Description
The Shalita Red Label Intermediate is a handcrafted American long-scrape oboe reed designed for serious students and advancing players. 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. Opening: Slightly more open than the Black Label Pro. More forgiving response makes it ideal for players still developing embouchure control and consistency. Reliable intonation across the full range.
Who It’s For Serious students, advancing amateurs, and intermediate players who want a professional-quality handmade reed without the demands of the Black Label Pro. If you’re playing in a youth orchestra, community orchestra, or serious studio, this is your reed.
Who It’s Not For Complete beginners. If you’re in your first year of playing, start with the Shalita Student, Mimosa Student or WR Profiled Beginner and build up to the Red Label.
The Maker Every Red Label 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.
