 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: purpleyclouds
Date: 2016-08-26 10:44
I'm looking to buy a second-hand instrument, and come across a Rigoutat Expression with a Roland System instead of a cork tenon for the upper joint. I haven't been able to find much about this Roland System - does anyone know about them? Thank you!
Edit: Rigoutat got back to me and provided this brochure on the Roland System - http://tinyurl.com/hluaula
Post Edited (2016-08-27 07:26)
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Author: JRC
Date: 2016-08-26 17:20
I have a Roland Oboe circa 1960: relatively earlier version of Roland bore. I love it because it is very sensitive to the reed I play on. It produces sweet bright sound of traditional French oboe, but it also produces chocolaty dark sound depending on what kind of reed you play on. You can make your own sound in between if you wish. Matter of fact I do. As far as I know this is the only bore that accommodates such characteristics. I believe Roland Rigoutat started using lathe in early 70s and kept modifying the tone hole locations and thickness of the wall to improve intonation and ergonomics of key work but maintain the basic sound characteristics. I believe the Rigoutat calls it the Classique and still makes them.
Rigoutat company no longe service "old" Roland oboes. I do not know how old is considered "too old" to service. I shipped my oboe to France from the US to get it retuned. He returned it untouched. And to top it off, he was not very sympathetic or apologetic about it. Phillip claimed that he no longer have the record of dimensions and jigs to service them. He commended buying a new Classique. But I had it retuned by John Symer in Philadelphia and retuned it again by myself for fine adjustments. Phillip Rigoutat does not seem to be an oboe enthusiast like his father Roland, but a businessman, and pretty cold one at that.
So... you could look at eBay, or any used oboe sellers for old Rigoutat or a Rigoutat Classique. Make sure the wood is in decent condition, not dry and/or noticeable grainy look. Even cracks are OK if they were repaired properly. Then have it restored by a good tech. It may cost up to $2,000 depending on the condition and greediness of the tech. But it is worth it, if you like the Roland sound quality. You cannot get in any other way.
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Author: purpleyclouds
Date: 2016-08-26 17:55
Thanks JRC.
I contacted Rigoutat to get information about the oboe, but all they told me was that it was a 2007 model, and didn't provide information about the Roland system. I wasn't sure if perhaps some of this is a language barrier. I did find it encouraging though that they still make these oboes, with the Roland system listed in their current price list.
The oboe has a fair bit of tarnishing which I will clean up myself. The wood on the outside of the oboe feels rough, but not sure if it is meant to be like this. It recently was serviced and had the Roland joint repaired. My teacher has inspected the instrument and said it is in good condition and playing well, the only gamble is whether to get an instrument with an atypical joint system.
I've been playing this instrument the last few days and really enjoying playing it, it sounds so beautiful!
How have you found your Roland system, have you found the joint to be reliable?
Post Edited (2016-08-26 18:25)
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-08-26 20:15
Have you got any photos?
I remember there was also a Rigoutat model (Thomas model?) that had a completely straight-sided top joint instead of having the usual crown at the top end.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
Post Edited (2016-08-26 21:03)
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Author: purpleyclouds
Date: 2016-08-27 07:28
Hi Chris,
This instrument looks pretty normal except for the Roland System joint. I was back and forth emailing Rigoutat without much help, but they sent me a brochure last night on the Roland System, I've attached a link in the original post.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-08-27 09:16
Attachment: rigoutatrolandsystem.jpg (127k)
Too many pop-ups! I've saved the photo and turned it into an attachment for better viewing.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: mschmidt
Date: 2016-08-27 10:30
Sounds like a good idea....
Mike
Still an Amateur, but not really middle-aged anymore
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Author: purpleyclouds
Date: 2016-08-27 10:37
Thanks Chris. I checked the link before I posted it and didn't have problems with pop-ups on my computer, sorry that you did!
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Author: purpleyclouds
Date: 2016-08-27 10:40
I agree, the brochure makes the Roland System sound great. I'm still a little concerned though about getting something atypical. I'm unsure how reliable this joint will be, and if I am likely to have problems with it in the future and problems getting it repaired.
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Author: JRC
Date: 2016-08-27 18:21
My apologies... I thought you were referring to Roland Rigoutat oboe. You appears to be referring to a joint mechanism, which you called "Roland System".
Interesting... but no idea..!! Could help providing convenience for a price... I will have to see to believe it would improve tonal quality of an oboe.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-08-27 20:41
It's more of a coupling than an actual tenon - similar to those found on water hoses and similar quick release joints. While nickel silver is the usual alloy used on woodwind instruments for socket linings and tenon rings, there's no reason why a joint like this couldn't be made in a more resistant alloy such as stainless steel as that won't tarnish.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2016-08-28 09:57
Do I understand from your original post that the bayonet joint had a problem and was repaired?
Can I hazard a guess, that the problem was the upper bayonet pulling away from the body, or even a crack along one of the three holding screws? If so, you may wish to take the oboe to a repair technician you trust, to get a second opinion as to the long-term strength of this joint (and of the repair).
J.
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