Best BEGINNER
OBOE REED
A ARTIST
OBOE REED BEGINNERS HIGH-QUALITY REED
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature:
Brass staple for tip adjustmen -
TedScore™: 9/10
Best SOFT
OBOE REED
OBOE REED RELIABLE SOFT REED
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Overall:
9/10 -
Best Feature:
Made with high-quality cane -
TedScore™: 9/10
Best HARD
OBOE REED
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: Suitable for outdoor use and high-humidity environments
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TedScore™: 8/10
I still remember the first squeaky sound I made on an oboe reed; it sounded like a duck instead of a nice note, but it was the start of a great musical adventure.
Choosing the right oboe reed for beginners is crucial, as it can make or break your sound.
Trust me, starting with a soft or medium-soft reed makes all the difference—it’s like giving your embouchure a friendly handshake rather than a wrestler’s grip.
Keep reading to learn how to start playing the oboe easily and discover why using softer reeds can help you.
Let’s begin this musical journey together, and soon, you’ll be making beautiful music that even ducks would be jealous of.
Getting Started with Oboe Reeds
Venturing into the world of oboe reeds can be overwhelming.
But my guide will get you sprightly on your way to making beautiful music.
Selecting Your First Reed
I remember feeling excitement and confusion when I picked my first oboe reed.
You’ll want to start with a softer reed, often labeled as medium soft, which is much more forgiving to your developing embouchure. Teachers usually have a knack for pointing out which reed is a good fit, so do ask for their advice.
Best Beginner Oboe Reeds
JONES 101A ARTIST OBOE REED
FEATURES: Short Scrape, European Style Reed
-Brass staple for tip adjustment
- Provides good response and playability
- Offers consistent quality and reliability
- May require adjustments to suit individual playing styles.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
VANDOREN OBOE REED - SOFT
FEATURES: Manufactured by Vandoren craftsmen
-Made with high-quality cane
- Produces a warm and mellow tone
- Convenient and ready to play
- May lack preferred complexity for advanced players