double reed
- Noun:
- A pair of joined reeds that vibrate together to produce the sound in some woodwind instruments: This refers to the specific component, typically made of cane, that is set into vibration by a player's breath to create sound in instruments like the oboe or bassoon.
- A woodwind instrument that uses such a pair of reeds: This meaning refers to the entire instrument itself, categorized by its use of a double reed.
Noun (Referring to the component): The oboist carefully carved a new double reed before the concert.The sound quality depends heavily on the condition of the double reed.
Noun (Referring to the instrument): The bassoon is a challenging double reed with a rich, low tone.The orchestra's double reed section includes the oboe and the English horn.
"To make/cut a double reed": The process of crafting the reed component. Mastering how to make a double reed is an essential skill for professional oboists.
"Double reed choir": An ensemble consisting solely of double reed instruments. The piece was written specifically for a double reed choir.
Double-reed (adjective): Used to describe instruments that use this mechanism. The bassoon is a double-reed instrument.
Reed (noun): The general category of thin strips of material that vibrate to produce sound in woodwinds and some brass instruments. A double reed consists of two of these fastened together.
- Oboe / Bassoon (when referring to specific instruments of this type, not the component).
- Reed (in a general sense, though a single reed is a different mechanism).
Double reed player: A musician who plays an oboe, bassoon, or similar instrument. She is the principal double reed player in the philharmonic.
To adjust the double reed: To make fine modifications to the reeds to improve response or pitch. He spent the afternoon adjusting his double reeds for the recording session.
- a pair of joined reeds that vibrate together to produce the sound in some woodwinds
- a woodwind that has a pair of joined reeds that vibrate together