Author: sylvangale
Date: 2007-02-23 06:10
When I first started playing oboe back in high school... 1994-ish... I played on a plastic Selmer Signet which lacked a left F. I actually liked the oboe quite a bit and found the low range jumped right out. It was a school oboe however.
I did have an experience with a modern Selmer and older Bundy last summer and I didn't think they played bad at all. I had issues with a rented Selmer having springs that kept popping out though. I think both Selmer and Bundy oboes sound much better than older student Yamahas (211s) and blow much more normal.
I recently acquired a Selmer Signet Soloist oboe for an outdoor use and it certainly blows well. The keywork is a bit flat and unergonimic, the 3rd octave Bb is flat and requires and addition of a pinky to bring in tune, but its entire range speaks quite easily on up the highest F3. I love the tone of the oboe though, it's unusually smooth and chocolatey... almost bassoon-ish.
The signet came from Ebay, had full keywork, came in perfect playing condition, nasty case, and only cost $600. I was LUCKY. I have bought some really nasty instruments that were supposedly in playing condition and the cost to repair/overhaul can be a pretty penny.
If you haven't purchased an oboe yet. I would recommend not risking ebay/auctions. A student Selmer/Bundy may range around $300 on ebay, but you cannot guarantee its condition is playable and you would not be able to tell. The repair costs would price the oboe higher than what you can find at an oboe specialty shop that sells used oboes in already good condition.
MMimports.com and Usedoboes.com carry used student oboes that are in the $500 range and they should be in reliable playing condition with a trial for you to return if there is something wrong or you realize in a few days you hate the oboe. It would be a very good idea to find an oboe teacher to help you test out oboes to make sure they are okay and to get you started on the right path.
Student oboes will lack left-F and low Bb. To make due without left F you can use your left hand Eb key with forked F fingering when necessary and to make due without low Bb you can stick the bell between your legs and cover the holes with your knees to get a Bb (no one seriously does that though, but it's an option  )
Regards,
Stephen
♫ Stephen K.
Post Edited (2007-02-23 06:12)
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