what kind of reeds; who makes them?

They are soft reeds made by a private buisiness in Suffolk, England - and they are getting easier to play every day I am pleased to say.

I'm so glad you're trying the oboe! I have a teacher so I can't reccomend anything other than hard work and perseverance. Good luck and don't give up just cause it gets hard. Make sure you don't bite the reed and don't puff your cheeks. Think of your mouth like a drawstring purse, and pretend that the strings are being pulled. Tight mouth!

A couple more things... soak your reeds in water, and to make sure that they're not leaking, unattach them from your oboe, put your finger over the end so that no air can get out, and suck all the air out. When you take it out of your mouth, it should make a small popping sound. It's the suction. If it doesn't pop, make sure it's soaked and then try squeezing the top and bottom a bit. Also, you can use special reed tape (the name escapes me) to seal it.

A good exercise that can work for breathing, vibrato, (and if you tongue instead of pulse your breath, tounging) is:
Sitting up straight without the oboe. Deep breath- focus your air like you're playing. Use your diapram to start the notes. Whole, half x 2, quarter x4, eighth x 8... excetra to a metronome. When you can do eighths at that tempo go faster then faster again...

The 48 Ferling studies book is good (and horrible ) for fingering technique. I also like the Rubank method books, they set up a good practice routine with scales, lyrical, and technical pieces.

Thanks for all the advice folks. It's coming on slowly with regular sessions, though I still find it hard to keep my grip (lips) after about 25 minutes. I guess that will build in time...