Lavoro Shaped Oboe Cane

Shaped oboe cane by Lavoro, sold in individual pieces. Please select shape. Lavoro lists this as high density, quality cane harvested in the Mediterranean, and the cane is processed by the manufacturer. The pieces we tested came in at medium density, and they made lively, vibrant reeds that were still easy to control with the embouchure.

What to expect

• Density: medium
• Hardness: medium to medium soft
• Colour: medium golden on the outside, light golden inside
• Feel: somewhat flexible and vibrant, but controllable

Choosing a shape

Albrecht Mayer: the widest of the three. On American style reeds it was too wide to bring up to pitch, so it suits makers working in a European style.

Lorenzo Mansala 2 and Roseau Chantant RC 12: a better fit for American style reeds. Because the European gouge measurements run a little flat, expect to scrape more and clip shorter than usual to reach pitch.

Specifications

Albrecht Mayer

• Diameter: 10 / 10.5 mm
• Center Gouge Thickness: .55 / .57 mm

Lorenzo Mansala 2

• Diameter: 10 / 10.5 mm
• Center Gouge Thickness: .55 / .57 mm

Roseau Chantant RC 12

• Diameter: 10 / 10.5 mm
• Center Gouge Thickness: .56 / .58 mm

These notes are general observations from the pieces we tested. Cane is a natural product, so individual pieces from the same brand can still vary.