Chartier CPO-SF Plastic Oboe Reed, Soft

Good product

At $19 each for where I live for a Reed of standard quality. I was tired of buying one every few weeks, not to mention some were seemingly cracked right out of the box. So I ordered this Reed & crossed my fingers. The day it arrived my son tried it out & seemingly got notes a bit easier - though he was "gassing" it, with the Reed's we've used before he'd have to crank his pressure up to get a good note. The synthentic Reed I ordered was the soft Reed & it's shape was an ideal oval. My son enjoys playing his Oboe more in beginning band & I appreciate not buying Reed's every few weeks. Definitely seems worth having even for an experienced player as the sound quality doesn't seem to be affected.

I started playing the oboe 8 months ago, and to be honest I am quite good for a beginner. I buy reeds from my private lesson teacher at a whopping $25 each reed. I have braces so the reeds break on me easier. I decided to try a plastic reed because the reviews were good. The test notes are super flat and it literally sounds like a duck. If I blow to hard it makes this croaking sound and if I blow to soft, it sounds like a rooster. I am definitely NOT ever going to waste money on this thing ever again. Do not buy this.

Worked very well for my daughter who has been studying for only 3 months. This helped her to get the higher octave, which had been difficult with regular reeds. Perfect in a pinch….

My kid is a beginner and this reed made all the difference. Wood reeds are hard to figure how to work.

We didn't think a plastic reed could be trusted but were a little desperate. And surprise! It's worked fine. At least adequate!

I am brand new to Oboe. I can make a sound with this reed!!

It has been decades since I picked up my oboe and decided I wanted to try playing it again, but had to find a reed. The reviews for this reed were very positive for beginners and thought why not give it a try. It arrived within 14hrs of ordering it which was amazing. I immediately opened the packaged and tooted on the reed and was pleased with how responsive it was to my total lack of ambusher. So I popped it in my ancient oboe and was able to actual play something. I my tone was naturally awful and I could not hold a note for long w/out cracking but was able to play a decent scale if I stuck to quarter notes. I was truly surprised because I didn’t think I’d be able to get that much of this reed or myself. I think this reed is probably perfect for a brand new oboist and has to be more durable than the cain reeds my instructor made me back in the day (I’d still be very careful w/it tho). I’m sure as ambusher and skill level develop an oboist will want a more advanced reed, but for just starting out or just coming back its great. Having not played since high school (I’m in my 40’s now) I’m certainly more encouraged to keep at it.