 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: Oboelips
Date: 2014-01-15 22:53
Hi, all--any advice you can offer will be appreciated..
I am playing in a Prokofiev "Cinderella" production. I am playing English Horn, as a cyst in my palm has forced me to take a break from my orchestra's Oboe I position (so..I am not the most experienced English Hornist out there).
I play a UU series Cabart. I use a Loree #2 bocal with it. Nearly every note on it is gorgeous-nice, full, dark, and it will "sing", from low B-natural clear up to G-3. With the exception of B3. Yes, the one above the staff. I have tried adding the low C or C# key, but while that helps a wee bit, it doesn't create the stable B that I'm looking for. This note also tends to run sharp.
Of course, nearly all the solos for English Horn in the Prokofiev feature this B3. 
The 3rd space C is right on the money.
The Ab above the staff is stable.
This instrument had a thorough going-over by my repairman last month in preparation for using it this month. He gave it the 'pro' setup, as he said that it is a pro model. (I think this must mean all cork pads?) He likes this instrument, and says it is a "really, really, nice one".
For reeds, I make my own, wired.
I generally use Giocobassi shape on Ghys cane, or Coelho shape, also on Ghys cane, but I've experimented with other types of cane too.
My reeds are generally a bit bigger & longer than purchased reeds (I have some Wally Bhosys reeds, and I make mine as close as I can to those).
I tried some miscellaneous old purchased reeds from yesteryear, and they don't hold the secret to a good B-natural either.
Any advice? Have I left out details? I also tried playing on the very tip of the reed. That helps a bit, but it still is a scary note..
Oboefully,
Deb
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Author: OboeLover4Life
Date: 2014-01-16 05:18
Hi Deb!
Have you tried different bocals? I've noticed this can make a huge difference with the stability of my upper register. Laubin and Hiniker make some kick-ass ones!
I had a similar issue but with my High C and switching to a Laubin fixed the problem.
If music be the food of love, play on. ~William Shakespeare
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Author: concertmaster3
Date: 2014-01-16 08:07
I suggest a different bocal as well...I've put my Fossati bocal on a number of instruments and it made them really sing, and eliminated some of the problem notes.
There's also the harmonic fingerings...
II 123|12-
II 12-|12-
One of those may work for you. Good luck!
Ron Ford
Woodwind Specialist
Performer/Teacher/Arranger
http://www.RonFordMusic.com
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Author: Wufus
Date: 2014-01-18 00:28
I agree with Cooper. Usually the RH middle finger is the standard fingering to stabilize the high B.
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Author: darryoboe
Date: 2014-01-21 15:37
I'll echo the person who suggested trying different bocals.
I use a Dallas #7 gold-plated bocal for a dark strong sound, or a Laubin bocal if I'm playing something more delicate that requires a "sweeter" sound.
Both have a fairly solid pitch above the staff (I use a Laubin EH).
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Author: Merlin_Williams
Date: 2014-01-22 03:55
I'm finding this thread helpful. I'm playing EH for a concert on Saturday, and the RH middle finger tip for stabilizing the B is coming in handy.
Jupiter Canada Artist/Clinician
Stratford Shakespeare Festival musician
Woodwind Doubling Channel Creator on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/WoodwindDoubling
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