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Re: Hole on the bell

Author: Chris P
Date: 2018-10-31 21:04

The hole is there for the low B to issue from, not to make things easier to play. On an oboe with full keywork the bell key would cover that bell tonehole and closed for low Bb, but this is done purely to keep costs and weight down on beginner level oboes. Low B on a fully keyed oboe will still issue from this same bell tonehole and with the same ease as on an oboe built to low B (provided it's in fully playable condition and the bore isn't wonky).

If they shortened the bell, it would cause the E and other notes to be unstable and also loss of resonance. So to keep things in check, a normal length bell is retained and has a vent hole (or holes) for the low B to issue from without compromising anything else.

Similarly, oboes with full keywork often have a small vent hole for low Bb on the bell and the bell key has two pad cups on it so the low Bb will be brought up to pitch and the hole is closed for all other notes. Oboes without this bell vent fitted often have a flat low Bb and shortening the bell by a few millimetres to bring the low Bb up to pitch caused problems with the E.

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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