Oboe Tone: commentary and humor 

Training your ear and expanding your imagination

Of course tone is subjective, but you don't want to be a minority of one.

Educate your ears with the following recordings. Attend live concerts. The suggested CDs feature the sounds of some of the most highly regarded and highly paid players in the American style.

As for the instrument, you need the best one that you can afford. I recommend an "Artist Quality" instrument. This is an instrument that a pro would play.

Most professional oboes are purchased through dealers. These companies are typically owned, operated and staffed by highly skilled oboists and repairmen who add value to the purchase.

They ensure that the instrument is in proper playing condition, offer maintenance and repairs and often warranties for some types of problems. They can provide professional advice on the care of the instrument and help you to select an instrument that meets your needs.

Classic Oboe Recordings- develop your concept 

or just enjoy the music

For a more complete selection of solo and chamber music recordings made by these and other renowned oboists click here.

Mozart: Piano Quartets; String Quartets Nos. 15 & 22; Oboe Quartet

Vintage Harold Gomberg

Amazon Price: $13.98 (as of 08/29/2008)

Barber: Canzonetta for Oboe and String Orchestra/Strauss: Concerto for Oboe and Small Orchestra/Wolf-Ferrari: Idillio

Bert Lucarelli, a leading American oboe soloist

Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 08/29/2008)

Strauss: Oboe Concerto/Francaix: L'Horloge De Flore/Satie: Gymnopédie No.1/Ibert: Symphonie Concertante

famous John DeLancie, former principal of the Philadelphia Orchestra, recording of the Flower Clock

Amazon Price: (as of 08/29/2008)

Bach: Violin Concertos, etc / Perlman, Still, Israel PO

Ray Still, retired principal Chicago Symphony Orchesta, plays the Bach Double Concerto with Itzak Perlman

Amazon Price: (as of 08/29/2008)

New York Woodwind Quintet Plays Bresnick, Powell, Roseman, Shapey

distinguished performer, composer and teacher; one of a kind

Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 08/29/2008)

Classic Recordings Continued 

If you are more of a chamber music person, you may want to click here for addtional suggestions. On the other hand, if you fancy the oboe in the orchestra there is more than enough beautiful reptoire. And don't write off jazz oboe until you have tried it!

The Art of Robert Bloom: Music for Oboe and Strings, Vol. 1

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 08/29/2008)

The Art of Robert Bloom: Chamber Music, Vol. 1 (Music for Oboe and Piano)

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 08/29/2008)

Oboe Obsession

Amazon Price: $16.98 (as of 08/29/2008)

John Mack, Oboe Mozart: Quartet, K.370/Loeffler: Deux Rhapsodies/Paladilhe: Solo De Concert/Britten: Six Metamorphoses

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 08/29/2008)

Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies & Overtures (Box Set)

Amazon Price: (as of 08/29/2008)

So You're shopping for an oboe 

What to keep in mind

• Whether you shop on eBay, at a specialized dealer, or are considering a private sale or direct sale from a maker, always negotiate a trial period. Have your teacher and/or repairman evaluate the instrument. Play the oboe in your ensembles. Make some reeds for the instrument. Compare it with other oboes: yours, your teacher's, your colleagues'.
• Consider resale value. An "Artist Quality" instrument retains value and may even appreciate. Student models depreciate rapidly, some becoming almost worthless.
• Remember that the best repairmen work on the best instruments.
• Wait to sell your old instrument. New wooden instruments may need a break-in period or may crack. It's possible that for some very good reason the new oboe isn't as workable as you thought.
• Don't test the oboe with your most forgiving reed. Use a reed that is a little closed yet still responsive. Let the oboe do all the work, not the reed. If the low notes don't play, that's information.
• Keep an open mind.
• You can't compare an oboe to a memory. Have both oboes when comparing.
• Start with the answers to the following: what is my budget; would I prefer a wooden or plastic instrument;am I looking for a new or used instrument; am I better off with a student or professional model?
• Student oboes can be a sensible option for very young beginners. The instruments are lighter and less valuable so loss that and damage are not as alarming.
• You can't compare one oboe.
• You usually get what you pay for.
• Use good judgment. Satisfy yourself that the instrument is not stolen and make your purchase wisely. If in doubt, a few places that maintain databases of reported lost or stolen instruments are: the International Double Reed Society, American Federation of Musicians, law enforcement agencies and instrument makers or dealers.

What are the "Artist Quality" instruments and why should I consider one? 

• The typical Artist Quality oboes are made by: Loree, Laubin, Yamaha, Howarth, Rigoutat, Marigaux, Covey, Buffet, Fossati. There are others.">
• "Artist Quality" instruments feel, sound and respond like real oboes.
• "Artist Quality" instruments can improve and enhance your playing. These instruments can educate your ear and muscles.
• "Artist Quality" instruments are manufactured to higher standards and are finished with greater skill and detail.
• "Artist Quality" instruments have all the keys.
• "Artist Quality" instruments are made for professionals.
• Why play on less?
• "Artist Quality" instruments typically need fewer repairs, excluding cracks which can be managed or avoided.
• You will get all or some of your money back when you decide to sell.
• Unlike some other instruments the price difference between an "Artist Quality" instrument and a student oboe is not overwhelming and the difference in quality can be.

Some Oboe Dealers/Makers the Pros Use 

WEBER REEDS

WEBER REEDS : Welcome to WEBER REEDS Online Store! Documents, Accessories, Books, Music, Videos, Cane, Compact Discs, Instruments and Bells. Reed Cases, Reed Making Equip., Reeds, Services, Supplies, Oboes, English horns

Mark Chudnow Woodwinds - Sales & service of double reeds, Oboes, English Horn & Oboe D'amore.

Specializing in the sales and service of English Horn, Oboe, and Oboe D'amore. Carrying a full line of cane and accessories for double reed instruments, English horns, Oboes d'amore.

RDG Woodwinds - Supplier for Bassoon, Clarinet and Oboe Supplies

RDG Woowdinds is the top supplier for all your woodwinds supplies.

The McFarland Double Reed Shop

The McFarland Double Reed Shop

Paul Covey

Welcome to Covey Oboes.
Makers of the fine Covey oboe, we are also the oboists' source for oboe reeds, oboe cane, tube cane, reed-making tools, knives, music, Fox Renard 330 oboes, and many other products and information needed by the professional, amateur, and/or budding students

MDRS: Manufacturers

Manufacturers of oboes and double reed equipment

Howarth of London - Oboe Makers - Clarinet Makers - Woodwind Specialists

Woodwind, Instrument, Maker, Specialist, oboe, oboes, reeds, hautbois

Bells Are Ringing - Introducing the Decker Oboe Bell

Bells Are Ringing
- Introducing the Decker Oboe BellCynthia GreenThe addition of the bell at the lower
end of some woodwinds reflects efforts over the years to provide
the bore with a radiating system that approximates the behavior
of a row of open holes even when all the holes are closed. It
is a m

Oboe - Musik Josef

Musik Josef is the only maker in Japan specialized in oboe. This site includes product gallery of oboe and english horn.

Lorée Oboes, Oboe Sales/Service, English Horns - Carlos E. Coelho

Carlos E. Coelho Woodwinds offers the highest quality new and used Oboes and English horns, expert repairs, and an exclusive line of shaper tips.

A. Laubin Hand-crafted Oboes and English Horns

A. Läubin, Inc. · 638 Central Avenue · Peekskill, New York 10566 · 914-737-3778

Bionaire Humidfier: If Your Heat Is Coming On, Take Care of Your Oboe 

A. Laubin of Peekskill, NY builds some of the finest oboes. Paul Laubin says to humidify the room not the case.

I like this machine.

Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by

Yamaha oboes for beginners and intermediate levels 

when you don't think it's appropriate to purchase the "Artist Quality Instrument"

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The Used Laubin, very rare indeed 

You never know, keep an eye out and you may get lucky

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The used Loree oboe 

often the best alternative to the new "Artist Quality" Instrument

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Used Oboes with a Personal Touch 

When you don't want to go it alone or if don't enjoy the thrill of an eBay auction try getting help from those in the field that will cater to your needs.

The Place Where People Come To Buy Oboes or English Horns

Hannah of hannah's oboes and english horns is a dedicated professional devoted to helping those in need of an oboe, especially that tricky find: a good used oboe that you can afford. As the self-described "oboe fairy" she will pull out all of the stops hooking you up with the right instrument or person with the instrument for you. David Weber of Weber Reeds performs the bench work on her oboes meaning that the oboes are in top form when they go out to you for trial. Give her a call, she'll be happy to make your aquaintance.

Additional Resources for Oboists 

follow the buzz on instruments

Welcome to IDRS

Welcome to IDRS
International Double Reed Society
The worldwide organization of double reed (oboe and bassoon family) players, instrument manufacturers and enthusiasts.

Instrument purchase and care

This is the Oboe Studio Homepage at the Arizona State University School of Music - Martin Schuring, Assistant Professor of Oboe.

BDRP Double Reed Suppliers - A-Z - A Service of Brian's Double Reed Page

Brian's Double Reed Page. More than just a page, more of an encyclopedia really. Luckily it is in an archive!

Midwest Musical Imports. Oboes, English Horns, Bassoons, Flutes.

Oboe and bassoon specialists since 1983. We sell double reed accessories to fit every need. New and used oboes, bassoons, English horns, oboes d'amore available. Makes include Loree, Fox, Renard, Fossati, Patricola, Howarth, Cabart.

Cocobolo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cocobolo From Wikipedia:
Cocobolo is a hardwood from Central America yielded by two to four closely related species of the genus Dalbergia.

Intrument Serial Numbers by Maker

Serial numbers for a variety of brands of instruments.

Oboe Sound Gallery

Famous players.

Peter Hurd Buying an Oboe

Peter Hurd buys, sells, and restores high-quality oboes, horns, and other various reed instruments

Oboe Making In The United States: A. Laubin, Inc.

Oboe Making In The United States:
A. Läubin, Inc.by Peter J. BukalskiIntroduction
Interview;Comments by Läubin players

Midwest Musical Imports. Oboes, English Horns, Bassoons, Flutes.

Compare prices on some major brands and information on wood types.

ABCP--Welcome to the African Blackwood Conservation Project Home Page

The African Blackwood Conservation Project(ABCP) is a grass-roots effort to replenish this tree in Tanzania.

Share Your Impressions of Recordings, Instruments or Performers 

alanflute An excellent site, informative and practical. Brava! Posted July 13, 2008

personaltraininglondon I used to be an oboe player. I am almost depressed when I see a good site. Posted March 12, 2008

Doctor-Who Hi I really enjoyed this lens. I'm a late starter to saxophone and just getting to grips with one unruly reed at the moment. Dealing with two seems unthinkable. Good work Posted August 27, 2007

aquaken The oboe is a wonderful instrument and John Mack is a fabulours player. Good intro for the aspiring oboist. Posted August 07, 2006