Why Start With a Double Reed Instrument?

The world of double reed instruments offers one of the most expressive and distinctive voices in music. From the piercing clarity of an oboe solo in a Ravel orchestration to the warm, resonant bass lines of a bassoon in a Mozart symphony, these instruments hold a special place in classical, chamber, and even contemporary music. Choosing your first double reed instrument is a decision that will shape your practice habits, musical growth, and ensemble opportunities for years to come. This guide provides a detailed, practical framework to help you evaluate the oboe and bassoon—the two most common entry points—and make a confident decision based on your personal goals, physical comfort, budget, and access to instruction.

Understanding Double Reed Instruments: Sound, Construction, and History

Double reed instruments produce sound by directing air between two precisely shaped pieces of cane, called reeds, which vibrate against each other. Unlike single-reed instruments (like the clarinet or saxophone), double reeds require the player to control both reeds simultaneously with the lips, creating a tighter, more focused embouchure. This construction gives the instruments their characteristic timbre—bright and penetrating for the oboe, dark and reedy for the bassoon—and demands a high level of breath support and control from the player.

The history of double reed instruments stretches back thousands of years to ancient Egyptian and Greek instruments like the aulos. Modern forms evolved in 17th-century Europe, with the French Conservatory-style oboe and the German Heckel bassoon becoming the dominant designs used today. Understanding this lineage helps explain why these instruments have such a rich orchestral and chamber repertoire, and why they remain essential to wind bands, orchestras, and newer genres like film scoring.

Common Double Reed Instruments for Beginners

  • Oboe: The soprano member of the family, typically in the key of C, with a range from B♭3 to A6. Its agile, singing tone makes it ideal for lyrical solos and melodic passages. Modern oboes are built from grenadilla wood (or synthetic resin for student models) and feature a complex keywork system. The oboe is also sometimes used in jazz and popular music, most famously by Paul McCartney or on film soundtracks like Amélie.
  • Bassoon: The tenor and bass voice of the woodwind section, with a range from B♭1 to E5—over three and a half octaves. The bassoon’s tone is often described as warm, reedy, and slightly comical in its upper register, yet powerful and sonorous in the lower register. The instrument is held diagonally across the body, played with a curved crook (bocal) that holds the reed. Modern bassoons are typically made of maple wood, with student models in plastic resin for durability.
  • English Horn (Cor Anglais): A tenor-range member pitched in F, built slightly larger than the oboe with a distinctive pear-shaped bell. Its haunting, melancholic tone is heard in works like Dvořák’s New World Symphony. While rarely chosen as a first instrument, some students move from oboe to English horn after building foundational skills.
  • Contrabassoon: The lowest double reed, sounding an octave below the bassoon. It adds a foundational rumbling bass to orchestral pieces. Because of its size, weight, and complexity, it is almost never recommended for beginners.

For nearly all beginners, the practical decision narrows to oboe or bassoon. Both have extensive method books, accessible teachers in most regions, and active communities online and in schools. The sections below will help you decide which suits you best.

Key Factors to Evaluate Before You Buy or Rent

1. Musical Preferences and Repertoire

Your taste in music should influence your choice. The oboe has a vast solo repertoire from the Baroque era (Bach, Handel, Vivaldi) through the Classical (Mozart), Romantic (Schumann, Saint-Saëns), and modern periods. Oboists often find themselves soloing in orchestral works—any oboist will tell you the opening of the second movement of the New World Symphony is a rite of passage. If you love the sound of the oboe in film scores (notably John Williams’ Schindler’s List), it may be your instrument.

The bassoon, while less frequently a solo star, has its own gems: the tricky, fast passages in Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, the humorous solos in Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, and a growing body of contemporary solo works. Bassoonists are also in higher demand in community orchestras and wind bands, since the instrument is less common—making you a valuable asset. If you prefer deep, resonant sounds and enjoy being an anchor of the ensemble, the bassoon is an excellent choice.

2. Physical Considerations: Size, Weight, and Hand Anatomy

The oboe is small and light (around 650–700 grams), easy to hold for extended periods, and fits comfortably in small hands. Students as young as 8 or 9 can manage the instrument, especially with proper shoulder or neck straps. The finger span is moderate; the left thumb operates an octave key on the back, and the right thumb manages several keys. For players with very small hands, some beginner oboes offer modified keywork.

The bassoon is a different animal entirely. It weighs 3–4 kg (7–9 pounds) and requires a seat strap, harness, or neck strap to distribute the weight. The instrument’s length (about 1.3 meters) demands a playing angle that may strain the shoulders if posture is poor. The key system is complex and requires wide finger spans—especially for the left hand, which must simultaneously cover three large tone holes and operate several keys. While most adults and teenagers can adapt, younger or smaller players often find the bassoon physically challenging. Many bassoon teachers advise starting after age 10 or 11 at the earliest.

You should also consider your own strength and stamina. The bassoon requires a firmer embouchure and stronger breath support than the oboe due to its larger reed and tube. Try supporting a full “low B♭” in the bassoon’s lowest register—it demands substantial diaphragmatic air support. Conversely, the oboe’s small reed and narrow bore create higher back pressure, which can be tiring for the embouchure muscles during long practice sessions.

3. Budget: Purchase Price, Renting, and Ongoing Costs

Double reed instruments are among the more expensive woodwinds. However, renting before buying is strongly recommended by most teachers.

  • Oboe prices: Student models: $1,500–$3,000 (e.g., Yamaha YOB-241, Selmer S41); intermediate: $3,500–$6,000; professional: $7,000–$15,000+. Annual rental runs $50–$100 per month, often with rent-to-own options.
  • Bassoon prices: Student models: $3,000–$6,000 (e.g., Fox Renard 240, Selmer S330); intermediate: $7,000–$12,000; professional: $15,000–$40,000+. Annual rental: $80–$150 per month.
  • Reed costs: Oboe reeds: $12–$25 per reed, lasting 2–6 weeks with moderate use; bassoon reeds: $15–$35 per reed, lasting 4–12 weeks. Both are consumable items, so budget $200–$500 per year for reeds alone. Learning to make your own reeds can reduce costs but adds time and requires tools ($200+ start-up kit).
  • Maintenance: Annual professional service: $100–$250. Cases, swabs, cork grease, and reed cases add another $50–$150 initially.

If budget is a primary concern, the oboe has a lower entry cost, but reed longevity is shorter. The bassoon’s higher initial outlay is offset by longer-lasting reeds.

4. Instruction and Community Support

Double reed instruments require specialized teachers. General band directors may not be double reed players themselves, so it is critical to find an oboe or bassoon specialist for lessons. Check local music stores, universities, or online directories such as the International Double Reed Society (IDRS) teacher list. Many teachers offer online lessons, which can be a lifeline if you live in a remote area.

Also consider the availability of repair technicians. Double reed instruments have delicate keywork and pad adjustments. Not all general woodwind techs are comfortable working on bassoon key linkages. Look for a certified technician through the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT).

Online communities are vibrant. The Oboe subreddit and Bassoon subreddit host discussions on reeds, fingerings, and repertoire. Facebook groups and the IDRS forums also offer peer support.

Oboe vs. Bassoon: A Detailed Comparison for Beginners

Beyond the general factors, it is helpful to see a side-by-side breakdown of each instrument’s unique advantages and challenges.

Oboe

  • Pros:
    • Compact and lightweight: easy to transport and hold, ideal for younger students.
    • Wide solo repertoire: immediate opportunities for spotlight moments in orchestra and chamber music.
    • Relatively quick initial sound production: most beginners can produce a tone within the first few lessons, though achieving a beautiful tone takes years.
    • More common in school band programs: oboe is a standard band instrument, making ensemble participation accessible.
    • Lower purchase cost for student models.
  • Cons:
    • High back pressure: can be physically demanding on the embouchure, causing soreness during long practice sessions.
    • Reeds are delicate and short-lived: beginners may need to buy reeds frequently or learn reed making early.
    • Pitch sensitivity: the oboe is notoriously difficult to intonate; even small changes in embouchure or breath support cause note slumping or sharpening.
    • Sometimes perceived as “hard to hear,” leading players to overblow and fatigue quickly.

Bassoon

  • Pros:
    • Unique depth of sound: the bassoon’s tone color is unmatched; it blends beautifully in ensembles and stands out in solos.
    • Greater demand in orchestras and wind bands: bassoon chairs are often unfilled, making you more likely to win a spot in selective groups.
    • Reeds last longer: with proper rotation, a single bassoon reed can last 6–12 weeks.
    • Lower embouchure fatigue: the larger reed requires less lip tension, using more arm and body support.
    • Complex but rewarding technique: mastering the bassoon’s many alternate fingerings and flick keys builds strong musicianship.
  • Cons:
    • Size and weight: difficult for small or physically diminutive players; requires a harness and good posture.
    • Higher initial cost: quality student bassoons start around $3,000, and rentals are more expensive.
    • Complex keywork and fingering: the bassoon has many half-holes, flick keys, and specialized trill keys that increase the learning curve.
    • Less solo repertoire written for beginners: many method books assume some prior music reading ability.

How to Test and Select Your First Instrument

You cannot choose a double reed instrument without holding it in your hands. Here is a step-by-step approach to evaluating an instrument before you commit.

  1. Visit a specialty music store or a university rental program. Large retail chains may not carry double reeds in stock. Look for shops that specialize in orchestral instruments or have a double reed consultant. Many conservatories and college music departments offer rental programs for students.
  2. Bring a teacher or experienced player. They can feel for leaks, test key action, and play-test the instrument’s tone. If you have no teacher yet, ask the shop to let you hear the instrument played by a pro.
  3. Check the physical fit. For oboe: can your fingers comfortably reach the keys without stretching uncomfortably? Can you hold the instrument without strain? For bassoon: can you comfortably wrap your left hand around the instrument to cover the three large tone holes? Can you reach the whisper key (left thumb) and the right-hand keys without twisting your wrist?
  4. Try a basic sound test. With the help of an assistant, blow a steady stream of air into the reed. Does the instrument respond easily? Does it produce a clear, centered pitch? Avoid instruments that require excessive air or produce a fuzzy, unfocused tone.
  5. Examine the keywork. Press each key and check for smooth, quiet action. Listen for clicking. Look for surface rust on silver-plated keys, especially around pivot points. Check that pads seal tightly (a light test is to press each pad and see if light leaks through).
  6. Ask about warranty and maintenance. If buying new, a minimum one-year warranty is standard. For used instruments, have a technician perform a check-up before purchase ($50–$100).

Caring for Your Double Reed Instrument: Essential Maintenance

Double reeds demand more daily maintenance than other woodwinds because of the moisture-sensitive cane reed and the precision keywork. Build these habits from day one.

  • Swab after every session. Use a silk or cotton swab to remove moisture from the bore. For bassoon, use a weighted pull-through swab. Do not force swabs through tight areas; do it gently to avoid damaging the bore.
  • Care for reeds. Soak the reed in a small cup of water for 30 seconds before playing. After playing, rinse it in clean water and store it in a covered reed case (not a ziplock bag) to maintain humidity. Rotate between 2–3 reeds to extend their life.
  • Adjust the reed fit. Over time, reeds may become too soft or stiff. Learn basic scraping with a reed knife or buy “ready-to-play” reeds from reputable makers. Avoid reeds that are too hard—they will discourage you.
  • Protect the instrument from temperature extremes. Do not leave a double reed instrument in a car, near a radiator, or in direct sunlight. Wooden instruments can crack; even plastic/resin models can warp keywork.
  • Annual service. Schedule a full repad, regulation, and oiling of wooden body joints once per year. Find a technician certified by the IDRS technician list.

Making Your Final Decision: Practical Next Steps

Still unsure? That is normal. The best way to decide is to spend time with both instruments. Many music stores offer trial periods of a week or more. Rent an oboe for one month, then a bassoon for the next. Ask a double reed teacher to give you two or three introductory lessons on each. Your own experience—how the instrument feels in your hands, how the sound resonates with your ear, and how motivated you feel to practice—will ultimately be your strongest guide.

If access to instruments is limited, listen to recorded solos and orchestra excerpts featuring each instrument. The IDRS maintains a repertoire database with audio examples. Also watch video masterclasses on YouTube: watch oboists like Albrecht Mayer or bassoonists like Klaus Thunemann demonstrate their instruments live. Pay attention to the physicality—do you see yourself in that position?

Finally, do not overthink. Both instruments will demand a year or more of dedication before you produce a beautiful tone consistently. The double reed learner’s path is famously challenging—but also immensely rewarding. With a good teacher, a well-maintained instrument, and a steady supply of quality reeds, you will quickly join the rich tradition of double reed playing. Whether you choose the soaring oboe or the grounding bassoon, your musical journey will be enriched by these wonderfully cantankerous instruments.