Author: jn4jenny
Date: 2003-08-05 01:41
Yes, wood and plastic oboes sound different--just as any other instrument sounds different depending on what it's made of.
Wood is a darker, often richer sound, but it can be temperamental. Every single wood oboe has a different feel to it, even two of the same make and model. It gives every instrument its own personality, and just like with people, you might hate the sound of a wood oboe that someone else adores. That's why it's important to try before you buy.
Plastic is a little more consistent and instruments made of very good plastic resins (like Fox oboes or the high-level Yamahas and Buffets) often have a lovely sound as well. And they don't crack, which is great if you put your oboe through a lot of abuse--like carting it back and forth to school in all sort of climates.
Judging from the questions you're asking us, Clarence, I get the sense that you haven't yet talked to a private oboe teacher or a double reed specialty shop. Trying to buy an oboe without professional advice is like trying to buy a piece of expensive jewelry by just looking at it--only an expert can tell you if you're holding a fake or something worth a huge investment.
Any double reed specialty shop or private teacher would be happy to help you pick an instrument that's right for you, and to answer all of your questions in person. If you don't know where to find one, e-mail me with your rough location (a state is enough) and I'll let you know what's in your area. A local oboe shop would also be happy to match you up with local private teachers.
If you don't have a private teacher right now, that should be your first priority. You could play the best quality oboe in the universe, but if you don't have good instruction on at least a weekly basis, you'll always sound bad. This is true on any band instrument but especially so on the oboe. Be prepared as an oboist to invest at least $20 a week for lessons, or else you're wasting thousands of dollars for the instrument that you'll never progress on.
Some good ways to find one are to ask your band instructor, call up the music department at nearby colleges, or try internet sites like www.teachlist.com. And if all else fails, ask the other oboists you go to school with who they take lessons with.
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