Author: rgombine
Date: 2010-11-18 17:13
Howard -- I love this post, just because it gives us a little more insight to fellow BB-ers.
1) 44. USA
2) Physician, amateur oboist (principal in local community orchestra)Your profession (e.g. oboe teacher, principal oboe in orchestra, music student etc).
3) Howarth XL x 7 months bought new. It is growing in popularity in the U.S.
4) well, it's SUPPOSED to be 440 . . .
5) traditional N. American scrape (v. thin thip, thick heart, slightly thinner back) made by myself. Length is 68-70mm. I use cane from Weber reeds (Grimaud) which I buy pre-gauged. Shaped on Weber C or Mac-Pfeifer (at least I think it is -- I got it so long ago!). Staples are usually Weber or Chudnow.
6) After 20 years, my Loree (GT series) was pretty blown out and I changed to a Yamaha professional at the recommendation of my teacher. It seemed an attractive alternative -- much cheaper than Loree and without some of the quirks of scale. However, I was never thrilled with it -- it was a nice horn but required a lot of work on my part. The low register was full and easy, but upper register didn't have the sweetness or projection of my Loree . Also, w/ my reed set up I had a hard time keeping the mid register from running flat. I was in London visiting friends this April and tried out some instruments at the Howarth shop. What a difference -- comparatively effortless to play with a nice full sound w/ even scale and very pretty upper register. The exchange rate was extremely attractive and so that was that . . .
7) Yes. See above. Keywork is beautiful, no cracks so far.
8) I suppose at some time I might like to try a Laubin -- any instrument that people will wait 7 years for has got to be worth checking out!
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