Thinking of purchasing an Oboe?

Ahhh. Glasses on, coffee close by, it is the weekend and I am ready to... blog!

This week has been more hectic than expected, so sorry that I haven't had the time to blog. It was definitely one of those weeks where I didn't see home too much and when I did, it was only for sleeping and showering. It happens and there is definitely reward in it... improving, happy students, new opportunities, and oh yea... $.

I have been trying to be really good about putting things on paper as of late. This includes everything from oboe warm ups and exercises to mini papers on different oboe topics and handouts for students on topics such as how to go about buying an oboe.

This is necessary for many reasons, mainly to help me stay more organized, but also in preparation for my new gig in the Fall as an adjunct oboe teacher at Dixie State College. In order to simplify, I need to get everything into Microsoft Word and out of my head-- way too many oboe related thoughts and ideas up there!!

One of the first handouts I have created for my students in 2011 is a short little guide to purchasing an oboe. I have blogged along these lines before, but wanted to give some highlights anyway.

Caitlin's Tips On Purchasing An Oboe

1. Having a budget in mind when oboe shopping is OK! It is better than OK, it is a great idea. Playing the oboe is no fun if you have to sell a kidney to get one in the first place, and with all of the different makes and models of instrument out there today, there is something for everyone. As with any major purchase, have a budget in mind and don't be afraid to stick to it.

2. Purchase your oboe from a reputable dealer. As much as I love Ebay, it is no place to buy an oboe. Some dealers include:

RDG Woodwinds

Midwest Musical Imports

Mark Chudnow (Mark is one of two technicians in the US who trained in the F. Loree factory in Paris-- and a really super sweet guy! He has doctored my oboe in several emergency situations, like the time it cracked three days before my first masters recital! He does beautiful work and also makes\sells the staples that I use)

Carlos Coelho Carlos is the other of the two, F. Loree trained repairmen in the country. He is truly an expert repairman and has helped me choose every one of my three Loree Oboes and my beautiful, beautiful English horn. He will find you the perfect oboe for YOU!

The important thing about choosing an oboe through a dealer whether it is new or used, is that many times they will offer you a warranty on the instrument. I know that Carlos and Mark will both repair your oboe free of charge for the first two years that you own it.

3. Don't buy an oboe you have never played. There are so many places to buy an oboe out there-- make sure that you play the EXACT oboe that plan on purchasing to ensure that you are getting exactly what you want. Many places will send oboes out for 2 week trial periods, this is a great thing! It allows you to try multiple instruments (even from different sources if you wish) and really compare them side by side from everything to the way that they play (duh!) to the cost. I HIGHLY recommend doing this!

Make a trip out of it if you can visit a location that sells instruments-- this can be a very fun day!

4. Understand that a USED professional level oboe may be a better option than a NEW student model oboe. Many times I get asked the difference between student, intermediate, and professional oboe models. This is a good thing to be aware of.

In my mind there are really only two types of oboes:

Those suited to "newbie" oboes that will get them through middle school (usually plastic, limited conservatory system, with the fun holes in the bell to play low b-flat if you close and open your knees around it :) )

Those which are considered professional models (full conservatory system including third octave key, left hand F key, Low B-flat, etc and constructed of wood)

The intermediate model oboe, while cheaper than a professional one seems unnecessary. Once a student reaches high school level, they need an oboe with a full conservatory system and preferably a wood or wood composite\lined wood oboe.

If a student is playing high school oboe and is considering playing oboe in college whether it is as a major or not- definitely consider a professional model oboe with full conservatory system and with a wood body. It is an investment that if taken care of- will not need replacing!

Happy Oboe Shopping-- it is a most fun time, indeed!