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Re: Tuning and the Oboe I's role in the orchestra

Author: Chris P
Date: 2024-10-28 00:16

I just use a Korg CA-1 or CA-2 tuner to give the tuning note and at 440Hz if it's with an orchestra with fixed pitch instruments (piano and tuned percussion instruments).

If it's a wind ensemble or concert band, then I tune relative to the temperature as everyone is going to be flat when cold and sharp when warm, provided there aren't any fixed pitch instruments. There's no point in aiming for an unrealistic 440Hz if the conditions dictate otherwise.

As for using a tuner throughout, then that's only going to create more problems than it's going to solve as ensemble playing is about using your ears and not relying on visual aids. And having a pick-up or transducer clipped to the bell so part of it is on the inside, that will create a constriction in the bell which can cause trouble on certain notes. If you are going to use a clip-on transducer, make sure the clip is wide enough and clip it to the top end of the top joint just below the crown if you don't want it picking up any interference from other instruments. If using the tuner without a transducer, place it on your music stand and play your tuning note with the bell directed at the tuner's inbuilt mic - the music stand will also reflect the sound backwards so the brass players sat behind you should be able to hear it.

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

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