Author: lauraja
Date: 2021-06-04 20:54
Hello,
I am an adult beginner, switching to (or adding) oboe to my musical life after having other instrumental music playing and singing experience.
(Heretically perhaps) my first trial was with a mass-market $309 (Muslady) Chinese-made oboe. Shockingly (some might say) it played and sounded well. I had two complaints: 1, there was a sharp flat wire sticking out from some of the keys of the middle joint. Although it didn't *seem* to affect playability, and could be tucked under the stem the keys are attached to, I wasn't 100% sure it wasn't supposed to be connected to something (and broken). Also, 2, I realized it would be advisable for me to try a short-reach oboe if I can. (I am petite with proportionally very short fingers, and don't want to court a lasting hand injury at my age). So this oboe went back.
I next tried a Howarth Junior+, which was NOT for me. I could tell it was well made with respect to intonation and smoothness of switching between notes, but the kind of plastic it was made of made it sound like an inexpensive clarinet to me, and the keywork was way too limited (more so than I had expected from some of the descriptions I had read).
I have been eyeing a used Loree-Cabart Petites Mains, but it is pricey and of uncertain condition; there is some question as to whether I should make this big an investment yet, depending on alternatives. So -
Enter something called Rochix SH15. Now, this is getting complicated. Although not described as such, it seems to be smaller-scale and lighter like the Howarth JP was, but with more complete keywork (and I think, better tone {I sent the Howarth back and can't compare them side-to-side}). But it has a couple of other issues: 1, it seems like it might be just a little prone to gurgling; 2, there is a serious issue trying to play either common G (2nd from the bottom line of the staff or sitting at the top of the staff), where the first three fingers of the left hand (and no right-hand fingers) are held down. I don't think it is just me only because it is both Gs, and because I didn't encounter a similar issue on the other oboes.
This Rochix oboe could be a miracle for me at just under $400 and with its slightly smaller scale, if there is hope for it.
I ordered it from an online retailer with "free shipping and free returns", and have put in for it to be replaced with the same model/another individual instrument.
What could be causing this issue unique to the G with the first 3 left-hand fingers down? (I am not having trouble with any other notes, including A, or any of the notes using fingerings on both hands.)
I wonder if there is a design flaw, or if the replacement oboe will cure it.
Thanks for any insights or advice!
LA
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