Author: heckelmaniac
Date: 2011-02-20 07:45
"LaFleur" (Boosey and Hawkes) stenciled a myriad of makes of oboes and English horns from a myriad of countries. The Czech instrument could be Amati, Kohlert, or "who knows?"
Best to take on a case by case basis. I have come across a number of "LaFleur" instruments that were never finished. La Fleur imported many "semi finished" instruments with the intention of accomplishing the final finishing (voicing) at the their premises. Some were shipped out from LaFleur without any final voicing!
I had a LaFleur EH (made by Malerne) that did not play. Tom Hiniker reamed it, undercut the tone holes and it became (against all apparent odds) a good instrument.
Same happened with a very high end "LaFleur" professional model Rosewood oboe by Kreul. Though in new condition, the oboe was absolutely unplayable when I received it. Tom spent an hour with his reamers, and generated a huge pile of chips on his workbench. A lovely oboe after it left Tom's bench...
I have not ever tried an Amati EH, though I am not "chomping at the bit" to try one.
Some of the Kohlert EHs can actually play fairly well, though many will require some expert re-voicing. Some of the Kohlert oboes play beautifully.
Sadly, as far as I know, Kohlert never made a professional model oboe that in fact had a split ring D key, or a Bleuzet system on a ring system oboe with an open hole D.
If you EVER contemplate buying a "LaFleur" anything, make sure you have a trial/acceptance period with right of return!
Oboes.us
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