Chiarugi 45 2 oboe staple.
The Chiarugi 45 2 oboe staple belongs to the Chiarugi type 2 range, internationally recognised as one of the most reliable references for making oboe reeds. This model is 45 mm long and made of brass.
Its main characteristic is that, being shorter than the standard 47 mm, it helps raise the pitch. That makes it especially useful for oboists who tend to play flat.
Which oboist is this staple for?
There is no universal staple that works the same in every oboe. The final result always depends on several factors: the musician’s embouchure, the reed scrape, the chosen shaped cane and the characteristics of the instrument itself.
That said, the 45 2 has a clear profile. It is a short staple designed for players who need to raise the pitch noticeably. If your usual problem is playing flat and the 46 mm or 47 mm lengths do not correct it enough, this is the option to try.
Comparison with other lengths.
Staple length is the variable that most affects the pitch of the finished reed. The shorter the staple, the higher the general pitch tendency.
| Model | Length | Effect on pitch |
|---|---|---|
| Chiarugi 47 2 | 47 mm | Worldwide standard. Neutral reference. |
| Chiarugi 46 2 | 46 mm | Slightly raises the pitch. |
| Chiarugi 45 2 | 45 mm | Raises the pitch more noticeably. |
If you are not sure which one to choose, start with the 47 2 and reduce the length only if your setup (oboe + reed) requires it.
Material and construction.
The Chiarugi 45 2 is made of brass, the classic material for oboe staple making. Brass offers good vibration transmission and a balanced weight that makes tying easier.
The walls of this model have a standard thickness, which provides stability during tying and a consistent response.
Aperture dimensions.
The apertures of the staple determine how air enters and leaves the tube. These are the Chiarugi type 2 measurements:
| Measurement | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Top aperture horizontal | Major diameter of the ellipse where the shaped cane is tied. | 2.4 mm |
| Top aperture vertical | Minor diameter of the ellipse where the shaped cane is tied. | 1.9 mm |
| Bottom aperture | Circular diameter on the part inserted into the oboe staple well. | 4.6 mm |
Practical advice from EG-REEDS.
If, when using a 45 mm staple, you feel that you are playing sharp, do not pull the staple out of the oboe staple well to try to lower the pitch. This creates an internal gap that disrupts the acoustics of the instrument and worsens sound quality across several registers.
The correct solution is to change to a longer staple (46 mm or 47 mm), or to work with a slightly longer shaped cane in the scrape.
Complete your staple.
To make the complete reed, in addition to the staple you need shaped oboe cane and tying thread. You can browse our EG-REEDS shaped oboe cane or explore the full oboe staples category.
You can also find the Chiarugi oboe mandrel in our shop.
Frequently asked questions
What else do I need besides the staple?
You need suitable shaped oboe cane, tying thread and the final scraping or adjustment of the reed with a special oboe reed-making knife.
What does Chiarugi 45 2 mean?
It indicates a Chiarugi staple of 45 mm and type 2. This reference helps control the length and type of staple when making oboe reeds.
What does type 2 indicate?
Type 2 identifies the model within the Chiarugi range. It does not indicate the final hardness of the reed.
What material is it made of?
It is made of brass.
Are the measurements exact?
Yes. They are the measurements published by the manufacturer.
Does it work for any oboe reed?
It works for making oboe reeds in general. However, the final result depends on the tying, the scrape, the instrument and the oboist’s skill.
Does it work for cor anglais or oboe d’amore?
No, only for oboe.
Will it improve my sound or pitch?
The staple influences reed making and, because it is shorter, tends to raise the pitch. However, it does not guarantee perfect pitch on its own, as the result depends on the setup (staple, shaped cane, oboe and oboist).
What is the difference from the 46 2 or 47 2 models?
The main difference is length. The 47 2 is the standard size. The 46 2 is a shorter alternative. The 45 2 helps raise the pitch even more.













