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What Type of Reed Does an Oboe Use?

The oboe uses a 'double reed'. A double reed has two pieces of cane (Arundo Donax) that are attached to each other and vibrate against each other, when blown, to create a sound. You then put this reed on the oboe to play music!

The best oboe reeds are handmade by specialist oboe reed makers as oboe reed making is a fine art!

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The Oboe Family and Double Reeds

The oboe is the highest instrument in the double reed family followed by the Cor Anglais, Bassoon and then Contrabassoon (which is very low!).

The Cor Anglais (otherwise know as an English Horn) is commonly played by oboists as well but it uses a larger double reed than the oboe.

You can find out more about the oboe, how to start it & what it sounds like HERE.

 

Matthew Petrie

 

Double Reed Expert at Crook and Staple