About the Reeds (Former version)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Sweeney oboe and English horn reeds are purposely made with one blade very slightly longer than the other. They will respond better with the short blade against the lower lip. The short blade is indicated with a black dot on that side of the cork (oboe reed) or thread (English horn reed). If you have a hard time remembering which way to insert the reed, think of hiding the black dot from the audience!

The short blade on an English horn reed is also the side opposite the "twist" of the wire. Therefore the "twist" should face the audience. This method can be used if the black dot wears off after use.

All of our reeds are scraped, finished, and play tested by Corey Sweeney.

Sweeney oboe reeds are in the American (long scrape) style. They come in only one strength, about medium or medium soft. The workmanship is of high quality, and they are appropriate for all players, beginner through professional, who prefer free blowing reeds. They are designed to be responsive, stable, and rich in overtones. However, players who prefer very hard/resistant reeds, or reeds exceptionally dull/covered/muted in tone may not find them as suitable.

Reeds must be play tested during the adjustment process if they are to be of high quality. Each completed reed is cleaned after testing by soaking it in isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) for twenty seconds and then rinsing in clean water and allowing to completely dry. Currently due to the Covid-19 outbreak, a waiting period of 1 week has also been instituted between testing and mailing to further protect the buyer.