Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-04-28 20:03
I remember that SOTW post, Chris...I stayed well away!
Bradfordlloyd, I agree that it shouldn't be an issue starting on a sax-fingered oboe for fun. Similarly, I plan to offer fife lessons as a started to flute for kids younger than 7-8. I just don't see the problem.
What is an issue, however, is firstly finding a 'decent' one (which simply may not even exist), and since it will be older, finding a repairer willing to deal with an unfamiliar system.
You do not need to make your own reeds. I have been playing for just over five odd years and did just fine with handmade bought reeds until I learned 6 months ago how to make my own. Yes, my playing has improved since then, but as a doubler, I was a pretty good oboist on someone else's reeds. Just don't use those horrid store-bought commercial things!
Find a good source of handmade reeds. This may be a local symphony player, it may be an online dealer. Cooper Wright and Bob Hubbard both on this forum have reedmaking businesses. Stuart Dunkel is also a good reedmaker/seller. Buy a basic reed knife and a plaque and read some reed adjustment guides (Martin Schuring at ASU has a great one online).
I would also consider looking into Guntram Wolf's instruments. He makes oboes for children, but these can certainly be used by adults. There is a keyless oboe which uses basically recorder fingerings, and several versions of oboes with varying numbers of keys.
From one doubler who loved the sound of the oboe to another, it is possible, and great fun! It does not need to be 'all or nothing'. I am studying with a wonderful oboe professor now, and he often relates technique to me by referring to other instruments as well. It is both a blessing and a curse!
Rachel
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