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Re: I'm A Pre Oboe Beginner

Author: lbarton
Date: 2006-10-09 02:37

When you purchase an oboe new or used be certain it has been checked and adjusted by an oboe expert--rarely found in most music stores. The big dealers should also be reminded that you expect their oboe expert to check the instrument before shipping. Even the best brands can play terribly if a few minor screw adjustments are not right. I have dealt with many school owned and rental instruments brought in by my students and they are often badly out of adjustment.
The Barrington bought new by one student (without consulting a teacher) was stuffy and hard blowing until adjusted. Its satisfactory now, and does have an amazing number of keys including side F. I hope in a year or two the student can move up to a nice grenadilla oboe.
It is plastic and does not sound as good as a fine wooden oboe--but the price is right for those who are not sure their 10 year old will persist . The cheapest Yamaha blows remarkably easy and I have bought two on e-bay at very reasonable prices--half or less of the new $1199 price. If you buy on ebay beware, and ask questions regarding previous ownership. An instrument rented out or used by many schoo-age students suffers from frequent abuse. One purchased from a single owner who seems to care about their instrument is a much better bet. Inquire about cracks, how repaired, whether played often or stored away for years etc.
Big dealers like MidWest and Woodwind Brasswind, and oboe specialists will ship instruments, as many as three, for you to try. If you don't buy then you must pay for return shipping. Several of my young students have moved up from school Selmers to new Bulgheroni student model which does have side F, is grenadilla and plays very well. They are about $1800 new---far less than Cabart, and even Fox. They are quite good for any except those going on very seriously who may want to look at Laubin, Loree, Howarth etc in a much more expensive category. Again, insist the dealer have it checked by oboe expert before shipping. Good Luck

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I'm A Pre Oboe Beginner new

JudyP

2006-10-08 08:09