Klarinet Archive - Posting 001104.txt from 1998/12

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] To Oboe or Not to Oboe....
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1998 12:34:46 -0500

Edwin V. Lacy wrote on picking up oboe:

<<<But, the most difficult area is in the reeds. Most oboists
eventually despair of trying to find satisfactory commercial reeds, and so
they feel that they have to make their own reeds. This is a technique
which can be learned only after years of experience, the investment of a
great deal of money in tools, equipment and supplies, and much trial and
error.>>>

I must respectfully disagree. I have no personal knowledge, mind you--I
don't play oboe, and Dr. Lacy does--but my wife is a oboe player.

Based on my familial observations, even AFTER years of experience, the
investment of a great deal of money in tools, equipment and supplies, and a
huge amount of trial and error, you STILL won't have any but a pitiful few
reeds from which to choose on the night of the big solo. Not only that, but
you'll have little strings tied around chair legs all over your house (we
refer to them as "oboe droppings").

You're much better off with a real mouthpiece and a box of Vandorens!

kjf

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