Author: vboboe
Date: 2006-08-24 00:40
... wood subjectively feels better than plastic, in practice doesn't drip as much especially in colder weather, but requires more general care & everyday maintenance to protect the wood. I love wood, but there are benefits to plastic, depends on your playing circumstances?
On the other hand, good resin oboe can be a better deal than a thin wood oboe, they even come finished in wood-grain texture so at first casual glance wouldn't know otherwise, and sound-wise no diff (reeds & player make the diff). Resin plastic oboes are durable and the top line ones hold value well.
If you want wood, get best brand name models, with thicker wall & well seasoned wood in top joint, as thick as reasonably possible; plastic lined are being promoted at present, jury's still out on their overall durability in spite of advertised benefits of not cracking.
I'm familiar with *intermediate* Yamaha 441, wood, all covered keys, very nicely designed ergonomically, handles well, modified conservatory (no split D ring), comes with low B-flat and left F, C# & D trills, but no other extra useful links, and no 3rd octave. Recommend for 2nd to 6th year oboe students high school level. Many similar models out there in wood & plastic.
However, don't take this as a glowing endorsement. I'm not happy with its 2nd octave register, it's a lot of work to get any resonance up there, have played other oboes fuller in sound with less effort.
If you're playing at or are nearly at year 6 or beyond, go for Advanced Student models full conservatory (split D ring) with 3rd octave.
What does your oboe teacher recommend in choice of makes / models?
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