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Re: Very Flat low B-flat

Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-04-14 14:23

Does your oboe have a bell vent? That's the small pad by the lower pillar that opens when the main (large) bell pad closes.

To low Bb but no bell vent: http://howarth.uk.com/pic.aspx?pic=./wo/HowarthS10.jpg&pid=35101

With low Bb bell vent: http://howarth.uk.com/pic.aspx?pic=./wo/HowarthXLBWTPOboe.jpg&pid=35115

If not, then that's normal for the Bb to be flat. Shortening the bell (which a lot of makers did in the '40s and '50s and probably even more recently) will bring the low Bb up to pitch, but it will ruin your Es. This is why intermediate and pro oboes have the long bell and the bell vent, it only opens for low Bb (or low B as well on pro Marigaux oboes) and maximum bell length is resumed for all other notes and to keep the Es happy.

Though I'd say live with it for now until you upgrade, chances are your next oboe will have a bell vent.

I bought a plastic Selmer Signet Soloist (for outdoor use) which didn't have a bell vent (and some other bits and pieces), though I did various extra bits of keywork surgery to it including adding a bell vent.

This involved relocating the original lower bell key pillar further down the bell (so it's now in contact with the logo), filling the original pillar hole left from the original position of the pillar, drilling a bell vent tonehole and cutting the bedplace so the pad can seat on it. Then lengthening the bell key barrel by hard soldering an extra piece of barrel to it (and a new spring catch) and fitting the bell vent key cup and key arm as well as fitting a new (and much longer) bell key screw. Then had it silver plated and fitting the pads and key cork to finish it off.

Now the low Bb is up to pitch.

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

Post Edited (2008-04-14 15:57)

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