Author: Dutchy
Date: 2008-09-17 15:36
I don't think oboes are any cheaper in the U.S. than in the UK, mainly because it's a fairly restricted market; beginning elementary school oboists are probably just as scarce on the ground on both sides of the pond, and that's what drives the cheap U.S. musical instrument market, the presence of millions of 10-year-olds who every fall decide to take up one instrument or another. And very few of whom choose the oboe. Supply and demand, capitalism in its purest form.
A good quality used oboe (personal rule of thumb, nothing carved in stone), ought to run at least $500 (and that's only if you know the provenance and are sure it isn't some made-in-China knockoff), and in the neighborhood of $1000 is more usual. Plus the reeds run from $8 to $20. This isn't a cheap hobby. ![[grin]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie5.gif)
Plastic vs. wood doesn't usually signify, when you're talking about good quality (as opposed to El Cheapo) oboes, so don't let it sway your decision overly much.
I wouldn't advise you to patronize the Online Auction Site, as it's too easy for novices to get taken.
Make sure any oboe you buy has the Low Bb key on the bell (you can just look at the bell to see if there's a key there), and if it has Left Hand F, that's highly desirable.
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The Oboe BBoard
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