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Re: Ludwig Frank oboe

Author: Emmanuel Danan
Date: 2012-01-08 15:27

Some extra info on the subject:

Frank oboes are the evolution of the old Springer firma, which is an old German company you can hear on many old german recordings. Frank bought the company and the rights on its models a few decades ago and started making improvements.

Secondly - of course he DOES have oboes in store... he always has a few of each model for customers who want to try. He does not however have oboes you can buy on the spot. The only exception to this rule is when he goes to expositions around the world, which he does quite often. In those cases, he always brings a few instruments to sell, so if you come early you might get lucky.

Thirdly - he has started gaining popularity in north America, and Pedro Diaz of the Met has recently started playing his oboes (and helped improve the English Horn model). Diaz plays Frank and Laubin instruments, and I must say that I loved his Laubins... They come very close to what I'm used to with my Frank. I guess I wouldn't mind switching to one if I had to, but I still have a slight preference for the Frank instruments, especially regarding the (very useful) extra screw he put in and the exactitude of the mechanic placement. I think no other instrument is as well made.

Personally, I feel that which instrument sounds good on you also depends A LOT on the reeds you play... Now that I know learned how to make great reeds for my Frank, I am in love with the sound and intensity. But the path was full of unsuccessful experiments :-/

For those interested, my german reed making blog will go online in July. :-)

Good luck finding the right oboe for you! It's a fascinating journey

------------------------------------
Assistant solo-oboe, Brandenburger Symphoniker

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