Rep Reeds is the fastest growing reedmaking business based in the UK, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of Oboe and Cor Anglais Reeds & Cane, whilst maintaining the highest level of personal, and sensitive customer care.
We are the only business nationwide to offer options on hardness tested cane and reeds, with extremely personalised attention to your requirements across a variety of shapes, and dimensions. We are always available to discuss your needs, and to offer no obligation advice for your reedmaking and Oboe-playing journey.
‘Rep’ (the last three letters of Joe’s surname) is a common abbreviation for repertoire, which is what most oboists would rather search through, rather than various piles of cane or thread.
At Rep Reeds, we are continuing to enable oboists of all ages and standards to pursue their love of performing and making music by supplying our reeds which are Responsive, Expressive and Precise.
For specific queries about our products please visit our FAQs and Contact pages.
What our customers are saying:
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“I have been extremely impressed with the reeds supplied for students at the London preparatory school where I teach.
The reeds have consistently proved to be exceptionally well made, using high-quality materials that have clearly been processed with excellent machinery and manufactured to extremely high specifications. What stands out most is the structural integrity of the reeds — they are crafted with a level of precision, durability, and consistency far beyond what is normally encountered in typical student reeds.
For younger players especially, this makes a tremendous difference to stability, response, intonation and reliability, and has undoubtedly contributed positively to the students’ playing and confidence. It is very refreshing to encounter student reeds produced with such evident care, expertise, and professional standards.” -
“I am having the happiest time with your reeds. The sound is lovely and warm and I’m not sharp at all. […] Thank you so much for all your efforts, you’ve changed how I feel about playing”
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“As a beginner Cor player, ordering the reeds couldn't have been easier. They were super easy to order, very quick arriving, and sound brilliant.
For my first time playing the Cor Anglais in an orchestra, I found these reeds were the perfect thing, and produced a lovely tone”
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“As an amateur oboist exploring reed making I was delighted to find a supplier of hardness-tested cane who was also happy and able to advise me on my journey to (hopefully!) the perfect reed. Joe has supported me through various stages of trial, error and frustration, and given me some very valuable advice about what to order, where to scrape and generally how to feel about it all!
Thank you so much for going above and beyond, it's very much appreciated. May Rep Reeds go from strength to strength!”
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Gouged, Tested & Shaped, Rep Reeds Staples
“Really lovely cane, I received it quickly and made lovely reeds. High success rate and I love the way I can order particular shapes and cane hardness and gouge thickness 🤩 thank you”
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Gouged, Tested & Shaped, C.A. and D'Amore Blanks
“I first ordered cane from Joe at Rep Reeds last year as he offers a great variety of shapes and gouge thicknesses and can provide hardness tested cane. This was good news and my order came through within a couple of days.
Excellent service! I have reordered on several occasions and encouraged my pupils to order completed reeds, which are also made with the same level of care. Keep up the good work Joe.”
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“She played the first movement of Poulenc on it and it was utterly beautiful. The high notes just floated out, epic dynamic rangem low notes popped out with aplomb.
Totally nailed it - I was really jealous of them…”
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Professional Cor Anglais Reeds
“The reeds arrived safely and I love them. The purple Alliaud one played perfectly straight away and the Ghys feels like it will blow in beautifully. They look gorgeous too...love the colours!
Quiet City went well thanks and I did a St John's Passion with your reed too and it worked brilliantly 😊 I haven't felt so comfortable on the Cor for a long time to be honest”
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“Every order I’ve received from Rep Reeds has been delivered with a level of quality and care that truly stands out. After months of trying different suppliers, I can confidently say that their service is unmatched. Highly recommended!”
Joe Harper
Owner & Founder
As a freelance, professional Oboist having performed with many of the UK's leading orchestras such as the English National Opera and Ballet companies and the London Concert Orchestra, Joe is familiar with the professional demands on an Oboist - and their reed!
From beginners through to professionals, we all need a good foundation in our reed setup, to be able to fully express ourselves on our instrument, without hinderance or interference.
With over 15 years of professional reedmaking experience, Joe has refined his process over time to produce consistent and reliable results for all abilities.
Away from the Oboe, Joe enjoys a varied career in Arranging and Orchestrating, and very occasionally Painting and Decorating - maintaining his keen eye for very fine detail.