In order to help you choose the reed that is right for you, I have written this short information page. For more advanced players, 'Glotin' oboe staples are usually requested with reeds of medium to hard strength, and for beginners, 'Pisoni' staples are suitable with reeds of a soft or medium/soft strength. On the order form there is a scale of 1-10 which ranges from soft to hard, 5 being medium.

Most of the reeds I have supplied over the last 30 years have been made from 'Madame Ghys' cane, although a number of customers choose 'Alliaud' or 'Medir'. Batches of cane vary, but generally each kind has its own characteristics.

If you require recanes, i.e. providing me with your own staples, I will use those which I feel are suitable - i.e. in reasonable condition, standard length (47mm) and most makes.

If you require oboe or oboe d'amore cane, it can be gouged to any depth, usually ranging from 55mm (for softer reeds) to 58mm (for harder reeds). Cor Anglais cane is usually gouged to a depth of 67mm to 70mm. For baroque oboe reeds I gouge Cor Anglais cane to a depth of 60mm to 65mm.

Orders normally take 3-4 weeks but this can vary sometimes. However, my express service guarantees dispatch within 5 days, but sooner if possible (not recanes). The extra cost is shown on the 'Price List'.