FAQ

All reeds are handmade to order. Processing time is typically 1–2 weeks, though this can vary depending on current order volume. You'll see the current processing time displayed on the shop page. Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number by email.

If you need reeds for a specific performance or audition, I always recommend ordering well in advance — but if you're in a bind, reach out and I'll do my best to accommodate you.

Yes — please contact me before placing your order and I'll let you know if I can accommodate your timeline. I know that sometimes you find yourself in a bind and need reeds right now, and I'll always try to help if I can.

That said, the best insurance is ordering ahead of time for any important performance or competition.

I recommend ordering more than one reed at a time — not only does this save on shipping costs, but rotating between reeds significantly extends their life. A reed that gets a break recovers better and lasts longer than one that's played for hours every day.

One thing to keep in mind: if you order a large number of reeds but only use a few of them over a 2–3 month period, the remaining reeds may not play as well as when they were new. Reeds are sensitive to seasonal changes — a reed made in summer behaves differently in winter. Ordering in smaller, more frequent batches is generally better than stockpiling.

Yes, international shipping can be arranged — but please contact me before placing your order so I can get you an accurate shipping quote for your country. International rates vary significantly by destination.

Once we've confirmed the shipping cost, I'll arrange everything before you place your order. Please be aware that customs processing times are outside my control, and delays at the border are always possible. I'll make sure your package is properly documented, but I can't be held responsible for customs-related delays.

I accept credit and debit cards (via Stripe), Venmo (@CaliberReeds), and Zelle (caliberreeds@gmail.com). For Venmo and Zelle orders, please include your order number in the payment note so I can match it to your order. Reeds will not be shipped until payment is confirmed.

Absolutely — if you have specific preferences for your reeds, let me know in the order notes or reach out before ordering. I'll do my best to accommodate requests for things like scrape style, resistance level, or staple length.

My standard staple length is 47mm, but this can be adjusted for players with specific needs. Just ask.

All of my reeds use the American long scrape — the standard style for orchestral playing in the United States. This style produces a warm, round tone with good response and flexibility across registers.

Student reeds are designed for newer oboists who are still building embouchure strength and endurance. They have a lighter scrape, which means less resistance and easier response — so you can focus on tone and technique without fighting the reed.

Advanced reeds have more cane left in the scrape, which adds resistance but also produces a deeper, richer tone. More experienced players have the muscle memory and embouchure control to work with that resistance — and the payoff is a fuller, more expressive sound. Getting there takes time, even years, but it's worth it.

If you're unsure which to choose, feel free to reach out and I'll help you decide.

For most players — especially students in middle and high school — a good all-purpose reed is all you need. But for more advanced players, it's true that different situations sometimes call for different reeds.

A brighter, more responsive reed might serve you better for a solo recital where projection matters. A darker, slightly stiffer reed might work better for second oboe in an orchestra. If you have something specific in mind, include it in your order notes and I'll see what I can do.

Oboe reeds are longer overall but have a shorter cane portion, and they attach directly to the instrument via a cork-wrapped staple that fits into the reed well. English horn reeds have no cork — they fit onto a bocal (a curved metal tube) that connects to the instrument, similar to a bassoon.

English horn reeds also use larger diameter cane with greater thickness, and they have a wire wrapped near the string to add stability to the blades — something oboe reeds don't need because the blades are small enough to maintain stability on their own.

I add a small section of aquarium tubing to the end of my English horn reeds to help them stay seated on the bocal securely. Note that my English horn blanks don't include the wire — that gets added later in the scraping process.

The reed should slide all the way into the reed well on your oboe — not just partway. If it feels snug, apply a small amount of cork grease to the cork and try again. Never force a reed in — you risk damaging both the reed and the instrument.

If the reed is too loose in the well and doesn't seal properly, you can add a thin layer or two of cigarette paper around the cork to build up the diameter slightly.

If a reed still won't fit even with cork grease, the issue is likely with your instrument's reed well rather than the reed itself. In that case, I'd recommend having your oboe looked at by a repair technician.

If your package arrives visibly damaged, that's a shipping issue and would need to be handled with the carrier. But if the package looks intact and a reed inside is damaged, please take photos and contact me right away — within 48 hours of receiving your order.

I take every reed seriously and I want you to be happy with your order. If something isn't right, reach out and we'll figure it out together. I can start on replacement reeds right away.

Even the most carefully made reeds are handcrafted from an organic material, and occasionally one needs a small adjustment to play its best. If a reed isn't responding the way you'd like, reach out — I stand behind every reed I make and I'd much rather hear from you than have you struggle quietly. We'll figure it out together.

It's also worth knowing that new reeds often need a break-in period. Fresh cane can feel stiff or resistant at first — this is completely normal. Try playing on a new reed for just 5-10 minutes a day for the first few days, gradually increasing the playing time as the cane loosens up and becomes more receptive to vibrating. A reed that feels less responsive on day one can surprise you by day four or five.