Reed Making Supplies
Reed-Making Knife:
A good, sharp knife is essential to making and adjusting your reeds. Purchase the following knife (whichever is your dominant hand) from Harvard Double Reeds. We have the sharpening system available in the reed room.
You can also opt for this knife & sharpening stone.
Students need to purchase the following items to learn to make reeds. All the links are suggestions EXCEPT the knife. Please buy the knife using the link provided.
Oboe Cane:
If you are new to reed making, purchase gouged AND shaped cane. If you have been making reed for 1+ years, purchase only gouged cane.
I use Alliaud cane religiously. In my opinion, it is a good balance between hard and soft cane. You are welcome to try different companies or price points.
Here are some link options:
Tying Thread:
Tying thread should be made of Nylon or Silk – FF, EE, or F gauge.
Tying Thread — Choose any color
Staples:
Staples are metal tubes wrapped in cork. The cane is tied to the staple.
Students should have a minimum of 10 oboe staples.
The oboe staples must be 47mm. Avoid purchasing staples made with synthetic cork.
Must be 47mm length
Mandrel:
A mandrel is used to aid in tying cane onto the staple.
Purchase the Oboe, Size 2
Plaques:
Plaques are inserted between the 2 blades of cane to aid in scraping on each blade. Purchase a flat, silver, plaque with rounded edges.
I recommend buy at least 3-5 Plaques. They are small and sometimes get lost!
Razor Blades
Razor blades are used to shape the cane and clip the reed.
