Buy Handmade High Altitude Reeds
For Oboe and Bassoon
About the Reeds
I am not currently selling my own handmade oboe reeds. I frequently test and explore other handmade high-altitude reed options that come my way. This free resource is a list of recommended high altitude oboe and bassoon reeds you can buy.
*This list is based on my personal experience with these reeds and may not reflect all playing styles. I am not affiliated with any of the recommended vendors and have not been paid to advertise their products.
➤ Looking for low altitude reed suggestions instead? Check out this guide by Alli Gessner. She works a lot with beginner oboists and students transitioning to oboe from other instruments (in band).
Buy High Altitude Oboe Reeds
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Peak Reeds ~ Denver, CO
Made in Metro Denver at 5,400 feet, Peak Reeds reeds are handmade by a member of the Colorado Symphony. Choose from a variety of student and professional oboe and English horn reed options. *Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. These reeds sometimes go out of stock.
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Wooden Singer Reeds ~ Boulder, CO
Jennifer Stucki at Wooden Singer Reeds makes great high-altitude oboe and English Horn reeds. Made at 5,328 feet in Boulder, Colorado, these reeds are beautifuly crafted and the most similar to my own reed making style. *Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. These reeds sometimes go out of stock.
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Cascade Reeds ~ Oregon
Cascade Oboe Reeds by Cheryl Wefler is a great resource for custom high altitude reeds. She lives at elevation and can acomodate any playing style. Enter detailed information about how you like your reeds at checkout or email Cheryl directly at cascadeoboereeds@msn.com. Include the name of your teacher, if you are currently studying with someone
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HB Reeds - Wisconson
While these reeds are made in WI, the HB Professional Oboe Reed works well at high altitude. I’ve play tested the “10 mm cane” + “soft” option and it requires little to no adjustments. These reeds are very easy to play, but still have a proper amount of resistance and a beautiful tone. These reeds are recommended for students of all levels.
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Sandy Reeds ~ Bozeman, MT
Sandy Reeds by Sandy Stimson work well as an alternative at high altitude. The medium soft oboe reed by Sandy’s Reeds has a good opening and will withstand extra scraping at altitude I find they still need some minor adjustments. She also sells an English Horn reed which works great with some light adjustment work.
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Baroque Oboe Reeds ~ Germany
For Baroque Oboe, I Highly recommend the handmade baroque oboe reeds by Jeanine Krause. They can be adjusted for high altitude. You can also include a note at checkout or email Jeanine with your request.
Buy High Altitude Bassoon Reeds
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Billy's Bassoon Reeds ~ Boulder, CO
Made in Boulder, CO, Billy’s Bassoon Reeds offer a great response and flexibility throughout the entire range of the instrument and are a fanastic choice for all players.
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Brundage Pro Bassoon Reed ~ Virginia
Made by David Brundage, the Brundage Professional Bassoon Reed also works really well at high altitude. They are very easy to play on, have good response, a smooth tone, and require little to no adjusting.
A Note About My Set-Up
I have been making reeds in the mountains of Colorado at 7,500 feet for over 20 years. The oboe reeds I make for myself are hand gouged using a custom RDG 10 mm blade/bed gouger with the center measuring 57-59 and the sides about 47. Cane selection comes from first available medium-hard cane and measures 9.5-10 mm in diameter. The finished length is around 68 mm with a heart length of about 5 mm. I tie my reeds on 45mm Marigaux #1 brass cork staples. Reeds are made on a Adam Caleb -1 shaper tip.