Description
The Légère European scrape Oboe reeds are now available in 3 strengths! Medium-Soft, Medium, and the original reed, Medium-Hard.
All reeds are made to an initial aperture between 0.68-0.72 mm, but this will change slightly after the reed is played. The weld has been modified, resulting in significantly less air leakage without affecting the tone quality.
The total length of the reed is 69.8-70.2 mm and plays at 440-442 Hz depending on the positioning in the reed well. The O-ring diameter has been sized to fit most common oboe wells, however in uncommon instances they may be too large for older instruments. Légère’s O-ring colours also dictate the strength of the reed: green for Medium-Soft, yellow for Medium and blue for Medium-Hard. A black O-ring is formerly Medium-Hard and no longer available. Medium-Hard reeds now have a blue O-ring.
While Légère is developing an American scrape reed in collaboration with some very prominent players in the US, American scrape players have found remarkable success using our Medium-Soft reed and adjusting their embouchure accordingly.
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Designed by Guy Légère in a collaboration with Christoph Hartmann of the Berlin Philharmonic, these reeds will last for months with proper care, providing a beautiful tone with no pre-moistening required.
Top symphonic and jazz musicians have been using the Légère single reeds for more than a decade. From the principals of the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic orchestras, to jazz greats like Gerald Albright and Hamiet Bluiett, our reeds have been tested at the highest possible level. Now this same exceptional quality is available in a Légère oboe reed.
Process
Légère oboe reeds are cut from a unique polymer on 3-axis, computer controlled precision cutting machines. Reeds are measured with extreme precision using computer controlled equipment, and this allows us to maintain very tight quality control.
The reeds are cut in halves using Légère’s own customized profiles which are based on a mathematical description of a reed profile rather than a model or prototype. The halves are then bonded together again using a digitally controlled system. The result is a reed which is perfectly balanced in both blades, and has just the right combination of tip thickness, heart, and flexibility.
European Scrape
The Légère European Scrape Oboe reeds have been specifically designed to work for instruments and players that have used European scrape cane reeds in the past. Players accustomed to American scrape reeds may find the oboe reed to be too resistant or otherwise less than ideal.
An o-ring system is used to ensure a good fit between the reed and the well, but this system is a bit less flexible than conventional cork. Some players have had fit issues with older instruments, but our reeds should fit most oboe wells.
