Our profiled oboe cane is graded into 12 strengths ranging from 1 (very soft) to 12 (very hard). We have not found many oboists who are very fond of grades 1 or 12 cane. The cane is profiled in a long scrape and is ready to tie onto a tube. The tip is a bit longer than necessary. To make a good, playable reed, cut the tip open. Soak the reed, then slowly cut the tip back to bring the pitch up to A-440.