Author: jhoyla
Date: 2009-10-11 21:16
I upgraded two years ago.
My earlier instrument is a Marigaux Strasser 800 series - a so called "student" oboe, but an early model made in 1975. Back then, Marigaux were just beginning to penetrate the student market, and they did not have a design for a student oboe. Instead, they made their standard oboe with thinner plating and (possibly?) a little less undercutting, and sold it as a student instrument. This instrument has everything you could wish for, including the long LH F key and the split D ring. It is a "dual" system instrument, that is, with both thumbplate and standard RH 1st finger A-Bb and B-C. Semi-automatic octaves. It does not have 3rd octave key.
My new instrument is a two-year-old Loree standard C+3, with 3rd octave key and a bunch of other useful connections (including low B-C connection that allows you to play seamless B-Eb transitions). Semi automatic, and Dual Thumbplate system as above.
Overall, I prefer the ergonomics of the Marigaux. The keys are better placed, though the RH d trill key is placed very close to RH3 which can cause problems in fast passages if you have broad fingers. The long F is hinged at a more correct angle so you can hit it easily with your pinkie and not worry about it. The LH G# pinkie key is positioned so that it is hard to hit it accidentally with your LH3 finger. The feather mechanism has an oversized loop that holds it in place next to the Eb tone hole, and not simply a cup. This prevents the mechanism being bent out of shape - which can be a big problem for student instruments! The 2nd octave key is set a little too low for my liking.
On the Loree there is more protection for the RH d trill key, but I have touched the LH G# accidentally on many occasions. The long F hinge makes the key move laterally when you press it, which takes getting used to.
Intonation wise, the Marigaux is a little worse than the Loree, with a sharp C# and some very suspect upper F# and G notes. The Loree has a sharp E (of course), but everything else is spot on.
The Loree seals as if my life depended on it. I regularly test for (and get) seal of 30 seconds or more, on both joints. All the pads are cork, and seated perfectly. The mechanism is completely silent, while my Marigaux sounds like a clattery typewriter - and it is not just age. It was noisy to start with. The workmanship of the Loree is flawless.
The tone of the Loree was good and even to start with, and now (in its 3rd year) is blossoming. I could not be happier with it. The Marigaux always sounded a little bit thin and reedy.
I wouldn't give up my Loree for the world.
Hope this helps!
J.
[post edit: The Marigaux was made in 1975, not 1985. my bad.]
Post Edited (2009-10-12 14:29)
|
|
The Oboe BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
