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Re: oboe newbie

Author: Chris P
Date: 2025-10-10 20:33

I'd recommend getting a used plastic bodied Fox/Renard 330 which has nearly everything you'd find on a full pro model oboe except a 3rd 8ve key and split D#-E trill for RH3 - either from a reputable woodwind or double reed specialist seller or if bought privately, have it fully serviced if it hasn't already been (and preferably done by a reputable double reed specialist).

Some older 330s may not have a low Bb vent which will mean the low Bb is on the flat side, but that's hardly a note you'll be using much unless you're using that note for tuning saxes, horns, trombones and euphoniums.

Plastic oboes are far more resistant against humidity changes and can be played for long periods of time from the word go without any worry of them cracking, as well as a wooden oboe with a plastic top joint or a wooden one with a sleeved/lined top joint bore.

Selmer USA oboes are essentially Bundys with more keywork - you'd be best getting the 104 model which is all plastic and fully keyed (including the RH3 split D#-E trill).

Legere have recently launched US-style synthetic oboe reeds (long W scrape), so that would be a far less hassle reed to use compared to cane which will always need some degree of work to make them play as you want on any given day as they can change from day to day. I've been using Legere oboe reeds from the moment they first hit the shelves and haven't looked back - only forwards as they've recently released their cor anglais reeds which I've waited deaperately for around 10 years for them to become manifest.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010

Independent Woodwind Repairer
Single and Double Reed Specialist
Oboes, Clarinets and Saxes

NOT A MEMBER OF N.A.M.I.R.

The opinions I express are my own.

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