Description
The Shalita Tumbleweed Intermediate is a handcrafted American long-scrape oboe reed designed for advancing players ready to move beyond beginner reeds. Made by Joseph Shalita, Principal Oboist of the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra since 2004, in the direct tradition of Marcel Tabuteau and the Philadelphia oboe school.
Playing Characteristics Resistance: Medium-light. Opening: Medium. Consistent response and stable intonation across the full range. Forgiving enough for developing players while delivering the tone quality and reliability that serious students need as their technique advances.
Who It’s For Students in their second or third year of playing, advancing amateurs, and intermediate players working through more demanding solo and ensemble repertoire. A natural step up from the Mimosa Student or WR Profiled Beginner.
Who It’s Not For Complete beginners. If you’re in your first year start with the Mimosa Student or WR Profiled Beginner. Advanced players and professionals should look at the Red Label Intermediate or Black Label Pro.
The Maker Every Tumbleweed Intermediate is handmade by Joseph Shalita — 35+ years as a professional orchestral oboist, graduate of the Peabody Conservatory and Mannes College of Music, trained by Joseph Turner (Principal Oboe, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra) and John Ferrillo (Principal Oboe, Boston Symphony Orchestra). Not a factory reed. Hand-scraped to specification.
Want to learn to make reeds like these? See the complete American long-scrape course at makingoboereeds.com.
