Shalita Mesquite Student Oboe Reed
$16.95
Handcrafted student oboe reed by Joseph Shalita, Principal Oboist of the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra. American long-scrape tradition in the Cleveland/Mack style. Full, warm tone with forgiving response designed for developing players. Parents — I’ve kept this reed as inexpensive as possible. Students go through reeds quickly and there’s no reason to break the bank. Reeds are guaranteed against leaking and cracking due to defective cane only.
The Shalita Mesquite Student is a handcrafted American long-scrape oboe reed made in the Cleveland/Mack style, designed for developing players who need a full, warm tone with forgiving response. Made by Joseph Shalita, Principal Oboist of the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra since 2004.
Playing Characteristics Resistance: Light to medium. Opening: Medium. Full, warm tone with consistent response and stable intonation. The Cleveland/Mack style produces a reed with more body and warmth than the Philadelphia style — a great choice for students whose teachers come from the Cleveland/Mack tradition or who naturally gravitate toward a bigger, warmer sound.
Who It's For Beginning and early intermediate students studying in the Cleveland/Mack tradition. A natural first reed for young oboists whose teachers emphasize a full, warm sound from the very beginning.
Who It's Not For Advanced players and professionals. As your technique develops move up to the Tumbleweed Intermediate or Red Label Intermediate for more demanding response.
The Maker Every Mesquite Student reed 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.
A Note for Parents Students go through reeds quickly — that's just the reality of learning oboe. I've deliberately kept the Mesquite Student as inexpensive as possible without cutting corners on quality. Every reed is still hand-scraped to specification. Your student deserves a proper handcrafted reed without the professional price tag.
Want to learn to make reeds like these? See the complete American long-scrape course at makingoboereeds.com.
