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. Our 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.
Légère Oboe Reeds
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.
Like our single reeds, Légère oboe reeds have all the depth and warmth that elite players demand. Because they are made from our specially prepared synthetic material, they deliver all the advantages of a traditional Légère reed; consistency, durability and an instant response.
Process
Légère oboe reeds are cut from our own unique polymer on 3-axis, computer controlled precision cutting machines. We can also measure our reeds with extreme precision using computer controlled equipment, and this allows us to maintain very tight quality control.
The reeds are cut in halves using our 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.
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