Woodwind.OrgThe Oboe BBoardThe C4 standard

 
  BBoard              
 
 New Topic  |  Go to Top  |  Go to Topic  |  Search  |  Help/Rules  |  Smileys/Notes  |  Log In   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 
 My first oboe purchase
Author: oboep 
Date:   2023-12-28 06:24

Hi!

I am a church organist/pianist and I'm looking to learn a new instrument. I have two oboes in my area that are for sale and I wanted to check in for some input.

1) Yamaha YOB-211: I saw an old post saying that it is a reliable, good starter instrument. Asking price is $600. https://straitmusic.com/p-101106-yamaha-yob-211-oboe.aspx

2) Bulgheroni 91/3: Asking price $1500. It's at the top of my limit, but is it an instrument that you think would be worth getting to grow in to? https://www.thomannmusic.com/bulgheroni_fb_0913_oboe.htm

I appreciate any input you have, as this is new territory for me as a keys player! (Links above are just examples of the available instruments).

Brett

Reply To Message
 
 Re: My first oboe purchase
Author: oboist2 
Date:   2023-12-28 23:43

If it was me, I would go the Bulgeroni. I have never liked the satudent model Yamaha instruments. I would suggest though, that you seek the advice of a local oboe player and teacher who can try out the instruments for you qand make a suitable recommendation. Oboes have intricate mechanisms and an overall assessment by an experienced player would be invaluable. You are going to need lessons once you purchase, and there is always the supply of good reeds that you will want to secure. Again, a good teacher would be invaulable. Best of luck.

Reply To Message
 
 Re: My first oboe purchase
Author: Chris P 
Date:   2023-12-30 15:49

You're definitely better off going for the Bulgheroni as it's a higher spec oboe compared to the Yamaha in that it has the full range to low Bb with the low Bb vent (to bring the low Bb up to pitch), forked F vent as well as the LH F key.

It's almost the same spec as a Howarth S20c, but without the articulated low C# key which if fitted, will make low B-C# and low Bb-Db slurs much easier.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

The opinions I express are my own.

Post Edited (2024-01-07 19:30)

Reply To Message
 
 Re: My first oboe purchase
Author: davidjsc 
Date:   2024-01-03 11:04

As much as I have generally played low(er) end student instruments (my old beater oboe is a Selmer), at that price I too would go with the Bulgheroni. Seems a tad cheap asking, so with any second-hand wood instrument, make sure no cracks and its been looked after. oboep wrote:

DSC

~~ Alto Clarinet; Bass Clarinet; B-flat and C Boehm Clarinets; Albert C Clarinet; Oboe ~~


Reply To Message
 
 Re: My first oboe purchase
Author: Hotboy 
Date:   2024-01-06 10:40

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that the Yamaha would be a fine starter instrument for many reasons: lighter weight, fewer keys to worry about, and less blowing resistance come to mind.

However, I agree with oboist2 that you will need an expert (local professional) to play on any instrument before you buy it to make sure that it plays like it is supposed to. If you buy an instrument without trial, you might be picking up a bundle of problems that could be costly and aggravating to fix.

I don't know where you live, but you might do a whole lot better renting an entry-level instrument from a local music store for 3 to 6 months until you have taken some lessons and have decided that it truly is for you. The only similarity between oboes and organs is that you touch them with your fingers...other than that, playing oboe has nothing in common with a keyboard.

I recommend that you first find a teacher in your area, then either bring the oboes to the teacher to try or pay the teacher to visit the instruments and try them. The sellers might let you trial the instruments with a deposit and credit report.

Dane
Bay Area, California

Post Edited (2024-01-06 10:45)

Reply To Message
 
 Re: My first oboe purchase
Author: MikeC855 
Date:   2024-05-17 08:24

Late to this party, and the deed is likely long done. Nonetheless, I agree with Dane:

"...the Yamaha would be a fine starter instrument for many reasons: lighter weight, fewer keys to worry about, and less blowing resistance come to mind."

I was reminded of this when my 211, which I had loaned to the local high school for the semester, was returned today. I played a little on it after getting back home, and not only was it in very playable shape (high school student had it, remember?), it played well and without a hitch. I already had my repair tech's number up on my phone and ready to dial to make an appointment, but... nope, didn't need to.

My particular issue with the 211 is it is sensitive to reed condition, especially above middle G. But otherwise fine.

Bottom line? Durable, tolerant. Maybe not the most beautiful tone, but as oboes go it's easy to play. Good starter horn.

...mike

-----
Confounding band directors since 1964.

Reply To Message
 Avail. Forums  |  Threaded View   Newer Topic  |  Older Topic 


 Avail. Forums  |  Need a Login? Register Here 
 User Login
 User Name:
 Password:
 Remember my login:
   
 Forgot Your Password?
Enter your email address or user name below and a new password will be sent to the email address associated with your profile.
Search Woodwind.Org

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

The Clarinet Pages
For Sale
Put your ads for items you'd like to sell here. Free! Please, no more than two at a time - ads removed after two weeks.

 
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org