Handmade reeds are just that. Handmade. Each one is rigorously tested from start to finish. With machine mass-produced reeds, the quality is never consistent and most of the time, much lower. Although the price is a little higher for handmade reeds, the lack of frustration on the player’s end will be worth it.

This depends on how often you’re playing. If you only play a few minutes a week and take care of the reed properly, the reed can last a few months. If you are playing for multiple hours a day, the reed is only going to last about a week or two. This is the case with all reed instruments, but with oboe reeds especially since they are so tiny and thin.

Although I make all of my reeds with the same tools and to the same approximate dimensions, each piece of cane is vastly different. Some pieces are softer while others are harder. Not every piece of cane becomes a reed, unfortunately. But, many can. They may just need some adjusting. Additionally, almost no reed is going to look completely perfect or symmetrical. Again, each reed is rigorously tested and made sure to perform well, even if it may look a little odd.

1) You want to soak a reed (new or old) in warm water for 10-30 seconds. This is allow the reed to vibrate. Warm water is important to open the fibers of the cane.

2) If the reed feels too hard, like you are blowing through a brick wall, soak the reed and then gently close the reed with your pointer finger and thumb (pushing the blades together).

3) If the reed feels too closed, soak the reed and gently push, with your pointer and thumb, from the sides to separate the blades a bit.

4) Protect the tip of the reed at all costs! It is thinner than a human hair and can be damaged easily.

Each reed is made over a few days. From processing cane in its raw form, to shaping it, tying it onto the staple, to scraping.

Scraping takes the longest and it’s the most detail-driven aspect of the process. In total, it can take up to 10+ hours PER reed.

No reed is finished in one sitting. This allows the cane to settle between processes and settle as it is getting scraped.

I aim to ship all orders within 10 days of receiving them, with a maximum of 3 weeks. However, if there are unexpected delays—like a high volume of orders, or illness—it may take a bit longer. Follow PureBark on Facebook or Instagram for any updates on delays.

Orders of 5 or more reeds may take additional time to fulfill.

I make all of my reeds from cane that is approximately 10-10.5mm in diameter. This allows for a nice opening to the reed. I also try to keep the finished length of each reed anywhere from just below 70mm to just above 71mm. I use a Brannen X shaper tip for each reed. Send me a message if you have any other specifics you’re curious about!

Please let me know! You can email me at justin@purebarkreeds.com or message me through the “Contact” page. I will do everything I can, within reason, to make sure you have the best reed possible. This even means refunds when necessary.

Any refund MUST be initiated within 24 hours of receipt. No exceptions. Please use our “Contact” page or email at justin@purebarkreeds.com to start the discussion of a refund. Shipping will NOT be refunded and is the responsibility of the buyer both ways. Exchanges may be available on a case by case basis. Exchanges must be requested as well within 24 hours of receipt with a detailed explanation of why it is being requested.