Cameron Swann, Oboist

Materials Needed for Beginner Reed-Makers:

• Cane

• 47mm Staples

  • I recommend Stevens #2 Oboe Staples from Midwest Music Imports! ​​​Make sure that the staples are 47mm. Either brass or Nickel-Silver is fine to start with, I personally use the Nickel-Silver. As for wall thickness, I recommend Thinwall! Make sure to purchase at least 5 of these as you start, and they can also be reused several times!

• Mandrel

  • I recommend the Chiarugi Oboe Mandrel from Midwest Musical Imports! This mandrel should work well with the stevens #2 staples. ​

• FF Thread

  • This is the custom part of reed making! You can choose any color of thread, as long as you make sure that it is FF Nylon Thread. Squirrely Stash has a lot to choose from!​

• Ruler

  • I recommend the Steel Ruler from Hodge Products.​

• Reed Knife

  • I recommend The Nielsen Knife from Edmund Nielsen Woodwinds. This is a great beginner knife and it should last for the first few years of reed-making. ​

• Plaques

  • I recommend flat, metal plaques. These plaques from Midwest Musical Imports are a good, affordable option. Go ahead and get 4 or 5 of these because they are easy to lose!​

• Cutting Block

  • I recommend the short cutting block from Hodge Products. ​

• Razor Blades

  • I recommend these Gem Razor Blades from Midwest Musical Imports. Oboists go through blades quickly as we make reeds, but a pack of 100 blades should last a while for a beginner. ​

  • Another option for purchasing razor blades is a local hardware store. This is a much cheaper option, but they also won't be quite as sharp. Either option is fine for beginners!

• Sharpening Stone and Honing Oil