Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently asked questions

General FAQ's

I live in Chicago. Can I pick up my order instead?

Yes! For local customers, you can arrange a pick up (at zip code 60613) and save $5.95. Just select the "Store Pickup" option when checking out to remove the shipping fees.
Once your order is ready to pickup, you will receive an email confirmation, so just reply to that email to arrange a time for pickup. Pickups are by APPOINTMENT only.



What if I don't like the reeds I receive?

If for any reason you don't like the reeds you receive, contact us within 5 business days of receipt and we'll work with you to make it right. Once we receive the reed(s), we will issue a replacement or refund. Please note that reeds that have been scraped on or manipulated in any way is not eligible to send back.



I need a reed ASAP.

Our reeds are handmade & made-to-order so they require a few days to finish. If you need a reed ASAP, please purchase our Expedited Oboe Reed and your reed will be shipped next day.



How long will it take for my order to get to me?

All our reeds are made-to-order and it takes about 3-5 business days on average for a reed to be made. Orders with 3 or more reeds may take longer, please be patient- making a good, balanced, handmade reed takes time. English horn reeds take a little longer (5-7 business days) and if you have both in your order, they will be shipped together. After that, your reed will be mailed on the next business day with either First Class USPS (2-5 business days) or Priority Mail (1-3 business days). Please order ahead & allow at least 5-10 days for delivery. Upgrading shipping only upgrades the shipping time and not the reed finishing time. If you need an expedited reed service, please contact us and we can try to accomodate. Orders without reeds (shaped cane, gouged cane, tube cane, accessories, etc) will usually be shipped out next day.



Where do you ship?

We ship for a flat fee of $5.95 within the US with the option to upgrade to $10.95 for USPS Priority shipping. For the rest of the world outside the US, we calculate your shipping based on the weight of your package. Your rate will be automatically displayed at checkout.



I have a special code from my order. Where do I enter it?

Have a special code from an order? Enter it on this page (www.oboeduck.com/code).
Every order* over $25 (pre-shipping costs & after any discounts/promos) will come with a unique code. Submit 10 unique codes for a gift card delivered to your email!
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Please use the same email you used for your order, or your code may not credit to your account! * Orders placed through the bulk shop or digital-only do not count as purchases over $25.



Reed Adjustments (without a knife)

General Reed Tips READ ME FIRST!

We recommend dipping the reeds in lukewarm (not cold) water and leave it out for 30-60 seconds. We don’t recommend leaving your reed sitting in a cup of water since that causes the fibers of the cane to over soak. Depending on your climate/humidity you may have to adjust these times accordingly. Don’t try to play or adjust a dry reed. Avoid dropping, bending the tip, or any other extreme activities. We clip one side of the tip slightly longer than the other. The side of the blade with the thread overlap should be facing towards you when putting it in the oboe. Reeds usually have a "break-in" period where you, the reed, and the oboe will get used to playing with each other. They tend to sound best at their peak (about 2-3 hours in), and will start to decline after about 10-15 hours of total usage. Then it's time to buy or make a new reed!



Which side is the overlap?

The side of the blade with the thread overlap should be facing towards you when putting it in the oboe. See the picture below for the overlap. Here is a closeup picture. This side should be facing towards you as you insert the reed into the oboe. The back of the oboe should look like this.



Reed is too SHARP.

Open up the reed with your thumb & index finger by gently pinching up the sides.
If you have some 600-grit sandpaper, you can run the reed gently from the heart to the tip (focusing mainly on the heart area).



Reed is too FLAT.

Clip a tiny, tiny amount with a GEM Razorblade. Remember to use a cutting block and that a little goes a long way, so work little by little until you get the result you want. GEM razorblades are much sharper than regular razorblades and are highly recommended for tip clipping. Clip with the overlap facing up on the cutting block (towards you) and clip it at a 45-degree angle so that the bottom blade will be longer than the top blade.



Reed is too CLOSED.

Dip the reed in water again and let it sit out an additional 1-2 minutes. You can also try to gently squeeze the opening to open it up.



Reed is too OPEN.

Close it down by gently pressing on the blades with your finger & thumb for about 30 seconds. This is particularly true with brand new reeds!



Reed is too EASY/VIBRANT.

Clip a tiny, tiny amount with a GEM Razorblade. Remember to use a cutting block and that a little goes a long way, so work little by little until you get the result you want. GEM razorblades are much sharper than regular razorblades and are highly recommended for tip clipping. Clip with the overlap facing up on the cutting block (towards you) and clip it at a 45-degree angle so that the bottom blade will be longer than the top blade.



Reed is too HARD/RESISTANT.

Close it down with your finger & thumb for about 30 seconds or you can run the reed gently from the heart to the tip with 600-grit sandpaper, focusing mainly on the sides of the reed.



Thread Colors

Can I see what the thread colors look like?

Please go to this page to see our thread color examples. Please keep in mind different computer screens & resolutions may not represent exact thread color. Variegated colors may also differ slightly depending on the wrap.



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Chicago, IL, United States