 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: Dutchy
Date: 2006-03-06 20:35
From a few remarks in the Barrington oboe thread, I gather that some people have bought numerous oboes on eBay. I just wondered how many of them you still own--how many oboes does everybody out there actually have?
Also (side issue) I'm curious about how many oboes you've had in the past.
Speaking personally, I started with a Selmer 1492 rented from the local music shoppe, which I returned when I bought my current Fox 333.
For those of you who do have multiple oboes, do you play all of them? Or do you have a "main" oboe, and the others are just sort of "there" on the shelf, in your collection?
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Author: oboist
Date: 2006-03-06 21:20
Well I used to have one Laubin oboe, Buffet Greenline,Loree English Horn,
Ponseele Baroque oboe and Shawn by Moek.I love them all!
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Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2006-03-07 01:34
I once borrowed a Yamaha 411 from high school. After having graduated i bought myself a second hand Loree DM.
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-03-07 01:59
Yeah, well . . . I guess I was part of that discussion on the other thread. But, for the record:
I started with a Linton that I got on Ebay for cheap. Realized belatedly that one truly needs the left-hand F, so picked up a very nice Yamaha 411, also on Ebay. Then I started wanting all the trills and fancy keywork. I saw a Covey Classic for sale on Ebay, but didn't want to fork out that much $$ to a nameless, faceless seller. I waited until the auction ended (unsold), and contacted the seller, who just happened to live not all that far from me. We struck a deal, and that is my main oboe.
Trouble is, the Yamaha 411 was really NOT the right back-up horn for a Covey Classic, so I sold the 411 (also on Ebay -- it went on a "Buy it Now" within three hours of my posting it), plus one of my very good clarinets (a LeBlanc Opus, which was virtually unplayed -- sold it on the classifieds on this board). With the proceeds, I managed to purchase an all-plastic Loree from Marti Hess/Cygnet Studios, who also sells on Ebay as usedoboes.com
So now I still have the Linton (anybody want it?), and the Covey and the Loree. The Covey is my main instrument. It is a jewel. The Loree is an amazing oboe, too, and it is going to see a lot of work this coming summer during our (outdoor) community band season.
I just wish they sold perfect embouchures on Ebay.
Susan
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Author: sylvangale
Date: 2006-03-07 05:11
Here is my oboe story. lol
I started on a school Selmer oboe back in '96 and purchased a Yamaha 211 oboe sometime after and then got an Ebay bug.
I purchased a grenadilla Lesher oboe from Ebay which was advertised a "Full Conservatory" with a rather bad picture and lo and behold it was missing the left F, but had a ring key. Rather odd, but I did like the Lesher better than my Yamaha oboe and since I got it for a low price I decided to keep it (non-advertised pinned cracks and all). Oh! The really horrid thing about this oboe was that the ad only showed one side of the case... other other side had large spray painted letters and numbers on it and it reeked to high heaven. I used my Yamaha case and let my Yamaha plastic oboe live outside naturally for a while (wrapped in cloth) on a shelf.
One day I happened across an ad for a Platz oboe on Ebay which had full keywork except for a ring key. It really had no history, but I did find one reference of it being used through university study (IDRS mail search turned THAT up) and saw the maker referenced on a reputable oboe repairers site (who then in the later IDRS discussion I mention brings up that Platz instruments WERE student instruments). I bid on it and won. Well the thing was simply unplayable. Took it to a couple of local repair people and they couldn't do anything. Even took it to RDG and they improved it some, but left a letter in the case about the instrument being a student instrument that will never play well... Well! I was determined to get this oboe to play and I bought Carl Sawicki's guide to oboe repair and adjusted the oboe myself... IT PLAYED! [ Oh dear... and I was really upset at RDG since obviously the repair person didn't put effort into adjusting the oboe... but charged me for an adjustment!... I wrote an e-mail on the IDRS mailing list at the time and that certainly wasn't well received as many regarded RDG well. (and it was a real shame the the repair person WAS really someone of repute that did the adjustment and wrote the letter) ]
Anyhoo... the Platz is now a wonderful oboe that plays well in tune with no problems.
So... my Yamaha went to Ebay eventually. I kinda missed it, but then I never played the thing when I had the Lesher and more so when I got the Platz working.
And then I bid on a Loree sometime after this last Christmas and I won it for an obscenely low bid. It really was in need of an overhaul though. The body was perfect, but the bell had a crack which I had a repair person fix (another one that couldn't adjust a oboe!). It plays decently enough, but reed chamber is HUGE and it lacks a left F (another fuzzy picture... I thought ALL Lorees had full keywork... go fig). I was thinking about trying to get the chamber plated so that I can actually use modern oboe reeds. I can only use Kathryn DiCola's in it, which are nice, but after being used in my Platz they don't fit the Loree anymore.
I find my Platz plays more in tune, but is quite resistant (though not as resistant as my Yamaha), but the Loree has a lovely resistance and notes kinda feel set in place... however with some tuning issues. The Lesher is the least resistant of them all and by comparison... flat as a pancake across it's whole range.
In short... I own 3 oboes.
Regards,
Stephen
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-03-07 12:59
Stephen --
I'm really impressed that you managed to get the Platz playing, using the Sawicki book.
I have that book, too, and used it to adjust the Yamaha and, truth be told, the Covey, several times. But they were in pretty good shape to start with. I still have to refer to the book, though -- I can't ever remember which screw does what.
And I agree, finding a good oboe adjuster who can do it for you is a real crap shoot. What's up with that?
Susan
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Author: sylvangale
Date: 2006-03-07 19:35
Well the adjusting did take patience and some readjustment back a bit as some keys were definately affecting others that I perfectly set.
The one thing I did that may be different from you is that I discovered clear nail polish as a really good way to secure any possible loose screws. Once I had a screw set perfectly I immediately made sure it STUCK. Beauty of the polish is that it breaks clean away with a turn of the screw, but it strong enough to secure the screw in place for a VERY long time.
I really don't understand how general instrument people who obviously cannot play test an oboe to see if it's adjusted properly would even accept the task of adjusting it. They certainly require having a book like Sawicki's. I can't imagine they would just try to adjust key by key like on a flute.
You have certainly had good luck with your oboes. I'm envious. The next oboe I buy will be definately be something I can play in person.
Regards,
Stephen
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Author: GMac
Date: 2006-03-07 21:10
I own 2 oboes, a plastic Fox and my Yamaha. I don't play the Fox anymore, because it's just such a different feel! I am getting a new top joint soon, a plastic-lined one by Yamaha, so I guess I will have 2 and a half oboes!
I also own a keyboard, clarinet and flute. However, I only really play on the keyboard.
Graham
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Author: GaryT1957
Date: 2006-03-08 03:14
I own two oboes, a wooden Cabart (1965 model) and a new plastic Barrington oboe which I purchased from WWBW. I'm using the Barrington as my main instrument. One thing I've noted is that back in shcool, I had a chance to play on a plastic Selmer. I swear, it felt I was playing a toy....I hated it. Not so with this new plastic oboe. Most of the instruments I played in school were school instruments...very nice wooden Buffets.
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Author: mschmidt
Date: 2006-03-08 21:10
I own two--the Prestini that I've had since 1975 (new at the time) and the 1993 Marigaux I bought in January. Right now the Marigaux is my main oboe, because the Prestini needs work. The Prestini will be sent away for repair, refurbishment and adjustment soon. When it comes back, it will be interesting to see which one I like better. The Prestini does have a bit different sound, so I may use it on occasion when it's the sound I want. The "angry" part of the 1st movement of the Poulenc Sonata seems to sound better on it than on any other oboe I've tried.
Mike
Still an Amateur, but not really middle-aged anymore
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Author: tack
Date: 2006-04-03 15:54
It is very handy to have two.
Oboes are finicky beasts and when one goes out of adjustment, it's nice to not have to immediately race it to the repair man.
I enjoy having two distinctly different instruments: My Warm Laubin, and my Gutsy new Loree Royal. It was UBER handy to have the Laubin around when the Royal's bore was changing drastically as I broke it in. (The tuning differences were tricky to negotiate...) I would have never survided Millaud's Creation du Monde on the baby Royal. Those high E's and F's just pop out so reliably on the Laubin!
I must say that this year is the only time I have had two working oboes in my posession. I'm 25. It's s luxury! But oh it gives such wonderful piece of mind!
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2006-04-03 16:53
Stephen,
I was interested to hear your recommendation for the Sawicki book. I've been looking for a book like this and there seem to be two oboe adjustment books: Carl Sawicki and Patrick McFarland.
Have you seen the book by McFarland as well? The only review I found seemed to rate them both equally.
My Ebay Fox Renard needed a bit of adjusting but I found this page:
http://www.oboesforidgets.com/brands.htm
and the 'Tips' page was a great help.
I've taken apart, cleaned and repadded quite a few clarinets, so I had some experience, but the number of adjustment screws on the oboe is terrifying! I followed the tips given very carefully, keeping note of which screws I turned, and by how much. It wasn't as difficult as I thought. It plays very well now, though some of the lower pads could do with changing.
How is the Sawicki book written? Does it have easy to follow instructions for checking/adjusting the whole instrument?
Interested in your comments!
Steve
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Author: oboeblank
Date: 2006-04-03 20:18
I own both the McFarland and Sawicki books and I prefer the Sawicki book.
It is set up with fold-out diagrams of both joints and indepth adjustment directions. It is a great resource book.
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Author: dlynnb2006
Date: 2006-04-03 20:49
I technically have 2 oboes but my dad also has a Loree from the 1800's that is not playable. I have a Selmer student model that I can't stand to play and a Fox 440 that is only 1 year old.
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Author: sylvangale
Date: 2006-04-04 19:39
I've only used the Sawicki book. It's really a nice step by step book separated by sections of the oboe with a diagram that folds out from the book to look at while your reading and conveniently folds back. Every screw in the diagram has a number that is referenced in the text. Really handy.
Regards,
Stephen
Los Angeles, CA
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Author: stevensfo
Date: 2006-04-05 08:33
I just ordered the book and look forward to using it over Easter!
Last famous words? ;-)
Steve
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Author: ohsuzan
Date: 2006-04-05 12:25
Steve --
I think you will get along fine with the Sawicki book.
When I first started oboe --- well, within the first year, at least -- I got the book, and attempted to tweak the Yamaha 411 that I was playing then.
Although this was definitely a case of fools rushing in where angels fear to tread, I learned so-o-o-o much about how the instrument works from the experience, and was able to put it into good adjustment the very first try -- or at least, after a few passes at it.
The only time I scared myself was in adjusting the F res key. I *thought* I had it back in place, but either I didn't, or it needed further adjusting, because for a while I couldn't get my low notes going. It had to be "just right" -- neither too much nor too little.
But it all ended well, and I feel confident enough about it now to save the $$ I would spend on simple adjustments from the repairer. That screwdriver is packed in your instrument case for a reason!
Susan
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Author: oboemelli
Date: 2006-05-01 14:27
I used to have a Ward and Winterbourn oboe which I started out on, but then I was told I needed to buy a more advanced instrument, so I went for Marigaux.
I bought a Marigaux 901 pro oboe, and about a year later I decided to get a 'back-up' oboe because my 901 is very special to me. I bought a graduate standard Marigaux called a 'Strasser-Marigaux' 801. So, there you go, I have two.
The Marigaux is my main oboe which I use for solo work and important concerts, but I tend to use the Strasser for orchestral and chamber music things, and generally as a spare oboe.
Melanie
"People imagine they can reach one another. In reality they only pass each other by"- Schubert.
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Author: mschmidt
Date: 2006-05-03 23:53
I really am getting to like my Marigaux.
Mike
Still an Amateur, but not really middle-aged anymore
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Author: Oboeman14
Date: 2006-05-10 16:58
I play on a Buffet Greenline. I also have a Buffet 4052 which I use if the Greenline is being serviced. IMO the Greenline is awesome, but I'm just a kid so what do I know! LOL
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Author: Oboeman14
Date: 2006-05-10 21:39
It was a graduation gift. I will cherish it forever as I would never have spent that kind of money (I don't even have that kind of money)!
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Author: Thomas.
Date: 2006-05-11 04:36
I am in a similar situation, I am soon (a week mabey) getting a Buffet Greenline for about 7000 New Zealand dollars a rather long story...
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Author: oboemelli
Date: 2006-05-26 15:03
Hi,
Just had a look- very interesting. Particularly touched that you included Anthony Camden, one of my favourite oboists and someone I knew well, and also Malcolm Messiter who happens to be my by best friend! Not joking there...
Mel
"People imagine they can reach one another. In reality they only pass each other by"- Schubert.
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Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2006-05-26 19:55
I assume you were mentioning about the blog? Thankyou! Of course it is a must for them to appear on the list, they are legends! And i am a terribly big fan of their playing. Hope to receive more suggestions on who else to add on to my list. Thanks everyone!
p.s.:Mel, are you a colleague of either of them or were you a student of them?
Howard
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-05-26 20:02
I only have a kingwood Howarth S5 oboe and Marigaux 930 cor anglais now, though I'd like a plastic or grained ebonite (to match the kingwood) top joint for my oboe for those outdoor gigs.
But I'd like to get an oboe d'amore at some point. Probably a (cocobolo) Howarth XL as they've redesigned the bottom joint tonehole layout.
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Author: HautboisJJ
Date: 2006-05-27 11:00
How does this new design affect the oboe d'amore's performance and how has it always been?
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2006-05-27 11:14
[ portions deleted; Chris P. is an employee of a company and did not disclose his interest. Mark Charette ]
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Author: oboist
Date: 2006-06-28 13:03
I use now only Greenline.
Before I had Monnig oboe,Marigaux.Loree and Laubin
Laubin was my real passion ,but the instrument was too ''American"-the pitch hardly could be any higher tan 440.
In Israel we tune at 442 and finishing up about 444-445.
So my teacher told me to use 46 tubes and later after this didn't help I bought my Greenline.
It took me some time to get used to it.Now I am ok,but always trying different oboes
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Author: Baron
Date: 2006-07-02 17:22
i only own a fox 400. i wish i had a loree but whatever. The fox plays very well, but sometimes it seems to be out of tune
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Author: doublereeder2
Date: 2006-07-03 01:52
Baron - Ohie is not too far from the Fox factory in Indiana. If your 400 is out of tune, perhaps you can contact the company, take a little road trip and have them do some tuning for you. The Fox oboes are usually quite nice and the people in So. Whitley are great.
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Author: Shelley
Date: 2006-07-04 05:08
One. A Loree AK, circa 1997. Before that, I played a Bulgheroni I bought used from Woodwind/Brasswind. The Bulgheroni was actually about an inch shorter than my Loree. Drove my college teacher nuts the entire seven days I had it in his presence. ("Get that thing out of here!!!")
I like my Loree, but I would like to try a Covey or one of the new Japanese made oboes.
Cincinnati, OH
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Author: mschmidt
Date: 2006-07-12 22:59
Sounds like your teacher may have a bit of a prejudice against Italian horns? My Prestini is a good deal narrower at the bell than my Marigaux. There's more than one way to make an oboe.
Mike
Still an Amateur, but not really middle-aged anymore
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