Is it my oboe reed or just me that makes my oboe sound bad?

Question: Is it my oboe reed or just me that makes my oboe sound bad!?

My old reed broke cause it got too old and worn off (I played very well on that reed :[ ) so I bought a new medium reed (like what I bought from before except different brand)!. The reed looks new and looks fine but when I play my oboe with it, it sounds like a saxophone or a weak, strangled duck!. Any tips and should I buy a new reed instead!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Definitely stick it out on this new reed!. It could just be that it's new and you just need time adjusting to it!. Definitely do not change your embouchure to get a better sound out of it especially if you were playing really well with your old reed with this embouchure!.

Maybe just go back to the old brand instead of changing brands! (If it's possible!?)

Good luck and hope everything works out! :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

i just graduated from the university of michigan with a degree in oboe performance and teach oboe to middle schoolers and high schoolers!. the reeds that are available for you are machine-made and are not very good!. they are all made the same way, no matter how good or bad the cane is!. unfortunately, you kind of have to test them out!. if you liked the other brand, i would stick with that!. the new brand may run soft, so you may actually need a hard in that reed!. do NOT change your embouchure!. biting may make you sound better, but it will just cause you to get sharper and sharper!.!.!.especially as you get better!. if i were you, i would buy student reeds from a website or a local professional or college student oboist!. i also make and sell student reeds that would be much easier and less frustrating for you! let me know if you need any more help or suggestions!! my email is emerloo@yahoo!.com!. good luck :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

What kind of reed is it!? Is it fiberglass or one you should soak before playing!?Www@QuestionHome@Com