Making oboe reeds in summer 🌞🎵

In this post, we present 3 reasons to make oboe reeds during the summer. Additionally, we provide valuable tips on how to efficiently organize your reed-making process during these hot months. From taking advantage of the extra free time to experiment with new combinations to preparing your stock of reeds in advance, you will discover how summer can be the ideal season to perfect your reed-making skills.

3 Reasons to make oboe reeds in summer.

1. More free time ⏳

Summer is often a season when many people have more free time due to school and work vacations. This additional time allows oboists to focus on making their reeds without the pressures of daily activities. Reed making is a process that requires patience and precision, and having sufficient time to dedicate to it can significantly improve the quality of the reeds produced.

2. Fewer distractions 🎯

During the summer, distractions are usually fewer. Without the usual daily obligations such as work or studies, it is easier to find a quiet environment to work on reeds. A distraction-free environment is crucial for the creation process, as any mistake can affect the performance of the reed. Additionally, a relaxed environment allows for experimenting and adjusting scraping and tying techniques more effectively.

3. Advance preparation 📅

Summer is the perfect time to get ahead and prepare the reeds needed for the year. Having a stock of ready-made reeds can help oboists avoid the stress of having to make reeds in the middle of the concert season or during intensive study periods. Anticipation also allows for experimenting with different techniques and materials to find the perfect combination that works best throughout the year.

How to organize your reed-making in summer.

• Set a regular schedule: Dedicate a specific time each day to work on your reeds. Even an hour a day can make a big difference in maintaining consistency and improving technique.

• Create an adequate workspace: Having a dedicated place to make reeds, with all the necessary tools and materials at hand, facilitates the process and reduces the time lost looking for things.

• Document the process: Keeping a record of the techniques used, adjustments made, and results obtained can be very useful for future improvement. Noting what works and what doesn’t will allow for more precise and efficient adjustments.

• Seek feedback: Sharing ideas with other oboists or teachers and asking for their opinion can provide valuable insights that help improve your technique and the final result.

• Experiment with materials: Summer is a good time to try different types of reeds. This period of experimentation can lead to discovering combinations that work best for you.

• Control heat and humidity: Summer heat can affect both the oboist and the reeds. The heat and humidity can make the reed more flexible or brittle. It is crucial to work in a controlled environment, keep the reed moist during the manufacturing process, and store the finished reeds in a cool, dry place to avoid warping.