 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: rothko
Date: 2013-01-13 17:51
so i'm playing a very old larilee (wood) at the moment and need to upgrade. i've been looking online at the yamaha YOB-441 for a number of reasons, not least of which is that i can't afford a professional model and so i need a really good intermediate.
also, opinions on the 441 (all wood) versus the 441M (plastic-lined top joint)?
thanks everyone!
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Author: oboi
Date: 2013-01-13 18:47
The 441P (plastic upper joint) served me well as an intermediate player. I've not tried the all-wood or all-plastic one. Hmm, curious that they now have the lined one. I think that's a new one. It's good enough for intermediate work. I found it quite ergonomic. Stable scale, although maybe on the high side. Served me well until I got a pro oboe.
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2013-01-13 20:15
I played the Yamaha 441 compared to the Fox 300/400/450 and the Patricola student/intermediate models at the Midwest Clinic recently, all after one another with the same reed. My gut said that the Yamaha is well built, but just didn't feel as 'oboe-y' as the others. It didn't feel as stable pitch-wise, either, but perhaps that was just the one I was playing. I would be happy with the plastic version as a back-up/outdoor oboe, but I'm not so sure I would want it to be my main oboe. I think there are better oboes out there for similar money.
Patricola gets mixed reviews, but as value for money as an intermediate model, they felt pretty good. Bulgheroni intermediate models are also good value and well regarded.
I think your best bet is to buy a used well-built oboe from a reputable oboe seller for similar money. Peter Hurd (heckelmaniac) is likely to have something to suit you well.
I went through a similar thing about 3 years ago, though with a slightly higher budget, and while I was advised at the time by local players to 'just purchase a new intermediate model', I have never regretted the fact that I went the used professional route.
Good luck!
Rachel
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Author: KJC
Date: 2013-01-13 22:48
I agree with Rachel. I recently tried the Yamaha 441 but thought that the Fox 330 and the Rigoutat were better and for a comparable price. I bought the Rigoutat Delphine. You many want to try the Rigoutat Riec.
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Author: Oboehotty
Date: 2013-01-24 01:49
I use the 441 and the 241 (211) for my middle school band kids (I am also a MS band director in addition to a college professor of oboe). They hold up well and are VERY consistent. However, I may suggest a few other options that are superb for not much more pricewise.
MCW oboes -- GREAT horns! Dark velvety sound and not too much more expensive with all of the bells and whistles
Bulgheroni -- By far some of the BEST horns I have played in many years. IN fact, so good that when I purchase a new oboe in a year or two, I will purchase a Bulgheroni and not a Loree, which I have played on for about 15 years. The student line bulgheroni horns (and the pro horns) are exquisite! I am told Carlos Coehlo will be a dealer soon. There is also a place out in Colorado or something...www.thereedroom.com that is a US dealer. You can also deal with woodwind/brasswind who will send you horns on trial.
I have been told (unofficially) that the MCW horns are actually Bulgheroni manufactured. :-)
Professor of Oboe - Youngstown State University
Howland Local Schools - MS Dir. Of Bands/HS Asst. Dir (Marching, Symphonic)
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Author: rothko
Date: 2013-01-24 02:05
thanks for the input, all. i ended up choosing a howarth S20. so excited!
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