Oboists' Needs can be summarized as the reeds that oboists need to play their instrument. Oboists are musicians who play the oboe, a woodwind instrument that is similar to a clarinet but has a more mellow sound. The reeds used by oboists are made of either cane or synthetic material and are inserted into the mouthpiece of the oboe. They vibrate when air is blown through them, producing the sound of the instrument. Oboists must replace their reeds regularly in order to maintain the quality of their sound.