The oboe is a fun and rewarding double-reed instrument. However, there are various instruments to choose from and finding the right one can often feel like a daunting process. Therefore, testing out a variety of oboes to find one which fits a player’s personal preferences is essential. In choosing an oboe, especially at the professional level, the final decision often comes down to personal preference in terms of tone and feel to the player.
Oboe Levels
Student/Beginner
Oboes for students focus on affordability, reliability, and ease of play. They’re typically constructed with a plastic body since this material requires less maintenance. Additionally, these instruments may use a modified conservatory system which removes optional keys, such as a low B-flat, to make playing less stressful for new players.
Intermediate
A transitional instrument, intermediate-level oboes provide some upgrades from the student models such as a wooden body and low B-flat key to extend the pitch range. However, for those seeking a long term investment, avoid the intermediate category and invest in a professional oboe.
Professional
These are the highest quality instruments, having all the extra features standard for upper level performance such as a wooden body for excellent tone quality. Professional oboes use a full conservatory key system which includes the low B-flat key to extend the lower range of the instrument which is necessary at higher levels of performance.
Manufacturing at this level focuses on optimal sound, response, accurate tuning, and swift key action. If well-maintained, an oboe from a reputable manufacturer can last a musician their entire career and passed down to future generations of musicians.
Features
Body Material
Oboes can be constructed from several different materials, based on the level of the instrument and desire of the oboist.
Plastic
All-plastic construction is typically reserved for student instruments since it’s more durable and affordable. Since plastic requires less care than wood, beginners don’t need to worry about their instrument cracking due to weather changes unlike real wood.
Wood
Grenadilla wood or a similar dense wood like violetwood or rosewood, produces a dark, desirable sound which is standard on instruments above the student level. These clarinets require extra care because their wooden body swells or shrinks with changing temperatures and humidity. Without proper care and attention the wood will crack, completely ruining the instrument.
Optional Keys
Left-hand F-key
This especially useful key allows oboists to play the F-key with either the right hand (standard) or the left hand, making tricky note passages easier to play.
B-flat and/or F Resonance Keys
These keys can be used to manipulate the tone and tuning on certain pitches for a better sound.
Other options
Additional auxiliary options may come standard or optional on many oboes such as left-hand C/D trill, split ring D-sharp trill, G-sharp trill, articulated B to C-sharp mechanism, and B-flat trill keys.
Reeds
The oboe is played by blowing into a double reed, two thin pieces of wood tied together. When air passes between these reeds, they vibrate against one another which creates the oboe’s signature sound. Oboists will want to make sure their reeds soak in water several minutes before attempting to play them as reeds produce a better response when properly hydrated. Because of their delicate construction, double reeds are fragile and need to be replaced regularly; in fact, a dedicated oboist should always have several on hand.
While pre-made reeds are fine for beginners, players generally learn to handcraft their own reeds using specialized tools and reed blanks cut in the proper size/shape; double-reed players typically report better tonal quality using handmade reeds. There are also specialized reed makers who sell high-quality, handmade oboe reeds for those still learning the craft of reed making or individuals without the time to make their own.
Price/Value
In general, the quality of an oboe is reflected through how much it’s priced. Be wary of instruments which are significantly less expensive than their peers, as cheaply crafted oboes may have poor tone quality and faulty tuning requiring costly repairs or even premature replacement. Sticking with a reputable oboe manufacturer or consulting with music educators and professional oboists will ensure you a solid, long-term investment.