Author: heckelmaniac
Date: 2012-07-10 16:54
Dear Jeltsin,
For sure some risk exists for any wooden oboe in an adverse climate,
especially an extremely cold climate, or an extremely dry climate.
Cocobolo wood may have inherently slightly more risk of cracking than grenadilla, assuming old growth wood, and well aged -not simply (only) kiln dried at c. 125 degrees for two years.
Howarth has a first class reputation for aging of wood and wood selection.
I have sold many all wood "classic" (pre- J series) Loree oboes to clients in Alaska. So far, all have survived un-cracked, as the owners have been meticulous in protecting the instruments from temperature shock. Many owners of all wood oboes in Alaska have devised heated case covers, or super insulated case covers for their instruments. And treating (water-proofing) the bore of a wood oboe with Woodwind All (made by Chempack, available from Cascio) seems to help a lot.
However, you may simply wish to play it safe- this would be my recommendation. I believe that Howarth could make an all polymer (black cast Acrylic, clear cast Acrylic, black Acetol, etcetera) version of a S5 XL oboe. And the Marigaux "Altuglas" clear Acrylic oboe is absolutely first class.
In the "budget" department, the Armstrong-Ward "Acolyte" model (all polymer, professional model instrument) is well worth a look. I believe K-GE is now distributing the "Acolyte" model oboe.
With very best wishes,
Peter
Oboes.us
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