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Difficulties with "middle" C# (C#5)

Author: Obreizh
Date: 2022-03-23 14:32

Hi all,

I am happy to find a BB which seem to be active... and with oboe players

We all dream to have real support when we have specific questions.

I am an "old" oboist... and with some years of practice, not a pro, but an "correct" amateur

The issue that I have since a few days... is that my middle C# (C#5), is "difficult" to play... a little "dark", not very loud, and difficult to have a great attack on the note... (specially if first note to play).

C#5 fingering I use is the "normal" one

:
½23 456 C#
(½ refers to left index finger with semi hole open)

I don't see anything that is not correct... and don't find what tuning/screw that I can move a bit to improve that.

Do you have any idea of what can happen... of what can I try to solve that ?

Thanks a lot !

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Re: Difficulties with "middle" C# (C#5)

Author: Chris P
Date: 2022-03-23 14:58

How much does your LH1 fingerplate open by?

Does it open fully or is it screwed down almost closed (but still moves by a hair's breadth)?

Have you tried the C# with your left index finger lifted off completely? oxx|xxx C#

What make and model oboe do you have?

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

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Re: Difficulties with "middle" C# (C#5)

Author: Obreizh
Date: 2022-03-23 15:12

The LH1 finger plate open approximately 1 or 2mm (need to measure to be more precise :p)

I have tried to fully lift the left index finger hand... but I don't see real difference.
I will check to give you more elements

For the model that I own, it is a Tiery (Fossati) E30 (not exactly sure of the model name as I own my oboe for 30 or 35 years...), but looks like an E30 (and not sure that naming was already existing 30 years ago)

France / Rennes

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Re: Difficulties with "middle" C# (C#5)

Author: Hotboy
Date: 2022-03-23 22:53

Is this a new problem? Or did your oboe always have a "stuffy" C#? In my opinion, C# is probably the darkest note on the oboe.

Obreizh wrote:
> I have tried to fully lift the left index finger hand... but I don't see real difference. I will check to give you more elements

If this is a new problem, it's possible that the LH1 vent has become partially blocked or something is actually blocking the tonehole if you don't notice any difference when lifting the 1st finger.

> The LH1 finger plate open approximately 1 or 2mm (need to measure to be more precise :p)

How does your high C# play? I have found that the LH1 key should be very close to the body...mine is maybe 0.5 mm away, which makes the high C# play well and in tune.

I suggest that you take the instrument to a qualified repair technician.

Dane
Bay Area, California

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Re: Difficulties with "middle" C# (C#5)

Author: Obreizh
Date: 2022-03-25 17:40

Yes, this is a new problem (or very recent)

I check and vent seems not blocked... I try to "dry/clean" properly the LH1 cork.

After investigation... and testings (more time than during rehearsal), maybe it was due to my reed, I am not sure, but I don't see other reason.

I will continue to search, and inform here of my investigations.
And if necessary, I will go to my prefered repair tech.

Thanks a lot for your time and advice.

France / Rennes

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Re: Difficulties with "middle" C# (C#5)

Author: Obreizh
Date: 2022-03-25 19:31

In addition... and trying to understand better the issue.. I think all C#, D and Eb are concerned by this pb.

I probably go to my music repair shop to see it with them, maybe a little adjustment may be done.

France / Rennes

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