First Chair Professional Oboe Reed- Handmade

First Chair Professional Oboe Reeds are handmade from scratch and 100% hand scraped. They are designed to help developing students play their best with somewhat less effort. They have a beautiful tone, a supple response and are well balanced for pitch and stability.  Professional models benefit from an extra nuanced finish versus the intermediate model.  Customized to meet functional objectives for model, including: match staple size; cane brand, size, gouge and shape; blank construction; and scrape 

Designed for high school, college and adult amateurs with 4+ years experience seeking a great reed that features a smaller aperture and lighter scrape to achieve a less strenuous playing experience.  

 Construction/Scrape:

• First Chair Oboe Reeds are made with reed maker choice of Rouche or Magic Reed Select oboe cane as conditions warrant. Paired with a Chiarugi professional 47 mm 2+ staple to achieve a slimline design.  This modifies aperture size for gentler playing experience.
• Reeds are finished with an American long scrape. 
• Every reed receives dozens of micro adjustments and quality tests prior to shipment. My goal is always to meet/exceed my strict quality standards for every reed I make- without compromise.

Finishing Touches:

• Tested in two rooms with and without carpet on a Loree 125 oboe.  When I test reeds, I try to replicate the embouchure of the player I expect to purchase it, not my own.  If it is not a fit, I start over.
• Reed prep instructions are included.
• Light application of Vaseline to moisturize cork. 
• Covid sanitized.