A FEW WORDS OF WARNING: THERE ARE A LOT OF POOR OBOES AROUND, BOTH NEW AND SECOND HAND. MAKE SURE A PROFESSIONAL OBOIST CHECKS AN INSTRUMENT BEFORE YOU BUY IT. YOU WILL NOT GET A NEW GOOD QUALITY INSTRUMENT FOR LESS THAN $NZ3000-4000.
Generally plastic instruments such as those made by Selmer are adequate up to Grade 5 (assuming they have a low Bb key). These oboes are possible to buy 2nd hand for around $1250 - $1750. There is no point in buying them new as they cost the same as a wooden instrument which is far better. Given that it costs $400 - 500 per year to hire an oboe, a second hand plastic one can be a worthwhile investment. Most hire oboes are Selmers. You may also get brands such as Armstrong, Linton. Despite costing quite a lot of money, these instruments are only entry level and must be well maintained to play easily. There are a number of very cheap oboes on the market which look beautiful but become almost unplayable in a very short time.
One plastic instrument that I would recommend is the Lan Mei made by the renowned reed maker, KGE. It has a professional set up, a good tone and is free blowing. http://www.shop.kge-doublereeds.com/KGE-LAN-MEI-KGE-LANMEI.htm Contact me for details of where to obtain this instrument.
From Grade 6 upwards a wooden oboe is preferable because it has superior tone, the intonation (tuning) is better and it has essential extra keys. Unfortunately wooden oboes are not available for hire.
NEW INSTRUMENTS
The manufacturer who produces a whole range of high quality wooden oboes is Howarth of London, UK. www.howarth.uk.com These oboes are played worldwide by students and professional players and are extremely well made, reliable and straightforward to resell. In NZ.
Howarth Junior
A simplified thumb plate oboe which is light, free blowing and is perfect for children as young as six years old.
Howarth S20C
This oboe has been used by many students to get to Grade 8. It is wooden and has LHF and 3rd octave key. It does not have the full range of trill keys so a few pieces at Grade 8 level cannot be done. A very reliable instrument.
Howarth S40C
This is the Graduate model and can be used to Diploma level. It has the full range of trill keys, a richer tone and higher quality keywork.
KGE who are fairly new to the market and are more known for their reeds, are also putting out a range of oboes at very competitive prices. The oboes have been developed by an Australian oboe maker and are made of good quality materials with excellent back up. In addition to the Lan Mei (mentioned above), they also have a Hybrid Academy (plastic top joint/wooden lower joints), and professional wooden oboes.
Professional Oboes
For the serious student and those hoping to study at tertiary level, a professional instrument is essential. Apart from more sophisticated and extensive keywork and workmanship, intonation is more consistent and the instrument will have the flexibility to allow the individual to express themselves fully. In New Zealand and Australia, Marigaux is the most commonly played, followed by Howarth, Rigoutat, Loree and Buffet. The new price of a professional oboe starts from around $NZ13000.
SECOND HAND OBOES
Second hand oboes are not freely available in New Zealand, given our small population. If you are looking for a good quality instrument it is worth contacting the oboists in a professional orchestra who often know of people who are selling them. Music shops are another source
Second hand wooden instruments start from around $NZ2500 for a Howarth S20C. Second hand professional oboes start from $NZ5000+ for older instruments.
Generally plastic instruments such as those made by Selmer are adequate up to Grade 5 (assuming they have a low Bb key). These oboes are possible to buy 2nd hand for around $1250 - $1750. There is no point in buying them new as they cost the same as a wooden instrument which is far better. Given that it costs $400 - 500 per year to hire an oboe, a second hand plastic one can be a worthwhile investment. Most hire oboes are Selmers. You may also get brands such as Armstrong, Linton. Despite costing quite a lot of money, these instruments are only entry level and must be well maintained to play easily. There are a number of very cheap oboes on the market which look beautiful but become almost unplayable in a very short time.
One plastic instrument that I would recommend is the Lan Mei made by the renowned reed maker, KGE. It has a professional set up, a good tone and is free blowing. http://www.shop.kge-doublereeds.com/KGE-LAN-MEI-KGE-LANMEI.htm Contact me for details of where to obtain this instrument.
From Grade 6 upwards a wooden oboe is preferable because it has superior tone, the intonation (tuning) is better and it has essential extra keys. Unfortunately wooden oboes are not available for hire.
NEW INSTRUMENTS
The manufacturer who produces a whole range of high quality wooden oboes is Howarth of London, UK. www.howarth.uk.com These oboes are played worldwide by students and professional players and are extremely well made, reliable and straightforward to resell. In NZ.
Howarth Junior
A simplified thumb plate oboe which is light, free blowing and is perfect for children as young as six years old.
Howarth S20C
This oboe has been used by many students to get to Grade 8. It is wooden and has LHF and 3rd octave key. It does not have the full range of trill keys so a few pieces at Grade 8 level cannot be done. A very reliable instrument.
Howarth S40C
This is the Graduate model and can be used to Diploma level. It has the full range of trill keys, a richer tone and higher quality keywork.
KGE who are fairly new to the market and are more known for their reeds, are also putting out a range of oboes at very competitive prices. The oboes have been developed by an Australian oboe maker and are made of good quality materials with excellent back up. In addition to the Lan Mei (mentioned above), they also have a Hybrid Academy (plastic top joint/wooden lower joints), and professional wooden oboes.
Professional Oboes
For the serious student and those hoping to study at tertiary level, a professional instrument is essential. Apart from more sophisticated and extensive keywork and workmanship, intonation is more consistent and the instrument will have the flexibility to allow the individual to express themselves fully. In New Zealand and Australia, Marigaux is the most commonly played, followed by Howarth, Rigoutat, Loree and Buffet. The new price of a professional oboe starts from around $NZ13000.
SECOND HAND OBOES
Second hand oboes are not freely available in New Zealand, given our small population. If you are looking for a good quality instrument it is worth contacting the oboists in a professional orchestra who often know of people who are selling them. Music shops are another source
Second hand wooden instruments start from around $NZ2500 for a Howarth S20C. Second hand professional oboes start from $NZ5000+ for older instruments.
