# Charles Double Reed Company

> Oboe & Bassoon reeds, accessories, instruments, repair, appraisals, and consignment services.


## Posts

- [What to Expect as a Double Reed Player Minoring in Music in College](https://charlesmusic.com/what-to-expect-as-a-double-reed-player-minoring-in-music-in-college/): For Students and Parents Alike When a student heads off to college as a double reed player—whether oboe or bassoon—it’s often the result of years of dedication. For some, music remains a calling even if it doesn’t become their career path. That’s where the music minor comes in: it offers the opportunity to keep playing, […]
- [Understanding The Audience Experience](https://charlesmusic.com/audience-experience/): The Audience Experience Music has the unique ability to stir emotions, whether it’s performed with precision or contains noticeable imperfections. As listeners, we can be captivated by a flawlessly executed piece, yet there is also value in hearing music that’s still evolving. Every performance, regardless of its polish, offers something meaningful to both the performer […]
- [Using Your Oboe or Bassoon Skills to Get Into College: A Guide for Aspiring Musicians](https://charlesmusic.com/using-your-oboe-or-bassoon-skills-to-get-into-college-a-guide-for-aspiring-musicians/): Colleges and Universities Need Oboists and Bassoonists For students who excel at playing the oboe or bassoon, these unique talents can open doors to college admissions, scholarships, and academic opportunities. Whether you’re considering a full music degree, a minor, or just want to keep music in your life while pursuing another field, your double reed […]
- [Choosing the Right Double Reed Instrument: A Guide for Players and Parents](https://charlesmusic.com/choosing-the-perfect-double-reed-instrument-a-parent-and-teen-guide/): When you or your child are in the market for an oboe or bassoon – here’s some insight into what to look for and how to test an instrument before making a decision. This guide is here to help you navigate the process with confidence. Key Considerations Before You Begin – Budget: Set a budget […]
- [To perform and collaborate is a gift](https://charlesmusic.com/to-perform-and-collaborate-is-a-gift/): We rely on ears and hearts to make sense of what we do as musicians. It seems as though we’re on the brink of connecting with ears and hearts once again, doesn’t it? Vaccinations are ramping up. Restrictions, while still not healthy to drop, are going to be further relaxed in the coming months. Maybe […]
- [Music Is My Life](https://charlesmusic.com/music-is-my-life/): Did you fall in love with oboe or bassoon as I did? I’ve been playing since I was in junior high school. It was and is who I am: a person; a musician; a double reed player.I am a performing musician – playing is in my blood.As a young conservatory musician, I worked a day […]
- [Three Things To Try Out Now](https://charlesmusic.com/three-things-to-try-out-now/): Create A Goal Set A Due Date Complete One Goal At A Time     For every day you don’t practice, 2 days of practice are needed to return to where you left off.   Months in “solitary confinement”, without gigs, and without rehearsals. Yuck. Maybe I could settle for not backsliding. Nah. Gigs are […]
- [Clean your bassoon: 5 pro methods you can do at home (with photos).](https://charlesmusic.com/clean-your-bassoon-5-pro-methods-you-can-do-at-home-with-photos/): Cleaning your own bassoon yields great benefits: saves you money, prolongs the life of your bassoon, keeps your bassoon functioning at its best, plus it's easier than you think. Here are a few methods we recommend that you can do yourself.
- [When humidity is low, wood instruments shrink.](https://charlesmusic.com/when-humidity-is-low-wood-instruments-shrink/): Oboes and bassoons are sensitive to the weather – especially changing humidity levels. We keep the average humidity at about 45% here in the shop year around. Two big humidifiers run 24/7 to achieve this. In New England in the winter, building interiors get dry. Even more so if you run a fireplace or use […]
- [Should I Get A Different Bocal?](https://charlesmusic.com/should-i-get-a-different-bocal/): Each bocal has slightly different characteristics. Better? Worse? Unfortunately, there’s no specific way to know unless you actually try and see how the bocal fits with your particular bassoon, reed, and embouchure.  A dozen of the “same” Heckel CC2 bocals would all sound and behave slightly differently on your setup.  If you’re having specific trouble […]
- [A student asked: "why do my oboe reeds play flat?"](https://charlesmusic.com/a-student-asked-why-their-oboe-reeds-play-flat/): If the reeds are not super long, generally, this means more breath support is needed. An indelicate test for this is to play into a tuner, and squeeze the reed harder with your lips while you’re playing. If the pitch is uncertain or swoops upward, the reed is too easy for you, and your concentration of breath is not sufficient to make it work consistently.
- [A Question About Ponte Oboes](https://charlesmusic.com/ponte-oboes/): “Mitch the Multi Instrumentalist” from Oregon posed a great question: “Who really made those Ponte oboes?” Well Mitch, I spent more than a few years at Charlie Ponte’s midtown Manhattan shop as the reedmaker (and floor sweeper, truth be told). During that time, I saw dozens of new Ponte oboes come in and go out. […]
- [How often should I bring my instrument in for adjustment?](https://charlesmusic.com/how-often-should-i-bring-my-instrument-in-for-adjustment/): Most players find that having their instrument examined every 2 years works well. Of course, bring it in sooner if something doesn’t feel right, or there’s a problem. What a repair tech does every two years might include a play test and a check to make sure all the pads are sealing well. Here at […]
- [Does Music Help You Study?](https://charlesmusic.com/does-music-help-you-study/): As a student, I liked to have music playing when I got down to serious studying. Headphones, speakers whatever – as long as it was music I knew and enjoyed. Have you been told how bad this is supposed to be for you? “How can you concentrate with that racket?” was my parents’ complaint. I […]
- [The World Is Never Quiet.](https://charlesmusic.com/the-world-is-never-quiet/): As a kid, I was unduly concerned with how radio stations get their sound to your radio. It seemed vaguely creepy – all that chatter and music flinging through the air – bouncing off and zipping right through me. Be still for a moment, and contemplate this: right now there are dozens or even hundreds […]
- [Play more, practice less, find happiness.](https://charlesmusic.com/blog/): I spent a lot of my youth practicing just enough to get by. I played oboe and I progressed fast without a lot of effort. I liked that – it gave me time to do many important things, like hanging around with my friends. Even with all that free time, I got really, really good […]

## Pages

- [Home](https://charlesmusic.com/home/)
- [Home-charles](https://charlesmusic.com/home-charles/)
- [Contact](https://charlesmusic.com/contact/)
- [About Us](https://charlesmusic.com/about-us/)
- [Annual Maintenance](https://charlesmusic.com/annual-maintenance-2/)
- [Instrument Repairs and Restoration](https://charlesmusic.com/instrument-repairs-and-restoration/)
- [Formal Insurance Appraisals](https://charlesmusic.com/formal-insurance-appraisals/)
- [Ten Day At-Home Trial](https://charlesmusic.com/ten-day-at-home-trial/)
- [How to ship an instrument](https://charlesmusic.com/how-to-ship-an-instrument/)
- [Sell Your Instrument](https://charlesmusic.com/sell-your-instrument/)
- [Sell Your Bocal](https://charlesmusic.com/sell-your-bocal/)
- [Customer Support](https://charlesmusic.com/customer-support-2/)
- [DROPPING ALL PRICES](https://charlesmusic.com/newchapter/): A New Chapter for Charles Double Reed Company After more than four decades serving the double reed community, we’re beginning an exciting new chapter — one that honors our past while shaping a more focused future. First, the most important thing: Charles Double Reed Company is not closing. We’re moving from Central New Hampshire, to […]
- [instruments_shop](https://charlesmusic.com/instruments_shop_2025/): I’ll be out of the shop until Tuesday morning and will respond then or sooner. Buy all, $3000 ($600 discount) Check photos closely. These instruments do not play as-is. They are not wrecks, but they all need pro work, some more than others. That’s why I listed them on the pro repair Facebook group and […]
- [PRDRD 2025](https://charlesmusic.com/prdrd-2025/): This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password:
- [Annual Maintenance](https://charlesmusic.com/annual-maintenance/): You can prevent serious problems by having your oboe or bassoon cleaned, oiled, and adjusted on a yearly basis. Some of the benefits include: Extended Instrument Life Optimal Performance Cost Savings Resale Value Reduced Downtime Enhanced Playability How Much Does It Cost? Regular Annual Maintenance Average cost: $135.00 – $155.00 The exterior wood or plastic […]
- [In-Person Workshops](https://charlesmusic.com/in-person-workshops/): We Offer In-Person Workshops We offer in-person workshops and seminars. Brian Charles provides engaging group classes on reedmaking and repair, available by invitation at schools, universities, and double reed events for a reasonable fee. Brian’s wealth of experience and expertise adds a unique element to your event. If you or your organization are interested,  please […]
- [Let's Keep In Touch](https://charlesmusic.com/lets-keep-in-touch/): Hi [bwfan_subscriber_name] Help us to improve your experience with us through better communication. Please adjust your preferences for email [bwfan_subscriber_recipient]. [bwfan_unsubscribe_button label=”Update my preference”].
- [Free Shipping Offer Ending Soon: Act Before December 1st, 2024](https://charlesmusic.com/exceptions/): This free shipping offer ends December 1st, 2024. If your order qualifies, simply click on the Free Shipping Coupon which will be shown when you check out, The following rules and exceptions apply: Additional charges will apply for packages going outside mainland US, or by expedited services. This offer does not apply to previously placed […]
- [Who wrote Gabriel's oboe?](https://charlesmusic.com/who-wrote-gabriels-oboe/): Who wrote Gabriel’s oboe? The music for Gabriel’s oboe was written by Italian composer Ennio Morricone. He is well known for writing movie music including well know themes from various Clint Eastwood movies. Vocalist Sarah Brightman set lyrics to the theme to create her own song, “Nella Fantasia”. In 2010, Morricone encouraged soprano Hayley Westenra […]
- [Are the oboe and the flute in the same key?](https://charlesmusic.com/are-the-oboe-and-the-flute-in-the-same-key/): Are the oboe and the flute in the same key? Yes, they are, and can often play the same music. Oboes and flutes are pitched in C and play using the treble clef. Flute can play notes that are above the range of the oboe, which sometimes limits the oboists ability to play flute music. […]
- [Can the oboe play in a marching band?](https://charlesmusic.com/can-the-oboe-play-in-a-marching-band/): Can the oboe play in a marching band? Generally, it’s not a good idea. The small, pointed reed can cause damage to your mouth if you get jostled around while marching. There is a lot of great music for oboe in band music, but most bands won’t allow the oboist to play when they get […]
- [Can the oboe play music written for other instruments?](https://charlesmusic.com/can-the-oboe-play-music-written-for-other-instruments/): Can the oboe play music written for other instruments? The oboe is pitched in C, and the music is written in the treble clef. It shares these traits with flute and violin. Music for clarinet, sax, trumpet and others are written in a different key, usually Bb. While an oboist can play this music, it […]
- [Where to buy oboe reeds?](https://charlesmusic.com/where-to-buy-oboe-reeds/): Where to buy oboe reeds? If you have a local music store, they may offer a small selection of oboe reeds. Most stores don’t, as the oboe is such a specialized instrument. You can find many private makers, and big companies by doing a google search. We recommend you look through our reeds. They are […]
- [Which oboe should I buy?](https://charlesmusic.com/which-oboe-should-i-buy/): Which oboe should I buy? There are dozens of major brands, and many smaller brands to choose from. Often, a players teacher will be the best resource for choosing a beginner or advanced level oboe. If you know another oboe player, they can also aide in helping you choose which oboe to buy. There is […]
- [What are oboe reeds made of?](https://charlesmusic.com/what-are-oboe-reeds-made-of/): What are oboe reeds made of? Oboe reeds are made from a type of cane which is similar to, but not the same as bamboo. This cane grows along waterways, and in fields, and there are many professional cane farmers who grow cane. It can be found wild, and if you’re patient, and dry it […]
- [What oboe is best for beginners?](https://charlesmusic.com/what-oboe-is-best-for-beginners/): What oboe is best for beginners? Starting off with a good quality plastic instrument is our recommendation. There are many brand names to choose from, but we favor Fox, Buffet, and Selmer. You can expect to pay about $1,500 and up for a new one, and from about $600 and up for a good condition […]
- [Why is the oboe so hard to learn?](https://charlesmusic.com/why-is-the-oboe-so-hard-to-learn/): Why is the oboe so hard to Learn? The oboe uses a double reed to produce its distinctive sound. Most players learn to make these reeds which can be quite finicky. With extensive practice, an oboist can learn to control their reed, breath, and mouth position (embouchure) to produce a beautiful and consistent sound. It […]
- [Why does the oboe tune the orchestra?](https://charlesmusic.com/why-does-the-oboe-tune-the-orchestra/): Why does the oboe tune the orchestra? Oboe has little ability to alter it’s pitch so it better be in tune! The sound of the oboe carries well over the orchestra so that all the musicians can hear the pitch they are matching to tune up. Charles Double Reed Company – oboe and bassoon specialists […]
- [How To Ship An Instrument](https://charlesmusic.com/how-to-pack-and-ship-an-instrument/)
- [Discovering the Perfect Reed: A Guide](https://charlesmusic.com/how-to-choose-a-reed/): Embarking On Your Musical Journey? Let us simplify the reed selection process for you. Understanding Strengths: Medium Soft: Effortless blowing,  slightly challenging to control. Medium: Responsive, easy to control – a versatile choice for most players. Medium Hard: Requires more effort but yields a stable and robust sound. Guidelines For Selection: If you’ve played 1 […]
- [Mollenhauer Low A Contra before repair](https://charlesmusic.com/mollenhauer-low-a-contra-before-repair/): [metaslider id=”25576″]
- [Mollenhauer Low A Contra after repair](https://charlesmusic.com/mollenhauer-low-a-contra-after-repair/): [metaslider id=”25552″]
- [Stages in the repair of a 60 year old Mollenhauer contrabassoon tenon at the Charles shop.](https://charlesmusic.com/mollenhauer-repair/): [metaslider id=”23519″]
- [Cleaning Reeds During a Pandemic](https://charlesmusic.com/cleaning-reeds/): I’m going to reveal how we clean the reeds we sell and how you can achieve a reasonable level of cleanliness with your own reeds. The nooks and crannies in double reeds make cleaning challenging. Complete sanitization is not a realistic goal. We offer sincere thanks to Adam Schwalje, MD, DMA, for helping us to […]
- [How We Are Responding to Health Concerns](https://charlesmusic.com/business-health-concerns/): Here are the steps we’re taking at Charles Double Reed Company to help protect the health and safety of our customers and staff members.
- [Personal Common Sense](https://charlesmusic.com/personal-common-sense/): As a double reed player during this time of virus trouble, I'm concerned about my playing habits, and what risks I can avoid to stay healthy. Playing music is soul satisfying. I think we can create beautiful music and stay safe by following a few practices.
- [Donations](https://charlesmusic.com/donate/): Double Reed Donations We receive donations of double reed instruments, tools, and accessories from many players and manufacturers throughout the year. We locate and vet prospective recipients, and send them the donations that fit their needs. We’ve sent instruments to Zambia and Kazakhstan along with many accessories and finished reeds to teachers, players, and youth […]
- [Turn Used Bocals Into Cash](https://charlesmusic.com/sell-your-used-bocal/): Are you ready to part with one or more of your used bocals? Use our safe, fast, efficient method to turn them into cash or credit. Which bocals are you interested in?We welcome oboe d’amore, English horn, bass oboe, bassoon, contrabassoon, baroque bocals, wooden bocals, and pretty much any other double reed instrument bocal you […]
- [Supplier Information](https://charlesmusic.com/supplier-information/): If you have a product (or know of a product) you’d like us to know about, please send the form below, or email us or call us at (603) 356-9890.  We’re looking for innovative, new, unique products that might make a double reed player smile (or breathe a sigh of relief).
- [Formal Insurance Appraisals](https://charlesmusic.com/appraisals/): Formal Insurance Appraisals For Musical Instruments. Specialized double reed expertise – over 40 years of experience. Insurance appraisals are used for determining fair market value for selling, insurance replacement valuation, estate evaluations, legal proceedings, tax valuations for donations, and any situation that requires a professional determination of value.  Our appraisals are recognized by all major […]
- [Policy Update: Returns and Refunds](https://charlesmusic.com/reed-guarantee/): As of October 26th, 2025, Charles Double Reed Company will no longer offer returns or refunds on any products, accessories, or printed materials. We are in the process of phasing out all retail inventory as we transition to focus exclusively on instrument consignments, repair and restoration, and appraisal services. We appreciate your understanding as we make this exciting shift […]
- [F.A.Q.](https://charlesmusic.com/faq/): What forms of payment do you accept? We honor credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, checks, wire transfers, and CDRC gift certificates. How quickly do you ship my order? All orders are received and filled as quickly as possible. Often, that’s within 2 days. Please let us know if your order needs to be rushed […]
- [Availability](https://charlesmusic.com/availability/): Temporary Pause on Instrument Trials and Sales November 2025 – Mid-January 2026 We are temporarily unable to send instruments for trial or purchase while we move our entire shop from New Hampshire to Kingston, New York, just north of New York City. We apologize for the delay in service during this transition. If you’d like […]
- [Blog](https://charlesmusic.com/blog/)
- [Heckel Bocal Markings](https://charlesmusic.com/bocal-markings/): Often, the confusing array of letters and number Heckel uses on their bocals seem inscrutable. We’ve compiled information from numerous Heckel charts detailing the original specifications of Heckel bocals and translated it to English. The numbers and letters are stamped on the bocal either near the makers name on the central area, and/or at the […]
- [Fox Warranty](https://charlesmusic.com/fox-warranty/): Within one year of purchasing any new Fox or Renard instrument, all customers are entitled to return it to the factory for a complete servicing. The purpose of this service is to restore the instrument to original factory standards. Cleaning, oiling, and mechanical regulation are included with costs limited to parts and shipping. It’s a good […]
- [Suitability and Condition](https://charlesmusic.com/suitable/): What do our Suitability and Condition Ratings mean? Here we indicate the level of player we feel an instrument will work best for. The condition of the instrument is rated after careful examination and play testing. Suitability Everyone Instruments of this type are recommended for most players and most playing opportunities. They offer professional performance […]
- [Certified](https://charlesmusic.com/certified/): What do we mean by Certified? We put instruments through a thorough examination and cleaning when the instrument arrives at our shop and again just before it is shipped to you for trial. Every instrument – every time! Instruments don’t leave our shop unless we feel they are playing their best. Some of the checks […]
- [Sign up to stay in touch](https://charlesmusic.com/mailing-list/): Sign Up to Stay in Touch What type of information will I get if I sign up for the Charles Double Reed Company mailing list? Sales & special discounted prices Exclusive email discounts We send few emails. You won’t be bombarded. We never share, rent, or sell your information To make sure you receive our […]
- [Rate Your Experience](https://charlesmusic.com/rate-your-experience/): Let us know how we can improve, or what we did right. We really appreciate your feedback.
- [Manage Your Account](https://charlesmusic.com/manage-your-account/): First:  Sign in to the “My Account” page Then: Select the appropriate option to edit your account information: Orders: check your past and current orders Addresses: Add, edit or delete a shipping or billing address. Changes to addresses won’t affect current orders. Payment methods: Add, edit or delete a payment method. Changes to payment methods won’t affect current orders. Account Details: Edit […]
- [Testimonials](https://charlesmusic.com/testimonials/): Please let us know how we can improve, or what we did right. Rate Your Experience Here. Check out the ratings and reviews we’re recently received:      
- [Fast Shipping](https://charlesmusic.com/fast-shipping/): Standard Items Most orders received by noon Eastern Time Monday – Friday ship within 2 business days. Shipping options are available for most standard items, including USPS, and UPS next-day and 2-day air delivery. Shipping upgrade options and costs vary. Select your preferred upgrade during the checkout process or call us at (603) 356-9890 for […]
- [Feedback](https://charlesmusic.com/feedback/): Please tell us your thoughts. We eagerly welcome your comments, questions, and concerns. Your feedback will be read by a real person and we will respond, if you provide contact information. None of your information will be added to any marketing lists, sold, or shared with partners.
- [International](https://charlesmusic.com/international/): Placing an order from outside the United States? We ship to almost every country in the world. We’re happy to help you get your order. Please visit our Shipping Information page for further information. Please contact us by email with any issue whatsoever, including questions about a specific product or the ordering process. service@charlesmusic.com (603) […]
- [The Main Players](https://charlesmusic.com/staff/): Brian Charles Brian is a conservatory trained multi-instrumentalist, composer, and serial entrepreneur. As a performer, his resume includes a vast number of solo, orchestral, and band performances in the United States and abroad. He is noted for his work on TV commercials, video game soundtracks, live performances, recordings, as a member of experimental bands, and […]
- [Why Choose Charles Double Reeds?](https://charlesmusic.com/choose-charles/): Every double reed player is unique, and every situation has its own nuances. At Charles Double Reeds, our customers return time and again for one key reason: Trust. Trust in Our Experience We are experts in double reeds, and our expertise comes from decades of dedicated service to the double reed community. We’ve worked closely […]
- [Customer Support](https://charlesmusic.com/customer-support/): View your recent orders General Shipping Info All orders will be received and filled as quickly as possible. Often, that’s within 2 working days. Please let us know if your order needs to be rushed to you. Handmade items All products that are available are accurately listed on our website. We update availability as quickly […]
- [Contact Us](https://charlesmusic.com/contact-us/): Sales and Advice:(603) 356-9890service@charlesmusic.com Phone Hours:9am – 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday (Fridays by chance)Other times, please leave us a message.Please note that we are closed on major and Federal holidays. Please Make An Appointment and Visit us:In person shopping, repairs, instrument trials by appointment only.Call (603) 356-9890 during the week   Charles Double Reed Company1976 […]
- [Privacy](https://charlesmusic.com/privacy/): This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for Charles Double Reed Company. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. It will notify you of the following: What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used and with whom it may be shared. What choices are […]
- [Ten Day At-Home Trial](https://charlesmusic.com/try-before-you-buy/): First Thing – Is This Instrument Available Right Now?Instruments may be available right now, or they may be out on trial. Contact us to find out – call us at (603) 356-9890 or email us. If it is out on trial, we invite you to join the waiting list. If the instrument either becomes available […]
- [Sell Your Instrument](https://charlesmusic.com/sell-my-instrument/): Please do not send your instrument without contacting us first by email or by phone. Our consignment system eliminates uncertainty: • Now is a great time to turn your used instrument into cash • We are trusted advisors with a stellar track record • Organized methods proven over decades • Better return, quicker sales, no […]
- [Instrument Repairs and Restoration (Overhaul)](https://charlesmusic.com/instrument-repair/): When your instrument has a serious issue we’re here to help. A repair is when a part or system is repaired. An overhaul is when all pads, and parts and systems are repaired at once. No serious problems? Prevent problems by having annual maintenance done. Visit our Annual Maintenance page. We work on double reed […]
- [Policy Update: Returns and Refunds](https://charlesmusic.com/guarantee/): Policy Update: Returns and Refunds As of October 26th, 2025, Charles Double Reed Company will no longer offer returns or refunds on any products, accessories, or printed materials. We are in the process of phasing out all retail inventory as we transition to focus exclusively on instrument consignments, repair and restoration, and appraisal services. We […]
- [The Heart Of Our Story](https://charlesmusic.com/our-story/): Though our official journey began in 1983, the heart of our story traces back to the bustling music scene of 1930s New York City. Is Everybody Happy? In the 1930s, just as it is today, New York City was a Mecca for musicians. Midtown Manhattan was alive with music, from the innovative saxophone of Charlie […]
- [Welcome to Charles Double Reed Company](https://charlesmusic.com/): We’re oboe and bassoon specialists. We were founded in 1983 and provide handmade oboe reeds, bassoon reeds, used instruments, new instruments, oboe repair, bassoon repair.


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