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Re: oboe for "beginner"

Author: sylvangale
Date: 2008-02-14 05:11

In the $1200 price range there are only Selmers or really old used oboes. Avoid Yamaha 211's like the plague (and possibly the 411s, 441s are ok).

An intermediate oboe or ancient professional oboe will run around $2000 in playing condition.

I strongly recommend finding an experienced oboist to help you pick out an instrument. There are a few used oboe dealers that offer oboes in playing condition, but they might come in not-so playing condition and you'll want someone with experience to help you with the initial purchase.

Various used dealers:
http://www.mmimports.com
http://www.charlesmusic.com
http://www.rdgwoodwinds.com
http://www.oboeworks.com/
http://www.oboeshoppe.com/
http://www.garyarmstrong.com

I would be wary of purchasing an oboe in the $1000 range at usedoboes as those oboes are mostly antiquated unknown brands, save for the Selmer:
http://www.usedoboes.com

Here's a resource on oboe makers:
http://oboes.us/resources/makers.html

FYI - There are a gamut of used oboes on that Auction site of ill repute, some of which are old professional oboes. You can get a real steal or a real lemon. You cannot trust that instruments are in playable condition there and expect to pay $400-600 for major adjustment on upward of $1000-1200 for an overhaul.

Auction oboe gems I've encountered were a Selmer Signet, Lesher, and Loree. If buying on the auction site get a commitment for trial so that you can return a royal dud. Only get a Selmer Signet with Left F, Lesher's were made in an era without left Fs, but can play quite well, Loree's up for auction in your price range need major work, but could play well if the bore isn't ruined, avoid ring system and cracked oboes... may cost another $1000 to repair... some may not be as in as bad a state as they seem and may cost quite less to repair so long as pads are in good shape.

That said from auction I've gotten a full conservative Signet in great condition for $800, a Lesher with one bad pad for $600, and an unplayable Loree for $600 that became quite serviceable with another $600 thrown at it, a $600 Platz which lost all spring tension and developed horrid plating wear in under a year... lemon, and a $300 piccolo that only plays to D and it's not me <g>.

♫ Stephen K.

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