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Re: third octave key?

Author: Chris P
Date: 2017-03-06 12:20

The 3rd 8ve key is prone to being bent and causing problems as a result. On conservatoire instruments where it is particularly vulnerable, if it gets bent down, it'll hold the 1st 8ve key open. The main cause for them being bent is the case and if the case lining is applying pressure to the keywork when the lid is closed or there's not enough clearance in the slot for the 3rd 8ve. Soft sided zip-up cases are the usual cause for 3rd 8ve keys (and other keys) being bent.

It's not an essential key and a lot of older pro level oboes don't have it fitted. But it can always be fitted to any instrument at any stage should you want one and best having it done by an oboe maker rather than a dealer as I've seen some really shocking examples fitted by an oboe dealer (likewise with thumbplates). If you're in the UK, have Howarth fit the 3rd 8ve (and thumbplate) as they make oboes, they have the various pieces in stock and they look, work and feel better than bits that appear to have been cobbled together and shoved on.

The 3rd 8ve key opens a full size tonehole located between the lower 8ve vent and the C-D trill key - if it was a soprano sax then it would be in a similar location as the high E or F tonehole (depending on the maker's preference) and instead of opening fully, it only opens by a very small amount and the venting is set with an adjusting screw to limit its movement and adjusted by the player to where it best suits them (likewise with the LH1 top fingerplate and the RH2 mid fingerplate when the C or C# key is held down so the upper and altissimo C#, D and Eb speak cleanly).

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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