 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: newoboeparent
Date: 2015-09-05 19:38
My 10 year old son is going to be starting oboe so we are researching what to buy. I have been reading many helpful posts on this forum and want to ask you all for a bit more help. We have been looking at a used Yamaha 211 for $425 but saw several posts that said to avoid these. We also found a used Selmer 123f for $650. Our budget is around $600 and there are not a lot of used oboes in our state. I would appreciate your thoughts about comparing these two instruments as well as the pros and cons for a beginner and the available keys. We also don't want to just have to upgrade in a year. (My son also has been playing violin for several years and is very excited about starting oboe so we have decided to skip the rental phase.) Thanks for all your help.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2015-09-06 05:11
On either of these instruments I would expect an upgrade within 2 years. I have a Yamaha 211 which I paid a similar price for and I lend to beginning private students. Adults usually grow out of it within 3 months and children 6 months to a year (maybe longer depending on the rate of progress). They genuinely are a starter instrument.
If your budget is $600 I would consider looking for a Selmer 101/102/104 - these are much closer to the full keywork needed in the long run.
Alternatively, buy the Yamaha, understand that you will be upgrading in 1-2 years but that you'll effectively get free rental - you should be able to sell it for the same price you bought it for, and by then can hopefully upgrade to a Fox 300 or other suitable intermediate oboe (or even a used professional level).
Rachel
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Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2015-09-06 19:11
Oboes never lose their value. I personally would buy a better quality used instrument; in the long run you'll save money and also if your child does well it will be easier to upgrade in the future.
Or maybe a rental would be a better route if the instrument is superior.
Oboe is extremely difficult to learn and a poor instrument can be the kiss of death because of the inherent difficulties it adds to the learning process.
Speak to a good used Oboe dealer ... i.e., Hannah Zelnick http://www.hannahsoboes.com
Good luck,
Mark
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Author: newoboeparent
Date: 2015-09-07 21:16
Thanks so much for your input. The advise on this board is really helpful. Locally there are not a lot of options - the Selmer 123f, the Yamaha 211 or for renting - a Yamaha 241. It sounds like we would really be better off getting him an oboe that has the LH F and that would also be easier to resell when it is time for him to upgrade. We will look to see what might be available for a Selmer 101. We might have to rent a while and try to save up . Would it be bad to start with a Yamaha 241 and fewer keys? The closest oboe dealers I can find that we could drive to are Charles Double Reed and Hoitt oboe. I assume either of those would be good places to look. ( I am also thinking about where future adjustments and service can be done - it doesn't sound like that is something that just any music shop could do well?) What about stencil oboes? I saw one thought to be a Marlerne. Are there any particular things to be away of with stencil oboes? Thanks.
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Author: Simonsky
Date: 2015-09-10 15:42
The important thing to think about is the length of your son's finger reach/ hand size as companies like Yamaha make oboes for small hand without the low B/Bb.
Howarth do a good junior oboe but I'm not sure of its availability in the US-if your son can reach all the keys comfortably then go for a full one.
While you are waiting why not get a soft reed for him and get used to blowing it and build up a bit of muscle strength? (Gradually !).
ekbainousi@gmail.com
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2015-09-11 18:15
Is there a particular reason you need to buy your instrument near your home. Given your needs, so long as you are working w a reputable dealer (there are many but certainly Hannah's would be a good place to start) I don't think you should restrict yourself to your geographic area.
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Author: OboePrince
Date: 2015-09-13 09:40
I would lean toward yamaha BUT, talking about sound quality it probably won't very that much. Yamahas just lean higher and kids play flat. However, what you should be looking for is a left hand F. Anything else isn't gonna teach your kid horrible habits and it is survivable for more than 2 years if it has a left F.
The thing about oboe is you don't wan't to drop 4K on the instrument they are gonna learn on, but if they start making all *County, District, State, Region, whatever* and are really interested and dedicated, they are gonna need an oboe that costs about 2-3k just to sound good. That one may last them through college though if you make sure you're getting a great instrument.
But yeah, as for right now, no matter which brand, it will be a hunk of plastic with holes and it will resemble the sound of a chainsaw, but it will get the job done for a kid who is learning to play.
American Oboist. I currently play on a Rigoutat Riec. She is beautiful.
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Author: OboePrince
Date: 2015-09-13 09:44
Don't skip that left hand F. You can get by without a low b flat or a third octave key. It gets them into a bad habit of playing all their Fs as forked F and it will be horrid to try to beat out of himself if he gets serious enough to play longer than a few years. It would be better to rent an instrument with a left F than to buy one without.
American Oboist. I currently play on a Rigoutat Riec. She is beautiful.
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