Author: schurch
Date: 2010-11-22 13:51
Hi Guys,
I read so much about all the oboe makers on this forum, and of course got some great feedback on the question that I asked, that I wanted to post an update of the oboes I tried and what my experience was in hopes that it might help somebody else who is reading through all the information out there. Of course, your milage may vary...
I am left with a difficult decision to make now ;-) Included in my trial was a Fossati 20th Anniversary, Howarth XL and Loree Royal, and a Marigaux 2001 and another Loree Royal AK. I had several sessions playing by myself and one listening party made of musicians.
The first one eliminated, and the one most different than the others was the Fossati, although everyone loved how beautiful it looked and how the keyword looked (and played) like fine jewelry. I was kind of disappointed, because that is the oboe I "wanted" to love the most because it was so unique. In fact, if it were all up to how an Oboe looked, that would have been my pick, but of course that is not so :-( It had good projection, but sounded a bit thin (perhaps my reed, level of playing, etc. could have been a factor and just wasn't a fit for "me.").
Not only would I describe, but the group described the Marigaux, Howarth and Loree as follows:
*BTW, I made sure not to give them any of my opinion/feedback until the very end after everyone had given their input as not to bias them, but it was amazing how (for the most part) the entire group came to the exact same conclusions of each oboe which was how I felt going into it.
• If one end of the spectrum is dark, round and maybe even a bit covered, then this would describe my experience of Marigaux. It felt reliable, had an even tone of the scale and perhaps a bit on the side of almost being limited, it always had a beautiful, mellow sound to it. Although projection wasn't a problem, it didn't have the level of projection as the Howarth and Loree.
• If the other end of the spectrum is more bold, silver, focused and deep, then this would describe my experience on the Loree (I did prefer one over there other so there really is a difference between individual oboes even of the same model and make). The key work on the Loree feels great and is solid, but is also the heaviest (I weighed them all!). The Loree seems a bit more sensitive to the quality of the reed, and although when I was being mindful I could make the instrument quite dark and lovely, it can also get quite wild and is very flexible. So unlike the Marigaux it isn't always pretty (again, take my own level of skill into account), but it seems capable of a wider variety of tone.
• The middle of this spectrum, would then describe my experience with the Howarth. I felt like it was very easy to move air through the instrument. Although not quite as dark/round/mellow as the Marigaux, it also wasn't as constrained, had a wider dynamic range and was easier to move air through. Although not quite as bright/silvery as the Loree was still very focused and had the same depth that makes the Loree and Howarth capable of sounding quite bold.
If all of these oboes were like cars, my experience was the Marigaux is like a Rolls-Royce quite refined and gentlemanly, whereas the Loree and Howarth is like a race-car with a lot of "gas". The Marigaux gave me a feeling of comfort and confidence because I felt like I knew I was going to be pretty and people would say "a-a-a-w" when I play. The Loree and Howarth sometimes made me unsure what sound was going to come out (sometimes not so nice), but when I did play well and gave the instruments what they wanted, people would say "wow" when I play.
So where I have ended up? Although I was hoping to have picked one from the bunch already, I have at least narrowed it down to two, and will do one more round of comparing/playing before I decide. In my experience, the Howarth crushed both of the Loree Royals that I tried – Loree is out for me. I am really torn between the Marigaux and the Howarth. I have a Buffet Greenline, to which I find this Howarth is more refined/more depth/less brassy than but more similar to than the Marigaux. So perhaps the Marigaux is a better choice for complimenting my Buffet? On the other hand, I certainly had a moment of Zen when playing the Howarth (isn't that what we all hope for?) and appreciate that it has some of the best qualities of the Marigaux and the Loree combined.
So I am hoping to set it up so I can trial two Howarths vs. two Marigauxs and just go with what my ears, fingers and more overly my heart say is the one to make a home for :-) I promise to let the group know what I decide, and if anyone else is trying to find their "oboe" I am happy to share what I experienced with you.
Cheers,
Scott
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