Author: heckelmaniac
Date: 2010-09-12 03:29
Hi JRC,
I can not comment on the possibility of shrinkage from the result of wood drying out over time. My thinking is that moisture ABSORPTION by the fibers of the wood inside the bore over the years may cause the wood of the bore to expand inwards, in effect making the bore ever so slightly smaller, thus "blowing in." This is why I recommend treating the bore with (say) Thompson's Waterseal- it prevents moisture absorption in the wood, and thus helps prevent cracking and also almost completely eliminates the possibility of gurgling in the octave vents and the tiny C (B#) and Bb (A#) vents. I especially recommend this treatment for "adverse" climes, such as Alaska, Nevada, Texas, Dakotas, etc.
I absolutely agree- much better for an oboe to leave it in its case in Florida for 50 years, than to expose it to the Nevada desert for a year.
I just now have home a 1908 Loree oboe, with all keys except left F and F resonance. The bore is in near perfect condition, very straight, and even much of the original polish (shine) is in evidence. The oboe has lived almost all of its life in New York State. The wood does not seem to be "dried out" at all as far as I can tell. Even with the pads in "deplorable" condition, this oboe sings, and will be well worth the effort to overhaul and add a left F. Seems to have a sound somewhat reminiscent of an early" 1970s "C" series Loree. Though the 1908 oboe is not as heavy in weight as a modern "C series, the sound is for sure not overly "bright" in timbre.
Of course, if you can find an all "synthetic" oboe that sounds exactly (or nearly) like a wood oboe, no worries about the possible changes over time in wood! The Marigaux "Altuglas" is sensational. The new oboes made by Tom Hiniker of cast Acrylic- also sensational. Tom is making an oboe, his own take on the BE-BK Loree oboes, in cast Acrylic for me now. Loree made (from the early 1970s through about 1983) a few dozen oboes of a mottled gray and white plastic. Amazing instruments. R. Dupin has recently started making an all synthetic oboe that is developing a following throughout Europe and Scandinavia. And Bulgheroni made a precious few (very rare) all synthetic oboes for Ben Storch ("Gordet") that possess a lyrical, singing voice indistinguishable from a wooden version.
With best wishes,
Peter
Oboes.us
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