One thought on “American Oboe Reed Company”

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   Past Comments from ReedReviews.net
   Mr.Oboe { 01.31.15 at 12:58 am }
   Professional–Plays Most days–Used 6-10 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Professional reedmaker
   reeds were not good. Most of them were way too short and lacked tone quality

   2 HotforHautbois { 08.13.14 at 12:13 am }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 6-10 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Usually make my own reeds
   Mark Christianson’s reeds are simply exquisite. Lovely, covered dolce sound, but with room to expand and open up the sound.

   Mark Christianson is also a wonderful person who is extremely passionate about reed making and oboe playing, and seems to be glad to discuss either with his customers.

   3 Kyleian { 02.21.14 at 10:21 am }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 6-10 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy but adjust
   I also waited about 4 months. I’d given up on ever getting my reeds, and then Kerry of The Reedmaker (who I ordered from when I wasn’t getting my reeds from Mark), mentioned that Mark’s son has been very sick. Anyway, I got my reeds a few days ago and they are fantastic. Not sure if I’ll order regularly unless he’s consistently back at work.

   4 Quix { 02.08.14 at 10:13 am }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 2-5 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy but adjust
   An update to my story: I did receive the reeds recently, about 4 months after I ordered them. Mark enclosed an apologetic note and offered to refund my money. I think he may be dealing with some family issues that are affecting his ability to keep up with orders.

   As for the reeds themselves, they are very good — well made with no leaks, excellent response and intonation, nice covered sound. Definitely among the best of the 6-8 reedmakers I have tried.

   5 Quix { 01.09.14 at 4:32 am }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 2-5 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy but adjust
   My experience was the the same as that of otter95 below. I ordered two reeds in early October and never received them. Several emails had no effect. I finally called Mark after about 6 weeks and he did return my call. We had a nice chat and he promised to send out the reeds within a couple of days, but it never happened. Since then, nothing.

   6 otter95 { 11.30.13 at 9:46 am }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 2-5 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Usually make my own reeds
   I ordered two reeds from this company nearly two months ago and I have still not received them. I have emailed Mark three times and called him once in the past two months–I still have not received a response from him. I will not be able to get a refund from paypal and I basically wasted $50 trying to purchase two reeds. My advice to you: do NOT purchase reeds from this company–the owner is unreliable and uncommunicative. I will not get back the $50 I spent and I still do not have any reeds. Choose a more reliable reed company, not this one.

   7 laineyoboe { 03.17.12 at 1:40 pm }
   Intermediate–Plays Weekly–Used 2-5 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy but adjust
   I recently ordered an oboe reed from Mark, and even though it took about 4 weeks, I am so happy with the reed. After about the third week, my mom called Mark (after 2 emails that we didn’t receive a response to). However, Mark told us that he has some family health problems going on but that he would send the reed out at the beginning of the week. I love my reed! I purchased the student model in medium and it has a beautiful tone. When I played it in front of my band director, she was surprised how great I sounded. I was in tune right of the back, no adjusting needed. I would definitely recommend Mark’s reeds. Beyond amazing!

   8 TexasOboe { 07.23.11 at 6:16 pm }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 6-10 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Usually make my own reeds
   I’ve been ordering reeds from Mark for about two years now. The reeds are by far the best reeds I’ve ever tried both English Horn and Oboe. I’ve used his reeds for many auditions and performances and I’ve never been disappointed. I’m always impressed with the tone and intonation both EH and Oboe reeds have. Mark is an amazing person to talk to and discuss your reed issues with. The couple of times I’ve talked to Mark, he has inspired me in many ways. The reeds take about two weeks to be delivered and work right out of the box. Mark’s reeds are by far the best out there. I highly highly suggest to purchase his reed, you will not be disappointing.

   9 Anathema { 03.17.11 at 10:34 pm }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 2-5 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy but adjust
   I ordered three professional reeds, and they were delivered in about three weeks. As a student, my mother decided to email Mark about the reeds. Instead of emailing back, he actually called us and engaged me in a conversation about me and my oboe playing so that he could make me the perfect reeds. I was a bit skeptical at first, but I just went along with it. And a few days later my reeds came in the mail. They are all medium hard and I have been playing on them for about a week. I used to have problems with finding nicely tuned reeds, but with these I don’t have to worry! I had so many compliments after a concert about how well my tuning was — and I didn’t even use a tuner during the concert!

   10 Circulus { 02.24.11 at 11:31 am }
   Intermediate–Plays Weekly–Used 2-5 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy and do not adjust
   I ordered three student reeds, and they were delivered within the time estimated. I do not specialize in the oboe (am a violinist/vocalist), but the sound seems decent to me and is very acceptable for my purpose (pit orchestra for my university’s “Assassins”). All three play rather consistently, are tuned properly, and respond well, as far as I can tell.

   11 oboemily { 01.06.11 at 3:20 pm }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 6-10 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy but adjust
   I ordered two pro oboe reeds and an English horn reed from Mark. The oboe reeds were pretty good right out of the box, but resistant and they had pretty closed tips. When I took the English horn reed out and played it, however, I immediately thought, “This is my new favorite English horn reed.” I’ve been looking for a good English horn reed that’s stable and plays high notes well since my last good reed, which I found in the case of my English horn when I first rented it from my school, gave out after more than 3 years of playing.

   12 annethend { 12.16.10 at 8:19 pm }
   Beginner–Plays Most days–Used 2-5 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy and do not adjust
   The 3 pro reeds from Mark at Amer. Reed played well out of the box & have GREAT intonation. 2 have a sweet, mellow sound(I love) and 1 is pleasantly bright . The med-soft play all notes easily and equally. A+ will definitely buy again. really nice reeds THNX!

   13 Paul Hartl { 08.14.10 at 6:09 pm }
   Advanced–Plays Most days–Used 2-5 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Buy but adjust
   I ordered 3 professional reeds and got 4! All are easy to play with excellent response, particularly in the low register. Very consistent from reed to reed with a very finished look and feel. One major complaint – they all play appreciably flat and require a good deal of “lipping” and careful, consistent breath control (not a bad thing, I guess) to put them where they belong pitch-wise. Mark ( the maker) may have made these a bit more open than normal for me – and thus flatter (?), as I told him that live in a high, dry desert climate. Very nice reeds, overall.

   14 oudblreeder { 12.18.09 at 7:49 am }
   Professional–Plays Most days–Used 6-10 reedmakers–Reedmaking: Usually make my own reeds
   He is loated in Washington, DC

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