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Re: Chinese oboes?

Author: heckelmaniac
Date: 2012-04-15 06:26

Robert-
A few suggestions:
Choose an oboe that "locks in" on pitch centers.
Choose an instrument that is extremely "forgiving" with reeds.
Choose and instrument that is fairly "free blowing"

The make that comes to mind that scores extremely well in all three categories would be Hans Kreul (Hans Kreul, Kreul/Mirafone, Kreul/Gordet, Kreul/Lucerne, and the myriad of other Kreul "stencil" brands).
Two models of Kreul oboes:
1) The "standard pattern weight" (usually: Kreul/Mirafone)
This oboe has a "dark" sound, though with a slight element of "bright"
to the timbre. Weighs about the same as a late model Loree.
2) The "heavy pattern weight" (often found as: Kreul/Gordet)
About the heaviest oboe ever made
(so far), and likely the "darkest" sounding oboe ever made.
No hint of "bright" to the sound with this instrument.
Physically very heavy weight.

Choose an instrument that has ALL the requisite professional model key-work:
left F, F resonance, "split ring D," low articulated C#, Ab-Bb trill, G#-A trill.
Anything less will most likely become all too frustrating far too soon.
A well crafted oboe should have no need of a 3rd octave key (always fun to look at though), and a low Bb resonance key on the bell is at times "gilding the lily."

As far as the Chinese instruments- I find the key metal to be absurdly soft.
So easy to bend it is impossible to keep the oboe in any semblance of adjustment. And the pad work from the factory is deplorable. One Chinese company attempts making a copy of a Marigaux- this too is an abject failure so far. The bore (just one "for instance") is not even close to being correct.

With best wishes,
Peter

Oboes.us

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