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Re: Roland System

Author: JRC
Date: 2016-08-26 17:20

I have a Roland Oboe circa 1960: relatively earlier version of Roland bore. I love it because it is very sensitive to the reed I play on. It produces sweet bright sound of traditional French oboe, but it also produces chocolaty dark sound depending on what kind of reed you play on. You can make your own sound in between if you wish. Matter of fact I do. As far as I know this is the only bore that accommodates such characteristics. I believe Roland Rigoutat started using lathe in early 70s and kept modifying the tone hole locations and thickness of the wall to improve intonation and ergonomics of key work but maintain the basic sound characteristics. I believe the Rigoutat calls it the Classique and still makes them.

Rigoutat company no longe service "old" Roland oboes. I do not know how old is considered "too old" to service. I shipped my oboe to France from the US to get it retuned. He returned it untouched. And to top it off, he was not very sympathetic or apologetic about it. Phillip claimed that he no longer have the record of dimensions and jigs to service them. He commended buying a new Classique. But I had it retuned by John Symer in Philadelphia and retuned it again by myself for fine adjustments. Phillip Rigoutat does not seem to be an oboe enthusiast like his father Roland, but a businessman, and pretty cold one at that.

So... you could look at eBay, or any used oboe sellers for old Rigoutat or a Rigoutat Classique. Make sure the wood is in decent condition, not dry and/or noticeable grainy look. Even cracks are OK if they were repaired properly. Then have it restored by a good tech. It may cost up to $2,000 depending on the condition and greediness of the tech. But it is worth it, if you like the Roland sound quality. You cannot get in any other way.

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