Alliaud oboe tube cane

The firm Alliaud has been growing its Alliaud oboe cane for double-reed instruments for three generations. With their headquarters in Avignon, the firm is located outside of the Var region typically known for growing cane. For this reason, the tubed cane from Alliaud is ofter longer than that from other suppliers.

In the past 80 years, since their involvement in the cane-production business, the Alliaud family has gathered a vast amount of experience in dealing with nature 19s adversities. They are therefore able to supply cane of consistent quality for oboe, cor anglais, baroque oboe and bassoon.

One thing that particularly stands out about their production process is that they take much more time to properly store the wood before distribution and prefer to use the traditional rather than an automated diameter testing method.

Production process

A short overview of the most important steps in the production process helps illustrate the traditional production methods used.

Harvest

Like all cane-growers in Europe, Alliaud harvests its cane in winter, between December and February, when the cane 19s sap has retreated into its roots. Prior to further processing, the cane is stored untrimmed for at least two years. A dry and well-ventilated storage is of utmost importance at this stage. During this time the cane dries and develops its necessary hardness.

Storage

The tubes are then cut at the nodes and stored for an additional year.

Diameter testing

Alliaud still sorts the cane exclusively by hand. Any cane unsuitable for reed making is also removed at this stage. S

un exposur

e In the final step, the cane is laid in the sun for several weeks and receives its typical golden exterior.

Important for us oboists

Alliaud cane usually has a golden yellow colour. It is suitable for all those who prefer grained cane, is medium-hard/hard and of very consistent quality. Because the tubes are longer than that from other suppliers, you must expect to discard more cane.