In this guide, oboist Anna Betuzzi runs through the most important tools to have when learning to adjust oboe reeds.
(For bassoon reeds, see the blog post HERE)
Adjusting a reed involves making changes in order to optimize the reed for the player's individual requirements. This could involve changing the intonation, increasing or decreasing the resistance, making the reed easier to play in specific registers, or adjusting the sound colour of the reed to meet the desired style of a specific piece of music.
When and how a player adjusts a reed depends on a variety of factors. For example, a beginner may need a less resistant reed in order to learn to play with correct embouchure position, and even an experienced player will need a lighter reed to get back in shape after taking some time off playing. When playing in an ensemble, it's important to have a reed with stable intonation that matches the overall pitch of the ensemble. Otherwise, the player will tire quickly from having to move the pitch up or down using their embouchure. 2nd oboe players will need reeds that respond well in the low register, while someone playing 1st oboe will need reeds that are stable in the high register.
The most important thing is to recognize when a reed is not meeting your needs and to have the right tools—and the confidence—to make an adjustment!
What Kind of Knife Do I Need for Reed Scraping?
A knife is the most basic tool for removing cane from specific parts of the reed. They come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and materials. What kind of knife to buy is a personal choice, but it's worth asking for recommendations from other players if you're unsure where to start. The basic knife shapes are double hollow ground, bevel, wedge, and double hollow ground razor. Double hollow ground style knives are a good choice for beginners, as they are versatile and easily used for all steps of the reed making process.
Reed knife handles are often made of wood and come in many styles. If possible, borrow some from another player to see which feels most comfortable and balanced in your hand. It's important to feel in control of the knife movements. Oboe reeds are quite small, so therefore, your scraping needs to be very precise.
Another consideration is the density of the metal that the knife is made of. Most players use a medium-density knife, but some makers offer medium soft and medium hard knives (If the seller does not specify, one can assume it is medium density). The more dense the metal, the longer it stays sharp, and the more effort is required to re-sharpen the knife.
It's also important to note that some knives are offered in both right-handed and left-handed versions, in particular beveled knives, which have an asymmetrical shape. If you are left-handed, be sure to check if the knife will work for you before purchasing! Double hollow ground and razor knives will usually work for either hand.
Scraping on a reed can have different effects depending on where on the reed you scrape, but generally, taking cane off the reed will make it less resistant and lower in pitch.
What Is an Oboe Plaque?
While bassoon plaques are made of either plastic or metal, oboe plaques are generally made of metal only. The plaque is a thin piece of material inserted between the two blades of oboe cane at the top of the reed. It's important to insert the plaque whenever scraping on the reed, even when not working on the tip. The plaque provides stability to the reed to avoid cracks while being scraped, and also provides a landing surface for the knife.
Oboe plaques are made with either rounded or pointed tips, and either style will work. It's more important that the plaque is as thin as possible, as a thicker plaque will damage the sides of the reed when inserted, causing leaks. The plaque should only be inserted until the sides of the plaque are lined up with the bottom corners of the tip (see below). Any further and you risk creating leaks in your reed.
Plaques are quite small and easy to lose, so I recommend having a couple on hand at all times. Some plaques are magnetic and will stick to your knife inside its sheath. You can always keep a spare in your reed case as well!
How to Use an Oboe Mandrel
Oboe mandrels are used to provide stability and comfort while scraping on a reed. The mandrel is inserted into the base of the reed, and most players will rest the mandrel on their torso or on their reed desk. While it is possible to scrape a reed without the mandrel, it is not recommended while learning to make reeds. Use of a mandrel can increase accuracy while scraping, and it also encourages good posture. We are all guilty of hunching over at a desk at some point or another!
Mandrels are usually matched to the shape of the staple, which is the lower portion of the reed made of cork and metal. To avoid damaging the shape of your staple, it's good to use a mandrel of the same brand (and size/model if appropriate) as your staples. For example, with Rigotti 2 staples, use a Rigotti 2 mandrel, with Pisoni staples, use a Pisoni mandrel, and so on.
Using a Cutting Block and Razor Blade
A cutting block and razor blade are used to 'clip' the tip of the reed, or in other words, make it shorter. It's important to get a large-sized cutting block, as having more stability while cutting will prevent slips and help to clip your reed in a straight line. Cutting blocks are generally made of wood, and some are even made of grenadilla wood, which is the same material oboes are made of!
It's best to use thin, single-edge razor blades to ensure a clean cut. These can be found at hardware stores or at double reed supply stores. Remember to replace your razor blade every once in a while, as a dull razor blade will not cut cleanly.
To clip your reed, first make sure that it is properly soaked, then gently press the tip of the reed onto the cutting block until the opening of the reed is shut. Some players cut straight down, while others cut with the razor blade angled slightly away from them.
Clipping the reed has several functions: it makes the pitch higher, and makes the reed more resistant. If the tip is ragged or uneven, a clip can even improve response!
Pro tip: If you have used your cutting block for a long time and find that the surface has become bumpy or rough, you can use some sandpaper or a nail file to smooth it out again.
Conclusion
Learning to adjust oboe reeds can feel a bit daunting at first, but having the right tools—and understanding how and when to use them—makes all the difference. As you grow more confident with your knife, plaque, mandrel, razor blade, and cutting block, you'll start to notice how small changes can greatly improve your comfort, tone, and intonation.
Remember, reed adjustment is not about achieving perfection; it’s about tailoring your reed to fit your playing needs at any given moment. With time and practice, these adjustments will become a natural and rewarding part of your musical process.
Do you have a go-to reed adjusting tip or a favourite tool in your kit? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.