What our customers say…
MKL has freed me from the reed desk and allowed me to do 17 other things. It’s like having my own personal reed concierge service. The English horn reeds she makes are the best I’ve played.
Co-Principal Oboe, Orpheus
Principal Oboe, American Ballet Theater
MKL Reeds is simply the best source of professionally made oboe reeds I have ever found. Laura’s system of identifying reedmakers by colored dots is really great. Once I found a reed that really worked for me, I could continue requesting more of the same – with nearly 100% confidence they would work for me! That is unheard of. And Laura herself makes really excellent English horn reeds, which I used in a successful performance of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. And she even gave me advice on how to be ready to play the EH after sitting for 20 minutes! What a nice personal touch. Now I don’t even think of going anywhere else for reeds.
Oboist and Wagner Scholar
San Francisco, CA
I’m so glad I found MKL reeds. Laura worked with me to find the reeds that suit me best from her many options, and they play beautifully right out of the box. I’ve gotten so many compliments on my lovely tone, not to mention some great reviews, and I know these reeds are a major reason. And, on top of all that, Laura’s customer service is the best ever. I feel that she really cares about making sure I get the right reeds.
Brookline, MA
Thank you, MKL Reeds and Laura Covey! Between teaching, freelancing, and family, my schedule is so unpredictable and I don’t always have the time (let alone mental clarity!) to dedicate to reed-making – It is such a relief to know I can count on you for consistent, quality reeds quickly. Your dot system helped me find an expert’s reed-style that feels tailored to fit me personally – not mention more reliable than reeds I make for myself!
Thanks again for your hard work and dedication to quality!
Buskerud, Norway
I have been using MKL Reeds now for about a year or two for reed emergencies for myself and my students. They have many reed makers with very different styles and scrapes to choose from. This is a huge advantage because it is a one stop shop for all. Laura runs a great and effective business and is easy to get ahold of. She keeps detailed records of what reeds she has sent you with each shipment so if you ever have a question or mix up your reeds she has you covered. The reeds arrive when she says they will and you always have the option to return the reeds that don’t fit your playing style for another reed. This company is reliable and my students absolutely love it when I give them a “special” MKL reed for their big audition or concert. Give them a try and use the exchange system until you find the right fit for you. You won’t be disappointed.
La Mirada, CA
As the parent of a young oboist, I have struggled over the past 5 years finding an adequate source for oboe quality reeds for my daughter as she started her journey playing the oboe. It has been a battle. I have gotten reeds from the big double reed suppliers and also places like etsy, ebay, and other small private businesses on the internet. Some of the reeds were great, and some of the reeds were awful! Luckily, I received a recommendation from someone to try MKL reeds. It has been wonderful! Laura is quick to respond to emails. She understands the needs to young oboists, who need different qualities from a reed when they are first starting playing versus when they become more advanced, as their embouchure improves. There are many different techniques by which to make reeds. It is an art as well as a science. Before I placed my first order, I shared with Laura some information about my daughter’s performance level, and what she and her instructor where looking for in a reed. She quickly put together an order with reeds that she thought would be appropriate choices for my daughter’s situation. Laura has developed a colored dot system for the reeds that she sells. The reeds where shipped out quickly! When we received them, we took a picture of the reed cases which had the colored dots on them, so that we could try them out and know which color of thread went with which reed maker. From that point on, I signed on to have her send me a monthly order of reeds, so that my daughter is never without a high quality reed. Now the trick is to get her to practice. LOL!
I am extremely pleased with MKL reeds. I only wish that I had found her sooner!
Minnesota
The best thing about MKL reeds is that Laura is always there to help. Her service is top notch. Whenever I have a question, she responds to my email in less than a day. I have spent more than 15 years searching and trying different reeds until MKL reeds. The colored dot system she developed provides a variety of reeds from different reed makers, and with her patience and help, I was able to find a reed that is the best fit for me. Laura, thank you for all you do!!”
Edinburg, TX
I started playing oboe 7 years ago when I turned 65. A few years ago when searching for a new reed supplier I learned about MKL reeds and Laura Covey. I called Laura and discussed with her my requirements. She was extremely helpful and suggested a few options from her various reed makers, with the understanding I could return those that were not suitable for me. As it turned out, one of her choices was perfect for me. I have been ordering those reeds from her since that time. I have found the reeds reliable and consistent. Delivery has been prompt, usually within a week or so after ordering. I have also found that Laura is most helpful in resolving any problems which may arise. I am happy I found her.
Bovina, NY
I’ve been looking for good oboe reeds for some time. In the past I’ve found that not all of the reeds I have ordered have worked. I have found that some of them have worked but not sounded good. I have found that some were hard and others soft. With MKL reeds I have found a consitency that I have not found with other reeds and an ease of playing both at the top and bottom of the register that I have not found with other reeds. I am delighted with MKL reeds.
United Kingdom
As a senior citizen oboist (78) who has played in a New Horizons Band for many years and who has recently lost my longtime local source of handmade reeds, I have been extremely well pleased and fortunate to discover Laura and MKL reeds. After having unsuccessfully tried a number of other reeds I came upon a couple of reviews for MKL reeds, found the website and placed an order. I could not be more pleased with the reeds! Straight from the case, the reeds have performed well and have continued to perform well. Especially impressive is the fact that you are able to choose from among a number of different reeds until you find the right one or ones for your needs. Just keep up with the colors and the dots! Customer service is also outstanding as Laura is always available to answer your questions. I recommend MKL reeds unconditionally.
Austin, TX