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Shopping for an Oboe
Should I get a plastic or wooden oboe?
A plastic oboe is perfect for the beginning
player. Plastic oboes tend to be more durable
and easier to maintain than wooden oboes.
However, wooden oboes are usually a better
pick (there are always exceptions, though)
for the more advanced player because wooden
oboes tend to have a better, darker tone
than plastic ones. However, wooden oboes
tend to develop micro-fractures, are difficult
to clean, and can get moldy easily.
Does it matter what brand I buy?
Yes. Chances are, if you've never heard of
the brand before, it will not be a good oboe.
Because the oboe is a very complicated instrument
to make, it is a good idea to buy from companies
that only make oboes. These oboes tend to
be the best made and will save you the most
money in the long run, even if they are a
lot more expensive to purchase. Companies
that specialize in oboe manufacturing include:
F. Loree, Fox, Covey, and Mariguax. Yamaha
also makes good plastic oboes for the beginner
and intermediate student.
Should I buy used or new, or rent a horn?
It all depends on your budget.
For a beginning
player, I recommend renting because
oboes
are expensive and difficult to
play. A young
player may become frustrated
easily and not
stick with the instrument. For
more advanced
players, I recommend purchasing
an oboe.
Whether it is used or new depends
on the
oboe, so try out a selection
of each. |
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