Oboes & English Horns

The oboe is a soprano-range double reed instrument pitched in C, while the English horn (also called Cor Anglais) is larger, pitched in F, and sounds a fifth lower. The English horn has a curved metal bocal and a pear-shaped bell, giving it a darker, more mellow tone compared to the oboe’s brighter, more penetrating sound.

Both instruments require extensive hand craftsmanship, especially in shaping tone holes with an overall larger amount of keys requiring additional fitting. The precision needed for stable intonation and reed response makes production labor-intensive, particularly on professional models.

The embouchure concept is similar, but the English horn uses a larger reed and requires more air support. Some players find it more physically comfortable because of its slightly lower pitch and resistance, though reed adjustment can be more demanding.

The oboe’s clear, stable pitch and penetrating tone make it easy for the entire ensemble to match. Its sound cuts through ambient noise, and its pitch is less affected by temperature changes compared to many brass instruments.

Oboes are traditionally made from grenadilla (African blackwood), a dense hardwood prized for its rich tone, stability, and projection. Many student and intermediate models use resin or composite materials, which are more resistant to cracking and temperature changes while still offering reliable sound. Some makers also offer hybrid designs that combine a wooden upper joint with a synthetic lower joint for added durability.

Wood instruments crack primarily because grenadilla is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. When the instrument experiences rapid shifts—such as playing in a cold room and then warming it quickly with breath—the inner bore expands faster than the outer body, creating stress in the wood. If the moisture level inside the clarinet rises too quickly or the exterior remains dry, that imbalance can also lead to splitting. Proper humidification (using a humidity pack when the instrument is left in its case), gradual warm-up, and careful maintenance significantly reduce the risk, but because wood is organic, some degree of movement is always inherent to the material.

Oboes reeds are typically made from Arundo donax cane, a type of giant reed grass that is widely used for many woodwind reeds because of its strength, flexibility, and acoustic properties. Unlike single-reed instruments such as clarinet or saxophone, oboe reeds are usually hand-crafted or carefully finished by the player, since small adjustments to the reed’s shape and scrape can significantly affect tone, response, and intonation. Softer reeds (which offer an easier response) are preferable for beginners, while professional players tend to prefer a harder reed strength (which offer a darker richer tone.) Oboe reeds come in a variety of strengths and styles, and many advanced players either purchase handmade reeds from specialist makers or learn to make their own to match their instrument, embouchure, and musical preferences. The reed has a major influence on the oboe’s sound, affecting everything from tonal color and projection to articulation and dynamic control.