 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: WoodwindOz
Date: 2014-09-23 12:22
Having just returned home from the national Australasian Double Reed Society conference, I thought I might share a few insights from the southern hemisphere.
Played a LOT of oboes...and many of the retailers had multiples of each model, which was nice for comparison. A large selection of Howarth (including the new XM), Buffet (several new Orfeos), Rigoutat, Marigaux, Yamaha (I still can't do it!) and the new K.Ge oboes. I fell in love with a Marigaux 2001 (fits my hands so much better than my 901) with the serial number of 04000. Wouldn't forget that in a hurry! Not as dark as a 901, and felt more flexible in sound, but didn't compromise on focus either. Would have bought it if I had a spare $10K laying around!
The big surprise was the K.Ge oboes. They have a full conservatory (lacking split-D key only) student plastic for around $2500, which was a lot of oboe for the price (same price as a Yamaha 221 over here - no comparison!) They also have a hybrid (plastic top, grenadilla bottom) and one called Acolyte, which was a plastic 'pro' oboe for under $4000. They are built the same way as a grenadilla oboe, by reaming a block of resin, rather than blow-moulded like many of the cheaper oboes. I was impressed with its sound and feel, very even scale. Longevity is my only concern, which holds me back from buying one as an outdoor oboe just yet.
There were two presentations on the initial sucesses of the Junior instruments (tenoroons/mini-bassoons and the Howarth Junior oboe) in Australia, which as an educator I found fascinating. I have already made enquiries at our main tertiary institution which runs a junior music school as to how we can start a junior double reed program of our own.
Yoshi Ishikawa of University of Colorado (bassoon) presented some information about IDRS Tokyo (I'd love to go, hope I can get there!) They have tried to make it as cost effective as possible by using a government facility that includes accommodation.
I bought a Reeds and Stuff guillotine which I'm already completely in love with and a Bam case for my oboe, which I got 'used' (it was used by the exhibitor to transport a secondhand oboe, so was technically not new, so I got a little discount).
We have a wonderful, albeit small, double reed community here in Australia/NZ, and it was great to get to know them in a way other than by email! If anyone ever wants an excuse to come down under, the next conference is the end of September next year, in sunny Queensland.
Apologies for the essay...it's been a very double-reed-filled few days!
Rachel
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WoodwindOz |
2014-09-23 12:22 |
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