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Re: Adding extra keys

Author: D
Date: 2008-12-14 21:06

Wow! Chris that sounds really really complicated.

I currently have an S10. At some point in the next 18 months I will upgrade, hopefully to something that I will be happy with for as long as I continue to play. The usual dilemma ensues:
Save money and go for an intermediate model - possibility of then wanting to upgrading again.
Hope I can find a used pro instrument - possibility of getting one already worn out, not having much choice in instrument, having to wait months for servicing/availability etc
Add some keys to an intermediate model - risk of it taking ages, not being satisfactory etc
Break the bank and go for a new pro model - costs too much! I'd rather spend the money on rent/car/food etc
Think of something else!

It's not urgent, but I need to plan how much to put away in the bank. I'm about to do my ABRSM 7 in March having been learning since May last year. I am in that gray area where I don't NEED to upgrade, but I'm an adult learner, I work full time and I like shiny toys! My entire social life revolves around music so I'll get some use out of an instrument. I want to be sure that I am the limiting factor, not the instrument. The two keys which I currently notice the lack of are the left F and the D#-E trill. At the moment there are a few other little niggles, but with careful music selection it doesn't really matter. However my long suffering teacher is having to think on her feet to get me round trills and quick bits where she would normally teach me other keys and has made a couple of comments about upgrading. I am never going to go to music college or become a professional, but I wouldn't like to rule out doing a performance diploma (in the dim and distant future!). To reach that sort of standard is really my goal but I will probably hit a brick wall somewhere after grade 8 and never get any further as real life gets in the way. I know really that the S10 is probably enough to last me forever. But I've never been one to go for the sensible option!

The most frustrating thing is that I actually have enough money to buy whatever I like, but that money is ear marked for other things, so I have to be patient and save money which is destined only for oboe purchase. I'd rather spend more money and get the right thing than still spend a lot and buy the wrong thing for the sake of five hundred or a thousand pounds. Consequently I am trying to explore all the options.

Errrr, sorry about the long jumbled train of thought. I hope there is something in there that makes sense!

I guess the question I should ask is: which keys can be added and which can't. And is it ever worth bothering or should I get buy something with all the keys on already and stop fretting over it!

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