So if you are a more advanced oboe player reading this and are thinking twice about ordering, don’t. Know your audience. Most of the more seasoned players who have commented have nothing but good things to say, maybe except that teacher. And in that situation you never know what happened with the student and the company, or if something happened to the reeds prior to the teacher examining them.

The best part about CDR is just what Brian posted bellow. Not happy with your reed purchase? Just call the company, chances are they will let you speak to Brian personally, and the will come up with a compromise for your situation. I challenge any of you beginners to go down to the local music store, choose a reed from the five they carry, pay $20, find out it’s cracked right up the middle and try to return it. It’s not going to happen. And in the rare situation you find one that’s visually ok, when you start playing on it at home it will be 20 cents flat and sound like garbage.

So my own personal experience with the reeds. I played them in college (about 10 years ago) and was very happy. After a tiny vacation from the oboe, (Brian is also great at repairs), I bought one of his reeds. It was too hard for me, but because it’s so stable and the tone is so nice I’m keeping it so I can work back up to a harder reed. Sometimes the player has to take some responsibility for shortcomings and not just blame on the reed.

Lastly as oboe players we need to stick together. While Brian is very open to criticism, how many of you actually contacted him before posting negatively on here? The Oboe and it’s reeds have a whole set of finicky, complicated issues that only Oboists understand, so lets support each other. And instead of using the internet to complain be proactive and do something to make your situation better!

I’m the reed maker and the owner of Charles Double Reed Company. I’ve read some of the flames on this list in wonder and amazement. Our reputation for service and quality has been outstanding for over 26 years, and we specialize in double reeds – a very small community of players. How could we have lasted this long providing such poor service and quality? Beats me.

Regardless of the anonymous comments, please know that we welcome returns of reeds – even if you scrape and play on them. We refund, replace, or credit you for any reed that seems not to your liking. We’ve offered this guarantee since I began the company in 1984.

I work hard at reed making, but I know that I cannot make reeds that suit everyone. So much depends upon embouchure, ability of the player, quality of the instrument, altitude, humidity and more.

That’s why we welcome returns, and appreciate suggestions. We will not leave you stuck with products that don’t work well for you. Tell us if we’re close, and we will custom make the next batch according to your comments.

If you have any questions, call me at 1 800-733-3847 or email me at brian@charlesmusic.com to discuss my reeds and our service. Please ask for me personally – I’ve been welcoming comments both positive and negative for over 26 years.

We have a well-known reputation for quick, intelligent, honest service and the highest standards in everything we offer. Visit us at http://www.charlesmusic.com or call (603) 356-9890 for personal service, caring professional experience and the best guarantee in the double reed world. You will not be disappointed – I guarantee it.