Singin' Dong oboe reeds are a highly specialized handmade reed that outshines their machine-made competitors. The soft and medium-soft strengths vibrates easily and allows musicians who are new to the oboe get a great sound, while the medium to medium-hard strengths are more suited for advanced students as well as most adults.  Hard reeds are recommended for oboists who prefer a reed that has more resistance, or who prefer to scrape them to suite their needs themselves.  The Singin' Dog oboe reeds are in a whole different ballpark than other "factory made" reeds, the difference between the two will amaze you.