 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: oboi
Date: 2012-12-24 01:38
I'm commented lots about how the EH is a bit too big for my hands to handle quite well. I know there are quite a few of you with small hands, but the problem is in addition to kid hands is that I have an even shorter pinky. Most of my sloppy fingering will go away with practice, I believe, EXCEPT for the C# key. No matter what I do, I have to bend. I've tried holding it more out at a forward angle, closer in, adjusting the FHRED up/down, etc., etc. The only way I can reach the C# without shoulder, finger and arm tension is if I hold the horn angled. I use a FHRED, so I've tried placing it closer to my right leg and angling it as much as possible, with an adjustment to the bocal angle. In this way, the reed is a bit angled. I don't think it affects my sound (or does it?) nor does it seem to hamper my LH fingering. I also tried placing the FHRED to the right of my legs and playing it like a saxophone. That REALLY angles the reed so bad idea methinks.
So what is your take on playing the EH at an angle and for having a reed angled in your mouth? I'd only do it if I'm in a key/passage with a few C#/Db and otherwise play vertically. Just wanted to know your thoughts on it. I'm assuming playing with major tension is bad for fluidity and also my body, so some bad "form" is better than that.
Post Edited (2012-12-24 01:42)
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Author: heckelmaniac
Date: 2012-12-24 02:18
Some thoughts-
It is possible on occasion to come across a bocal with a truly pronounced
curvature. I have a spare Dallas #2 with a huge amount of curve- using this bocal has the effect of bringing the instrument upwards substantially so that the right hand position is higher, so it is easier to reach all of the notes on the right hand.
Add a long extension plate to the F# touch. The extension plate should just miss interfering with the C-D trill lever.
Add an adjustable thumb-rest, such as Selmer adjustable bass clarinet thumb
rest.
It is usually possible to bend the key touches of the right hand pinky key
up neared the split ring D. Even 1/8 of an inch change can sometimes make a huge difference in the ability to reach all of the touches with some ergonomic comfort. Do not try this at home though- best to have an oboe repair specialist accomplish this task.
Oboes.us
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Author: huboboe
Date: 2012-12-30 21:53
You might also try the W.R.I.S.T. support. I have found it more solid and providing more flexibility than the PHRED.
There is a video with the late, great Grover Schiltz demo-ing it at:
http://www.chicagoreedcompany.com/wrist.html
Robert Hubbard
WestwindDoubleReed.com
1-888-579-6020
bob@westwinddoublereed.com
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Author: oboi
Date: 2012-12-31 10:57
I'm mainly asking because I want to know whether it's appropriate to have the horn a bit to the side while playing. I know I hold my oboe at a slight angle to the right when playing (not sure why, I just do) and have seen others do it too. So, I was just wondering if having an EH at a greater angle is going to affect my playing.... tip of tongue would not touch reed straight-on.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2012-12-31 17:48
If it's more comfortable to hold the cor to the right while playing and the reed isn't at the correct angle, then you can have the crook bent so the reed is at a better angle. The crook needs to be filled with low melting point alloy (ie. Cerrobend) and then bent to the new shape. The alloy inside will provide support to the tube while it's being bent so it doesn't collapse in on itself, then the alloy is removed again by immersing in boiling water.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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