01
Before playing
Moisten the reed briefly and gently in clean water. Timing varies with the reed, climate and your routine. Very hot water and prolonged soaking may change how the profile behaves.
02
After playing
Carefully remove internal moisture, avoid touching the blades and do not leave a wet reed sealed in an unventilated case.
- Use a clean, suitable mandrel
- Avoid pressure on the tip
- Choose a case with airflow
- Rotate more than one reed
03
When professional adjustment is safer
Do not force a reed with a crack, separating blades, lasting deformation or a marked intonation problem. Scraping and wire changes can be irreversible; ask an oboe teacher or reed maker if you are not experienced in adjustment.