounded.
Guercio D12
Very stable in the upper register, with a round and well-blending sound. Especially notable is c², which sounds more open than on the D11 and is therefore easier to play.
Guercio1
This reed combines the best qualities of D11 and D12. It offers a solid low register that doesn’t drop – ideal for players looking for a balanced overall feel.
Chiarugi 2
The “golden middle” among oboe reeds. Very neutral in both tone and intonation, with no problematic notes. A great starting point for personalized adjustments and testing.
Chiarugi 2+
Offers more dynamic flexibility, especially toward forte. C² tends to play slightly flat but still sounds round. In soft dynamics, it can drop a bit (similar to g¹), but helps stabilize an unstable f². The low register tends to be slightly flat, while the high register tends to be a bit sharp.
Chiarugi 5
Combines the benefits of Chiarugi 2 and Chiarugi 2+. Especially notable is its excellent stability in the high register. Ideal for players who value secure intonation.
Guercio AM (with AM shape)
Highly versatile: broad dynamic range and great flexibility – from soft to powerful. The sound blends the richness of the German style with the finesse of the French. Slightly larger in tone but softer than the RC reed.
RC (with RC shape)
The upper oval of the staple is slightly rounder than others, creating more tension in the reed. The sound is more direct and open compared to the AM model – great for those who prefer a clear, present tone.
Choose the Right Reed Strength
More precisely, it’s made up of several factors:
1. The strength and tension of the reed, depending on
- the cane diameter
- the cane gouge thickness and hardness
- the shape
- the staple
- the reeds exterior finish
2. The air resistance of your oboe
3. Your individual strength and conditioning (embouchure and breath support)
Although it’s subjective, the classification into very soft - soft - medium - hard has become standard.
Very Soft
Our very soft “USA” model is designed for the youngest oboe players, starting around age 8. It’s extremely easy to play, making it ideal for beginners with minimal effort. The American long scrape reduces the reed tension to a minimum, which makes them very responsive and allows excellent vibration.
These reeds are well-suited for all beginner oboes in C, such as the "F1" and "F2" by Wolf, the Oboe 100 by Oscar Adler, the Howarth Junior Oboe, and the "Petites Mains" by Cabart.
Soft
Our soft models are designed for adult beginners, students in their second year, and as light practice reeds. They have relatively low air resistance and are easy to play.
Medium
If you’re an advanced and regular player, our medium reeds are the right choice. They’re popular among students, conservatory players, dedicated amateurs, and professional orchestra musicians as well. These reeds have slightly more air resistance than the soft models, giving them a bit more core in their sound. They respond well and are free to play across all registers.
Hard
Our oboe reeds with hard strength are intended for professional players. They have higher air resistance compared to the medium reeds while maintaining good responsiveness, making them ideal for orchestral use.
Find the Right Reed Length
the shorter the reed, the higher the pitch.
Take your best reed and measure its length.
Chances are, it will measure somewhere between 70-72 mm. Let’s say your reed is 71 mm long.
Now, think about whether you’re tuning just right, too high, or too low (for example, when playing with a piano or orchestra).
- If you’re in tune, choose a reed of the same length (71 mm).
- If you’re too high, go for a longer reed (72 mm).
- If you’re too low, opt for a shorter reed (70 mm).
The wider the staple, the lower the pitch,
the narrower the staple, the higher the pitch.
Our oboe reeds with Guercio AM staples tend to tune a bit lower overall. With our Chiarugi 2+ staple model, the lower notes are slightly deeper and the higher notes slightly higher.
Which reed for which need?
Strengths and Features Compared
Our range includes various types of oboe reeds, each offering its own sound and playing characteristics. To help you find the reed that best fits your instrument and musical needs, we've summarized the key features for you:
Guercio
These reeds sound a bit rounder, darker, and softer than Chiarugi models – ideal for an orchestral tone. They’re particularly well suited for instruments with a brighter timbre. The slightly narrower cork makes it easier to insert the reed into the oboe.
Chiarugi and RC
Compared to our Guercio models, these sound more brilliant and soloistic – a great match for darker-sounding oboes. They offer excellent projection and are well suited for solo passages.
Guercio D11
This reed has a slightly higher blowing resistance and offers a more compact sound. Notes like g¹ and c² remain stable and don’t drop in soft dynamics – perfect for second oboe. Notes such as a², b², and c³ require a bit more effort but sound very refined and rounded.
Guercio D12
Very stable in the upper register, with a round and well-blending sound. Especially notable is c², which sounds more open than on the D11 and is therefore easier to play.
Guercio1
This reed combines the best qualities of D11 and D12. It offers a solid low register that doesn’t drop – ideal for players looking for a balanced overall feel.
Chiarugi 2
The “golden middle” among oboe reeds. Very neutral in both tone and intonation, with no problematic notes. A great starting point for personalized adjustments and testing.
Chiarugi 2+
Offers more dynamic flexibility, especially toward forte. C² tends to play slightly flat but still sounds round. In soft dynamics, it can drop a bit (similar to g¹), but helps stabilize an unstable f². The low register tends to be slightly flat, while the high register tends to be a bit sharp.
Chiarugi 5
Combines the benefits of Chiarugi 2 and Chiarugi 2+. Especially notable is its excellent stability in the high register. Ideal for players who value secure intonation.
Guercio AM (with AM shape)
Highly versatile: broad dynamic range and great flexibility – from soft to powerful. The sound blends the richness of the German style with the finesse of the French. Slightly larger in tone but softer than the RC reed.
RC (with RC shape)
The upper oval of the staple is slightly rounder than others, creating more tension in the reed. The sound is more direct and open compared to the AM model – great for those who prefer a clear, present tone.
