F.A.Q.'s

I've placed my order, paid on PayPal, now what?

I have received your order and added it to the queue. Generally it will go out 2-3 weeks from the day I receive it. I will send you a confirmation e-mail when the order ships. I take my business very seriously, and I want my customers to be happy! If you have any questions or need to tell me something about your order after it's been placed, e-mail me! I am very good at reed special requests. Have an old Loree that plays around 443? Need an extra-special 2nd oboe reed? Going to altitude, or to another extreme climate? Simply e-mail me along with your order, and I'll be happy to accommodate your request! (Just remember that special orders take a bit more time.)

Everyone wants great reeds fast, right?

Well, I do my best to get the reeds made and shipped to you as soon as possible. Most reed orders ship three weeks from the day they are placed but can take a bit longer if I'm extremely busy; large and custom orders will take longer. If you have a deadline (concert, contest, big trip, etc.), PLEASE TELL ME when you place your order so I can make sure your reeds reach you in time! For rush orders, please e-mail me so I can confirm that I will be able to accommodate it, and so we can set up the additional payment.

Do you have a return policy?

Unfortunately, due to the sanitary concerns associated with reeds, I can't accept returns on reeds. The only exception is if your reeds arrive damaged due to handling by the USPS. I will replace the reeds, provided the damaged goods come back to me. And due to the number of variables associated with making reeds, I can't accept returns on cane unless (like the reeds) it has been damaged in shipping.

Help! I don't have PayPal!

PayPal is an on-line tool for buyers and sellers and is extremely secure and easy to use. I STRONGLY recommend getting an account if you don't have one already. If you absolutely can't or choose not to sign up with PayPal, you can e-mail me your order and send me a personal check in advance. Please note that I will have to wait until it clears before I send out your order.

Shipping Costs:

(automatically added by PayPal at check-out, must be added by you for a check order)

$1-$50 = $6

$51-$100 = $7

$101-$200 = $8

$201-up = $9

How long do reeds normally last?

That's a great question! Seriously, though, it depends on the amount they're played and how often, as well as weather conditions and the individual player. I advise my students to have THREE (3) working reeds in their case at all times, and to rotate them daily. If they follow this regimen, three reeds will last between two weeks and one month. However, if you play daily and have long rehearsals, reeds can lose their elasticity in as little as a week. This is NORMAL for all oboe reeds. That's why I advise getting on a regular reed-order schedule, so you'll never be 'left in the lurch.'