I’ve been playing more English horn lately and it’s got me thinking about the importance of a good bocal.

Bocals can vary completely in sound, pitch, and stability, but finding the right combination for your horn and playing style can make a world of difference. Currently I’m playing a Laubin 3 and Hiniker 2 B11.

I really like how the Laubin sounds—covered and smooth, but sometimes it can feel small, and like I can’t really “romp and stomp” with it. The Hiniker is a lot bigger and more expansive, but I loose some of the subtleties I can get from the Laubin. I change between them to suit the situation, but ideally, I’d like a combination of the 2.

I’ve tried some Fox bocals I really liked and I’m curious about the new Ross bocals everyone’s talking about. Overall, I like a bocal that doesn’t let middle C sag, plays a “real” G#, and holds up the octaves.

If you’re interested in trying some new bocals, most oboe shops will let you have them on trial for a week or two.