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Re: Confused, UK

Author: Chris P
Date: 2008-05-22 21:55

I reckon you're best with dual system - you have the best of both worlds and some other things that can't be done as easily on either pure thumbplate system (S20) or pure conservatore system.

The biggest problem is that in the UK, most teachers have been brought up on thumbplate system from an early age, and although the chances are they may now play on dual system oboes, they may only still use and teach thumbplate fingerings.

There are some conservatoire system players, but they're often few and far between (although I do know of four conservatoire players in my area that have studied here, including my teacher).

If money is no object, a used pro model (the usual suspects - Howarth S5 or XL, Marigaux 901, Loree, Rigoutat, Puechner, etc.) is probably the best to go for, and they'll probably be around the £2000-3500 mark depending on age.

Here's the 2nd hand list: http://howarth.uk.com/acrobat/Oboe2h.pdf There's several dual system pro models listed on there, including a Loree with gold plated keys!

If you're planning to buy any oboe, new or used, it's really best to try them all out (or have someone try them out for you while you're there) to see which one you like the feel and sound of best.

The only thing with some European-built oboes is that they may not have a low B-C link which makes slurs from low Bb-Eb or B-D# a doddle, though they can be fitted but it does mean two keys need to have linkages fitted, then replated and finally fitted back onto the instrument.

Though if you want a new one whic has pretty much all bells and whistles (and the B-C link), an S45c+TP+3rd 8ve will give you practically everything you need - it only lacks the D#-E trill which may not be so good for some Baroque music (eg. anything in E minor where you want a D#-E trill in a cadence - the D#-E trill on an oboe without the extra mechanism will have a considerably sharp E while the Eb key remains held open), but it has all the other trills found on a full Gillet.

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

Post Edited (2008-05-23 20:18)

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