 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-01-17 22:22
Hi everyone,
I'm just about to rent an oboe to learn from Forrests, and they can offer either a Yamaha 441 or a Fox 333 (I'm pretty sure that's the model number). I assume both are plastic, as they are rentals, but maybe not. Anyone tried these and have a preference? Thanks.
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Author: pliscapoivre
Date: 2012-01-17 22:36
I've heard great things about the Yamaha. I played a wooden Fox as a first instrument, and it was wonderful. I don't remember the model number. It took me through my first year of conservatory as a performance major. I think you will do beautifully with either of them. Have a great time.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-01-17 22:45
I just tried out both of these instruments (brand new) at the Midwest Clinic, with the view to purchasing for a band. I found the Fox to be a good feeling instrument (I tried the 330, but I am fairly sure they are the same basic oboe with slightly different keywork), with a solid tone. The Yamaha was thin in comparison, and I just didn't get the same assurance with it that the notes would be where I put them, if that makes sense!
I like Yamaha instruments in general (not for pro instruments, but beginner to intermediate), but if I was choosing between these personally, I would go the Fox. It felt more...oboe-y (for lack of a better description!)
I am fairly sure the 441 is all wood - I might have these mixed up, but the 441 is wood, the 441A is all plastic and the 441M (I think) is the Duet model with a plastic liner.
Rachel
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Author: samovar
Date: 2012-01-19 03:50
I rented a Fox 333 from Forrests for a few months when I first started playing again after a 20-year break and I was impressed. For a plastic instrument the tone was quite good, scale even, responsive low register, and nice keywork. At $55/month it was by far the best deal around.
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Author: oboi
Date: 2012-01-19 05:36
I have a 441P. You will have to ask which letter it is M, P or A. P is a hybrid, with plastic top joint. The other two are all wooden or all plastic models. I liked it back in the day when it was my primary instrument. My teacher thought it was good for an intermediate instrument. I don't know if it was my oboe in particular, but I always played sharp on the instrument, so I don't know if they are tuned a bit higher or not. Mind you, part of the reason was my technique. However, at the time, since I used my teacher's reeds which were tuned to her instrument, I had pitch problems, so that fasttracked the making of my own reeds. Even now, the Yamaha is much sharper than my Marigaux, so I can't interchange reeds.
I really like the keywork on the Yamaha. Very ergonomic and well-made. I haven't tried the Fox 333, nor have I tried any other intermediate oboe, though.
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2012-01-19 16:24
Thanks for everyone's help. I'm sure they're both good instruments for their purpose. I guess just from statistics, I'll try and book the Fox, hopefully within the next month. 
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Author: sylvangale
Date: 2012-01-21 22:56
I noticed that usedoboes.com has an inexpensive used Yamaha, it's probably a 411 model though (narrow bore). There's also a cheap Benwal oboe there [oboes.us lists Benwal as a stencil made by Malerne (bad) finished by Ben Storch (good)].
mmimports does oboe rentals too, but it's kind of pricey.
♫ Stephen K.
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