Much higher than other common instruments, like guitars or flutes. Before you can understand the reasoning behind the high price, you should know a thing or two about production. In most cases, items that are mass produced and have high demand tend to come with lower price tags, while items that sell more slowly or are more rare in nature tend to cost a little bit more.
Oboes are no different. When you spend more, you get more- but what exactly do you get? This is where you need to ask yourself the same question as above. When it comes to deciding between plastic or wood, there is no easy answer, as they both have their own unique benefits.
But, with the superior sound comes more maintenance. Since wood shrinks and expands, it wears out and cracks at a quicker rate than plastic oboes.
For this reason, plastic is recommended for student models. Once parents realize that oboes are rather expensive, they wonder how much money they can save by purchasing a used oboe instead. While a used oboe can be a great way to save some money, we recommend that all parents proceed with caution. Since the oboe is unfamiliar territory for most parents, we recommend purchasing a new instrument. As mentioned earlier, invest in several reeds. They will fail at some point as no reed is meant to last forever, so purchase or make a good amount to keep with you wherever you go to play.
You can find reed cases to put them in, if you wish. Concerning cases, that or a bag is a good idea for your oboe alone to make transporting safer and easier. Think about keeping a cleaning kit with you as well as you should keep up with proper maintenance of your instrument to keep it in pristine condition.
Buy on Amazon current price:. This company takes meticulous care in crafting their instruments, and that care can be found in their FB student oboe model.
The instrument is made using similar materials that Bulgheroni puts into their professional models. It serves as a valuable first-step instrument for anyone that is just getting into the world of oboe playing. The FB is made using Grenadilla wood to give it a rich tone and utilizes a modified conservatory key system. This removes the optional keys so that it is easier on student hands.
The modified conservatory system includes a left F, fork K resonance, double G , low Bb resonance, and a semi-automatic key. The FB is consistent throughout changing registers. Resonance is aided due to the heavy silver plating on the nickel silver keys. A design such as this adds to the durability of the instrument as well. However, as it is made using wood, it is susceptible to damage from the likes of humidity. A student player has to understand proper care to avoid cracks so the oboe can last through their beginning phase.
Using a humidity stick inside the case can help absorb harmful moisture. Credit: Yamaha Corporation. The Yamaha YOB uses aged, seasoned, and high-quality Grenadilla wood that gives off the usual warm, rich tones while making the instrument more resistant to cracking.
It also comes in a resin-body variant if that is desired. The plastic body may be preferable to those who may frequent outdoors while playing. Either way, the YOB is a wise choice for those advancing toward professional models. The nickel silver bell ring quickens response and focuses sound, while the undercut tone holes create a smooth, even response and improves intonation. As intermediate models serve as a transition between student and professional models, they need to be durable enough to withstand what an advanced, yet still learning oboist will put it through.
The French taper screws are made with stainless steel that protects it from corrosion. An additional bonus to this feature is that action is made more reliable and smooth, while the French taper design gives users more precise adjustment. This gives it more durability and balances out the key all while making the instrument feel more comfortable overall. Admittedly, some have found the keyword slightly awkward in the beginning to get used to.
There have also been reports of some problems getting it and keeping it in tune. The key system here is a modified conservatory with semi-automatic octave keys. Auxiliary keys include a left F key and a fork F resonance. Similar to the previous student model, the Yamaha uses silver-plated nickel silver keys which further increases endurance.
However, just as the student model, a version of the YOB is still made with wood. Although the wood is high in quality and aged to help break it in and adjust adequately, there is still the risk of damage occurring. If that makes you hesitate, then feel free to purchase the resin-body model. View on Musician's Friend. Since its founding in , F. With its full conservatory system, this professional model produces a graceful, even tone.
The system includes a third octave key, left F, and forked F and low Bb resonance keys. Sound and intonation are optimally controlled by the forked F resonance and Bb vent. It also features a split ring D — E trill that, along with the other trill keys, makes those tougher note combinations simpler to pull off. The change in mouth shape and teeth can make it difficult for players to form a consistent baseline from which to develop their playing. If children are very keen to play before they are capable of playing an oboe, there is another option.
While it can be understandably frustrating to be given a different instrument when you know want you want to play, many oboists who have started out on the recorder progress on the oboe quicker, having got to grips with very similar fingering and blowing. Music teachers will often have an opinion about when it is the right time to move onto the oboe, but aged 11 is common, though this is dependent on the age and size etc. View Recorders.
Some oboe models are available with a reduced keywork system. This can support the development of younger players as it removes some of the keywork that it usually only required in higher standard repertoire.
This also has the benefit of reducing maintenance costs and reducing the chance of accidental damage. Considering a reduced keywork oboe is a good step for those looking to start learning at a young age.
Although an oboe sling should still only be used when the player is of a size where they can manage to comfortably hold their oboe correctly, they can help to support the weight of the instrument which is especially useful for youngers players. A good quality, comfortable sling can pay dividends and also enable players to practise and play for longer. View oboe slings. Reeds are a vital part of your oboe and they come in a variety of different strengths. Reeds are made from a single piece of bamboo cane which is gouged and shaped, before being bent in half and tied onto a staple.
The tip fold in the cane is trimmed so that a plaque can be inserted between the two sides of the cane, then scraped with a knife.
The more the reed is scraped, the softer and easier it is to blow. Once players reach a certain standard it is common that they will look to use harder reeds to better match their embouchure, chosen repertoire and style.
More expensive reeds benefit from improved precision and manufacturing quality. Reeds are very unique, and it is common that what suits one player will not suit the next.
Reeds are also quite temperamental, which can rub off onto oboists! In student models the body could be made of ABS resin which has good tonal characteristics. More expensive models are likely to be constructed from the very dense African Blackwood which many deem as having better tonal qualities although will require more maintenance and ongoing care. The joints are linked via cork tenons and feature the instruments keywork which is drilled and mounted onto the body.
The reason for doing this is to prevent a build-up of dust and dirt on the grease. The bore of your instrument describes the cylindrical hole down the middle of your oboe through which air travels creating sound. For most student models the bore is quite narrow making it easier to play and with less resistance. In more expensive, pro level models the bore diameter will be wider and the wood thicker.
This change in bore gives a distinctly bigger and more sonorous tone. Expensive models made from wood also require oiling inside the bore to keep them in top playing condition. To do so, just put a few drops of bore oil onto your pull through every six weeks. Nickelplated keywork can sometimes cause issues with allergies which some players can develop with prolonged exposure over a long period of time. Many student models will features silverplated keywork which should be bright and hard wearing.
A silver polishing cloth is usually supplied with many starter models and can be used to keep keywork in good condition. This key is arguably one of the most important ones on the instrument.
Oftentimes in beginning band method books, Forked F is introduced as the standard. That is not actually the case, as Regular F is what creates the best tone quality and intonation for the oboe.
Forked F takes the oboe outside of it's normal timbre and generally plays out of tune. However, it is very convenient for getting from C , D, and Eb.
Left Hand F creates the best of both worlds, as the key pushes down all of the same tone holes as Regular F. It also frees up your right hand to move to the notes listed above. There are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing an oboe, such as what type of material it is made out of, etc. Here are a couple of videos of professionals doing reviews on oboes. Both videos do a great job of explaining different features of oboes, which is why I have included the links in this article.
At the very least, it should give you a basic understanding of terms used to describe certain things on an oboe, which should take away some of the anxiety of making a large purchase like an instrument. Now onto the top five oboe brands in no particular order. The following brands are all reputable oboe makers that are sure to give you quality instruments.
F Loree is considered to be one of the finest oboes in the world; its founder introduced the Conservatory system that is now used today. The Loree oboes produce a beautiful, dark tone that is even in scale.
You can choose from the Standard or AK American bore. Popular in North America, the AK bore crafted into the Loree professional oboe is slightly more conical than the Standard bore, rendering it narrower near the top and slightly wider at the bell. The resulting oboe sound is focused and dark, with less edge.
I would highly recommend doing some extra research to hear many examples of what these instruments sound like, which is what I recommend for every brand of oboe. Yamaha makes a very good intermediate oboe. Whether you are purchasing for yourself or are a band director looking to buy a new oboe, look no further for a durable, long-lasting instrument.
It has a modified conservatory system, with semi automatic octave keys, left-hand F key, forked F resonance keys, and silver plated nickel silver keys.
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