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Re: Time to upgrade???

Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2012-11-28 03:12

Hi!

Another converted flute player here...I am a professional flute player with a degree who also turned to oboe because I liked trying new instruments...except this one attached itself to me in a major way!

I started on a beat-up Cabart that cost me $300. Nice instrument in its day...but well past its prime! I was beginning to wonder if I should upgrade, but then my hand was forced when my tech couldn't even get the oboe in adjustment, let alone make it stay that way!

I managed to locate pretty much the only used pro oboe available in Australia - a Marigaux 901. While it was meant to replace my old oboe and make me not have to replace it again any time soon, I was surprised how much my playing improved with it. (And again, when I started making my own reeds.)

The Marigaux is a beautiful instrument, but if I had had the choice, it is not the most comfortable one for my hands. Despite the fact that I am tiny in stature, I have crazy long fingers, and I have to bend quite far back to reach the LH stack (did a mock audition on Le Tombeau today, and I really struggle hitting that B key cleanly!). This tells me it is probably more suited to small-to-average hands (though my particular instrument is relatively heavy).

It's not a flute, and will never be as agile as a flute. But a pro instrument did much more for me than I expected. It would definitely be worth looking into a good used pro oboe. And as a flute player who doesn't normally deal with wood, there won't be the playing in procedure to deal with (partly why I went with used pro rather than new intermediate).

I hope it works out for you! It is nice to know I am not the only flute-defector around... :P

Rachel

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