Author: AndyH
Date: 2015-03-27 14:19
Hi,
This is my first post in this forum, though I've already searched and read quite a bit of it. I found the thumb plate system fingerings for my B&H Regent oboe here, thanks to Chris P, of Howarths.
I've started considering buying a better oboe, though given the prices, it may be a while before I do.
Dual system seems like a good idea, but from the pictures I've seen of dual system oboes, they don't appear to have the Bb/C side key, that has the same effect as taking the thumb off the thumb plate (raising an A to Bb, or a B to a C). Are there any that do? If not, I might want to stick with pure thumb plate system.
I've read what Chris P said about his experiences with a B&H Regent ("B&H Reject", as he called it), but I actually quite like mine - but then I don't know any better, as it's the only oboe I've ever played. Sure, the tuning and tone may be questionable, but actually getting all the notes out seems quite easy, compared to say, the notes at the bottom end of a saxophone. I haven't learned much of the third octave yet, but I'm finding it no harder than the lower altissimo range on a clarinet. Definitely easier than third octave on a flute.
Even so, I've no doubt there are better oboes, so I'm contemplating saving up for one, but probably at the "student" end of the market. I'm strictly a hobbyist, so I don't feel the need to buy a pro level oboe.
I've owned clarinets and saxes for a few years (currently soprano and alto). Maybe it would seem like a small feature to other people, but I really like having that thumb plate system side Bb/C key. It makes it just a bit more sax-like.
I'd prefer to buy another plastic/resin oboe too. With a wooden one, I'd be constantly worried about it cracking. Also, I am in the habit of leaving instruments on the stand, to encourage me to play them. I've read that's a bad thing, but it doesn't appear to have done my main clarinet any harm at all, and it's been on a stand for years. It's ebonite though. I can see the point that it would harm a wooden one, which is partly why I'm reluctant to buy one. If Howarths made a plastic oboe, or better still, an ebonite one, that would probably be my first choice.
Post Edited (2015-03-27 16:04)
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