Oboes

About Oboes

The oboe is a woodwind that looks very similar to the clarinet except it has a mouthpiece made from a double reed. Professional oboe players usually make their own reeds out of a piece of cane which they fold and fasten with a metal staple. The folded end is then cut off leaving two separate blades. These blades are scraped thin so that they will vibrate when you blow into them.

The range of the modern oboe extends two and one-half octaves. The oboe is a dynamic instrument with a hauntingly beautiful sound for both solo and ensemble performances but playing it well requires considerable training and skill.