Double Reed Instrument

Double reed instruments are members of the woodwind family that use two pieces of cane, bound together, to form a vibrating mouthpiece. Unlike single-reed instruments (such as clarinets and saxophones), double reeds create a distinct, reedy timbre that is often described as rich, nasal, or penetrating. The player controls pitch and tone by adjusting embouchure, breath pressure, and reed strength, which makes these instruments both expressive and challenging to master.

The most common double reed instruments in modern ensembles are the oboe, English horn (cor anglais), bassoon, and contrabassoon. Each plays a unique role: the oboe often carries lyrical melodies, the English horn provides a darker middle voice, the bassoon anchors the lower woodwinds with warmth and humor, and the contrabassoon adds depth with its resonant bass register.

In score order, oboes and bassoons are sometimes grouped together under “double reeds” to emphasize their shared construction, though in other works, bassoons may be filed after clarinets instead.

In our concert band, double reeds add an unmistakable color to the ensemble. From the oboe’s bright singing voice to the bassoon’s rich low end, they provide character that balances the flutes, clarinets, and brass. Even though our double reed section is sometimes smaller than other sections, their unique timbre ensures they’re always heard and always essential.