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Re: Embouchure - for adult learners!

Author: mkirby
Date: 2009-09-19 08:03

Im from the north of england, about 20 miles north of Newcastle.

I have a Yamaha YOB-431 which i got for £1600 in the sale. Its a really nice oboe, its very nice to play and i know that if im playing something wrong it will be me and not the instrument. Cant recommend it enough.

I have just picked up the oboe again after a break of many years so i find i cant play for much over 30mins. Also i am restricted to scales as my hands have forgotten where they should be and are a lot stiffer than when i was a kid. I tend to play for as long as i can and as soon as my lips get too week that air either escapes out the corners or forms a bubble under my top lip i stop playing. The only other problem i find is after a practice session i am starving, nothing makes me as hungry as playing the oboe. Guess im just strange like that.

I have looked at early oboes from the early music shop they are about the same price as a half decent modern oboe if not more. I wouldn't recommend one unless you intend to play historically accurate music or have enough money for another toy.

On the subject of reeds i highly recommend britannia reeds. britanniamusicshop.co.uk or 01727846055. They do reed test packs that contain 3 or more reeds of your choice. You keep it for a week and return the ones you dont want for refund or replacement. They have a huge selection to choose from. Might be an option if your still unsure as to what type of reed you want. just stick to soft or medium soft at most, while medium gives you a smoother and tighter sound they are a lot harder to blow and control i find.

Hopefully i can get some lessons soon and start getting a sound which is agreeable to my ears and not just the families.

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