 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: Jim22
Date: 2013-10-22 01:36
Hi. I need some suggestions. I am just starting on a Yamaha 241 oboe and a Marlin Lesher medium reed. Intonation is definitely challenging, but I have a specific problem going from G above the staff up one deep to A. It comes out as a G# unless I blow very hard compared to G. The G# using the pinky key is fine. I am using the T2 octave key for the A.
Is this typical? Or do I have a reed issue or a technical problem with the oboe?
Thanks in advance,
Jim
Jim C.
CT, USA
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Author: Jim22
Date: 2013-10-22 02:50
I just removed the octave keys and both vents are open and clear. The vent pads are cork with very deep seats. They look rather tired, but are sealing fine. Also checked the G tonehole which was also clean. I don't think its better, but I'll try again tomorrow.
Jim C.
CT, USA
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Author: rgombine
Date: 2013-10-22 04:31
I think more likely a reed or an embochure problem. Lots of things can make a reed flat in the upper registers (opening too large, too much out of the back behind the heart, heart too thin). Try using your L hand to exert the slightest bit of downward pressure on your lower lip to bring the pitch up a bit. If the opening is large, gently squeezing the throat of the reed can help.
I am sure others on the board will have suggestions too . . .
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Author: jhoyla
Date: 2013-10-22 06:14
One of my quick reed tests is to 'bounce' my 2nd octave-key notes at mp with a loose embouchure, close to the tip*: a' a'' a', a#' a#'' a#', b' b'' b', c'' c''' c''.
If they come out flat on top (usually b'' is the worst), the reed needs clipping.
However, this is for me - an experienced player. I find that beginners are often unaware of how much air they need to push! The oboe is the highest-pressure instrument in the orchestra, bar none. You really should discuss this with an experienced teacher. Please don't clip your reeds until you have done so!!
J.
Postscript:
* Helmholtz Notation
Post Edited (2013-10-22 06:18)
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Author: Jim22
Date: 2013-10-23 03:32
I played for a while today, trying to get a feel for the pitch tendencies. I arbitrarily started on c'' (thanks for the notation lesson!), playing in tune with a c from the Tuning CD. Then while trying to keep similar embouchure and suppuration, I played descending intervals and then ascending intervals, always returning to the C, and being conscious of the corrections needed to bring each note into pitch. I found some typical things, like very low notes were sharp and needed to be adjusted down. High notes were flat and needed to be adjusted up. G'' and g' were quite sharp, possibly making me think a was flat. When I kept things in somewhat correct pitch, the problem with the a'' didn't seem so extreme.
I did use a different reed than yesterday.
I find with oboe that I need to play along with the tuning CD to keep the pitch center even close. It's like singing acapella. If I ever get better at hitting the correct pitches it will be very good for me when I play flute, clarinet, and sax. I must rely right now on what the other instruments give me. Oboe just seems WAY more flexible.
I have a sax teacher who doubles on clarinet and flute, but he only aspires to play oboe. I plan to start with an oboe teacher in a couple months. I'm just inspired to get started!
Thanks for the help. I'm glad you didn't think it was a defficiency in the oboe itself. I understand this 241 has significant limitations, but it's all I could afford just yet.
Jim
Jim C.
CT, USA
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