One handmade intermediate level reed is shaped on a nagamtsu shaper tip, from an Innoledy gouge. The reed tied on a 47mm MSA oboe staple and measures a total of 70-71mm. This reed is great for advanced middle school students to intermediate high school students. The reed is easy to play but still has a warm and rich sound. All reeds I personally play-check for intonation, response, and excellent tone.

My first priority in reed making is to make the reed responsive and easy to play on, even in my professional level reeds. Secondly I ensure that each reed consistently plays in tune at 440. I am very careful to check the octaves in the upper register so the reed does not require pinching or biting to play in tune. Once these two elements are present, a beautiful, warm, full sound always emerges.

My reeds are superior because I am a band director. I have seen what works and what doesn't with beginning oboe students and advanced students. Before I began teaching in a school district, I only sold my reeds to my oboe students. Then I was able to fix a reed whenever a student was struggling with it. But now that I am directing a band program of over 250 students, I don't have time to adjust reeds every time I see my student. I have a very accurate picture of a student needs from their reed. I ensure that it is complete and ready to play!
Here is a guide to help you select your reed type and strength

Beginner Medium/Soft Reed--These reeds are for beginners who are just learning to play or have only been playing a few months. They are very easy to play but will not provide the mature tone that the intermediate or professional reeds will supply. www.etsy.com/listing/170185242/handmade-beginner-oboe-reed

Intermediate Medium Reed--If you are unsure of which reed to order, this is a great place to start. These reeds will play "broken in" after very little use. They are easy to play but still provide a mature sound and are a great follow up to the Beginning Medium/Soft reeds. These reeds are great for any level, but are best for students who have been playing for 6 months- 3 or 4 years. These reeds are completely finished and will not have much room for alterations. https://www.etsy.com/listing/170186238/handmade-intermediate-oboe-reed

Intermediate Medium/Hard Reed--These reeds are less responsive than the Intermediate Medium Reeds. They have darker tone and have more room for you to tailor your reed to your playing style. They have a thicker tip and will take more time to break them in. Students who order these reeds are advanced middle school students or freshmen or sophomores in High school. https://www.etsy.com/listing/170186238/handmade-intermediate-oboe-reed

Professional Medium Reed--The professional reeds have a nicer staple that really open the reeds up and sing beautifully. The Medium reeds are the reeds that I would most likely play on myself and will play already "broken in". https://www.etsy.com/listing/170186400/handmade-professional-oboe-reed

Professional Medium/Hard Reed-- The professional reeds have a nicer staple that really open the reeds up and sing beautifully. They have darker tone and have more room for you to tailor your reed to your playing style. They have a thicker tip and will take more time to break them in. https://www.etsy.com/listing/170186400/handmade-professional-oboe-reed

Professional Hard Reed-- The professional reeds have a nicer staple that really open the reeds up and sing beautifully. These reeds would be great for an oboist who feels that a Medium/Hard reed just isn't hard enough!! They will have lots of room for adjustment and will be less responsive than the Medium/Hard reeds. Buyer beware...these are hard! https://www.etsy.com/listing/170186400/handmade-professional-oboe-reed