Author: RobinDesHautbois
Date: 2012-07-07 03:25
Reading through this thread again, I find A LOT of really good comments... perhaps too many: can get confusing. How about a little synthesis?
I think everyone agrees on these 2 points:
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1. The highest-status instrument (most "pro") is not necessarily the best choice and will not necessarily help you progress the fastest.
2. The best way to choose the right instrument for you is:
a) TRY, TEST AND COMPARE --- you can't possibly try all of them!
b) Even with the testing, the input of your teacher is really important.
Hopefully, your teacher will not impose biases that are not suited to you. I'm sure Erik Niord Larsen and David Walter can give excellent advice.
After that, people's opinions and experience can be helpful, but remember that people like different instruments for different reasons. Two players at the same level will like different instruments because of their body characteristics as well as climate and performance style.
For example, I have a very loud speaking voice (people think I shout). So my reeds need to accept my big air volume and pressure: my reeds crow more harshly than most people like.
My own comments in this thread can also be confusing. So here goes in a nutshell (best/favourites on top):
===== Instruments I have played with some significance =====
1. a dozen Lorées (standard) from the 1980's-90's
=> my own was greatly improved when the finisher at Laubin re-bored the bell
2. Yamaha Customs from the 1980's-90's
=> they were only beginning to make serious oboes
3. Signet Soloist, plastic (Selmer)
=== Instruments I have tried for a couple of days or less ===
** Impression: these are better than the above list.
** Impressions can change when used over time and in different atmospheres.
1. Howarth XL (new) -- on same level: old Strasser ("junior" Marigaux)
+ only real preference of the XL: heavier body (I just like it) and tighter (new) mechanics
++ otherwise, I thought the Strasser tuning and blowing were certainly the equivalent of the XL
2. really old A and C-Series Lorée (before 1970)
3. Buffet Green-Line -- on same level as Covey (standard)
4. new Howarth student and "normal" pro model
=> I find Howarth easier tuning, blowing and stability than Lorée
5. new (after 2000) Lorée AK
6. new (after 2000) Lorée standard
+++++ Instruments I really want to try: +++++
+++++ high hopes for fantastic instrument +++++
No order, all by reputation.
* Dupin Impérial (less interested by "regular" Dupin) because of rarity and Scandinavian woodwind style is my favourite
* Marigaux M2 : used by many, many soloists and orchestra players
=> Marigaux is highly praised in From Italy to Russia and on all continents
* Ludwig Frank and Mönning Platinum: German greats and comments from people
=> Albrecht Mayer, Ingo Goritzki, Gregor Witt.....
= Instruments I am curious about =
* Fossati Soloist 20th anniversary
* Rigoutat Model J
* Bulgheroni
* Viennese oboes
Note that my teacher, who showed me how to make very good reeds easily, had played on a Marigaux (901 ?) for over 20 years.
Robin Tropper
M.A.Sc., B.Mus., B.Ed.
http://RobinDesHautbois.blogspot.ca/music
Post Edited (2012-07-07 03:45)
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