MKL reeds are made in the traditional American long-scrape style. They are tied on natural cork staples, crow a double octave C, play at 440 hz (unless otherwise requested), and have tight sealing sides. Each reed is balanced, responsive, and consistent in all registers.
Current delivery time: One week. If you request reeds from a particular maker, it will depend if those reeds are currently in stock.
All of our reeds are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t like the reed, send it back within 5 days for a replacement or refund.
If a reed is not to your satisfaction, let us know through the contact form and mail it within 5 days of receipt to:
Burke, VA 22009
Reeds must be returned in the condition in which they were mailed, without having been scraped or manipulated.
What should I do when I open a new shipment of reeds?
Have your oboe assembled and ready to play some excellent new reeds! Dip the reed(s) in warm water and let sit for 2-3 minutes before playing. We have found this works better than fully submerging the reeds in water for longer lengths of time.
What if the reed feels too open?
If needed, gently squeeze the reed closed once soaked.
What if the reed feels too closed?
Soak longer or fully submerge in warm water for 1-2 minutes.
What makes you different than other reed-making websites?
MKL is essentially one stop shopping for the finest oboe reeds. We have reeds to fit many embouchures and styles of playing, so instead of hunting through source after source of individual reedmakers, we have a variety on hand at all times and can meet your individual needs. Secondly, we get you quality reeds quickly (within one week!) at no extra charge for rush shipping. Lastly, our reeds are guaranteed. If they aren’t exactly what you want, please send them back and let us know how we better can serve you. In short, we hope we can be everything you ever wanted in a reed making service!
Why are you guys even doing this?
We at MKL know that sometimes playing the oboe is no walk in the park. We can put a man on the moon, but we are somehow still required to slave away for hours all alone at the reed desk. On the other hand, we also know the beauty of spinning a beautiful line in a Bach aria or Mahler symphony when you can get outside of yourself and be fully in the music. Basically, MKL wants to help you get there faster. We can help you remember why you love playing our beloved, albeit idiosyncratic, instrument.
“Use a good reed. You cannot educate your palate with bad food.”
-Stevens Hewitt