Where Are All The Oboists These Days? Options

[flobiano]

I have the distinct impression my teacher doesn't want to spend any time on Oblivion with me. It got a meagre 3 mins at the end of the class and he gave me an extra hard time on bar 2 before giving up. I hope I can rope my flatmate in for a bit of coaching instead.

I'm sure it will be fine but it's a shame not to have more help from your teacher. My teacher spent a bit of time going through the Arioso with me yesterday. Seems to be coming on OK, just a couple of points where I collapse in a heap on the floor. Issue is starting at the right speed so that the slower bits don't drag but the faster bits don't sound over rushed. That and playing everythign in tune of course! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

In other news I had a sudden realisation that I am going to be in London next weekend, and we won't be in any rush to get back on Monday, so I have a weekday in London without anything particularly planned......hmmm, what could I possibly do with that time (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

As you may have already guessed, I am going to spend the morning in Howarth's trying out some oboes to see if there is anything there that I may like. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) My teacher is very, very bad for planting that seed in my mind, it is entirely her fault. My poor bank balance, I fear it is doomed...

So any thoughts on the merits, or otherwise, of second hand professional models? I was thinking it could be a step in between and leave me the option of a new, new pro model in a few years time when my playing has developed a bit further. Also would mean that the option of a Cor wouldn't be completely wiped out for next year as well. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

[Roseau]

So any thoughts on the merits, or otherwise, of second hand professional models? I was thinking it could be a step in between and leave me the option of a new, new pro model in a few years time when my playing has developed a bit further. Also would mean that the option of a Cor wouldn't be completely wiped out for next year as well. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

The only reason I didn't look at second-hand professional models was because I wanted a conservatoire system only model and second-hand Howarth ones with this system are virtually inexistant in the UK. (I would imagine it was the same with Katica). Since you don't have this problem I would definitely have thought they were worth trying.

I think you will know straight away whether you like an oboe or not. The one I ended up buying was the the third one I tried and I knew it was the one I wanted almost as soon as I had played the first note (even though I then tried another three and came back the next day to try that and my second favourite just to make sure). As I think I posted when I bought it, there were two XLs there but one was so much nicer than the other, so it really is not just the brand and model but the individual oboe.

[Hardying]

I have the distinct impression my teacher doesn't want to spend any time on Oblivion with me. It got a meagre 3 mins at the end of the class and he gave me an extra hard time on bar 2 before giving up. I hope I can rope my flatmate in for a bit of coaching instead.

I'm sure it will be fine but it's a shame not to have more help from your teacher. My teacher spent a bit of time going through the Arioso with me yesterday. Seems to be coming on OK, just a couple of points where I collapse in a heap on the floor. Issue is starting at the right speed so that the slower bits don't drag but the faster bits don't sound over rushed. That and playing everythign in tune of course! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

In other news I had a sudden realisation that I am going to be in London next weekend, and we won't be in any rush to get back on Monday, so I have a weekday in London without anything particularly planned......hmmm, what could I possibly do with that time (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

As you may have already guessed, I am going to spend the morning in Howarth's trying out some oboes to see if there is anything there that I may like. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif) My teacher is very, very bad for planting that seed in my mind, it is entirely her fault. My poor bank balance, I fear it is doomed...

So any thoughts on the merits, or otherwise, of second hand professional models? I was thinking it could be a step in between and leave me the option of a new, new pro model in a few years time when my playing has developed a bit further. Also would mean that the option of a Cor wouldn't be completely wiped out for next year as well. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) OOOWWW How Very Exciting! Enjoy.

[Roseau]

After reading Jojo's thread on the Advanced certificate and Katica's comment that there is no oboe list, I thought maybe we should all submit a couple of pieces and see if we can get a list started.

[katica]

So any thoughts on the merits, or otherwise, of second hand professional models? I was thinking it could be a step in between and leave me the option of a new, new pro model in a few years time when my playing has developed a bit further. Also would mean that the option of a Cor wouldn't be completely wiped out for next year as well. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blush.gif)

The only reason I didn't look at second-hand professional models was because I wanted a conservatoire system only model and second-hand Howarth ones with this system are virtually inexistant in the UK. (I would imagine it was the same with Katica). Since you don't have this problem I would definitely have thought they were worth trying.

I agree. I suggest you write to Howarths before going, though. They don't always have all the instruments in the shop they told me. If you agree a time in advance they'll make sure they have them there for you to try.

I think you will know straight away whether you like an oboe or not. The one I ended up buying was the the third one I tried and I knew it was the one I wanted almost as soon as I had played the first note (even though I then tried another three and came back the next day to try that and my second favourite just to make sure). As I think I posted when I bought it, there were two XLs there but one was so much nicer than the other, so it really is not just the brand and model but the individual oboe.

I totally agree. It took me a run up and down mine but I knew I liked it best too. I spent most of a morning swapping between about 5 instruments. The other XL I tried (I think two in fact because I tried one in cocobolo too) just didn't grab me. In fact the one I bought wasn't in the initial collection - Mike B brought it in about half way through because he "thought I might like it". And I did!

After reading Jojo's thread on the Advanced certificate and Katica's comment that there is no oboe list, I thought maybe we should all submit a couple of pieces and see if we can get a list started.

Good idea. I'll have a think when I've done a bit of practice! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

By the way, anyone found any interesting doublereed Proms to go to?
(I was going to post on the Proms thread but I can't find it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) )

Just spotted this one with Nicholas Daniel. Piggers. I am going to be at Dartington that week.

Come to think of that, ND is supposed to be there that week too! So I guess there won't be an oboe masterclass on the Monday...

[Roseau]

Just spotted this one with Nicholas Daniel. Piggers. I am going to be at Dartington that week.

Thanks for this. I'll be in the UK then (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Just need to convince my mother that she wants to look after my daughters for the day.

[katica]

Just spotted this one with Nicholas Daniel. Piggers. I am going to be at Dartington that week.

Thanks for this. I'll be in the UK then (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Just need to convince my mother that she wants to look after my daughters for the day.

Too bad I'll be in Devon or we could have met. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Just tried to do some practice but my only two functional reeds are HORRIBLE! Slightly panicky as I need to prepare for my exam on Tuesday. And I need new reeds for the UK too. Not sure what chance there is of extracting new ones from my teacher in time. And there's not likely to be time for the readjustments they always need a few days later. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Have put on Lajos Lencses in the meantime to cheer myself up!

[flobiano]

I agree. I suggest you write to Howarths before going, though. They don't always have all the instruments in the shop they told me. If you agree a time in advance they'll make sure they have them there for you to try.

Thanks for advice, I rang them on Friday morning - they know I'm coming. Person I spoke to said they had quite a few in. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think you will know straight away whether you like an oboe or not. The one I ended up buying was the the third one I tried and I knew it was the one I wanted almost as soon as I had played the first note (even though I then tried another three and came back the next day to try that and my second favourite just to make sure). As I think I posted when I bought it, there were two XLs there but one was so much nicer than the other, so it really is not just the brand and model but the individual oboe.

I totally agree. It took me a run up and down mine but I knew I liked it best too. I spent most of a morning swapping between about 5 instruments. The other XL I tried (I think two in fact because I tried one in cocobolo too) just didn't grab me. In fact the one I bought wasn't in the initial collection - Mike B brought it in about half way through because he "thought I might like it". And I did!

Hopefully it will be obvious then....I'll see how I get on. How open are they to taking things home to try? If there is one i like it would be good to be able to take it to my lesson on Wednesday to see what my teacher thinks. She is going to Howarth's the following Saturday so could take it back if required. Did either of you take your current oboe with you as a comparison? I would like to but on Saturday going down on train straight to music festival and don't really want to cart my oboe around all day so don't think it is really feasible.

Good spot on the Prom concert Katica - hopefully it will be on the radio. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Good luck in your exam. It does seem to be mandatory that reeds are horrible 2 days before an exam, hope you manage to get them sorted out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thereThere.gif)

[Roseau]

Hopefully it will be obvious then....I'll see how I get on. How open are they to taking things home to try? If there is one i like it would be good to be able to take it to my lesson on Wednesday to see what my teacher thinks. She is going to Howarth's the following Saturday so could take it back if required. Did either of you take your current oboe with you as a comparison? I would like to but on Saturday going down on train straight to music festival and don't really want to cart my oboe around all day so don't think it is really feasible.

I think you can take them home to try if you live in the UK. I didn't because I was only in the UK for a couple of days but I did come back the next day to try the one I thought I wanted and my second favourite the next day.

I didn't take my own oboe with me (again because flew to the UK with Ryanair and only had room in my hand luggage for one oboe) but I don't think you need your own to compare. You must know your own really well and for me the difference was in "ease of blowing", the continuity of tone over the whole range and the really good tuning (I did take a tuner with me). Also take a selection of reeds as my favourite reed at the time didn't really work in the XL (although this may have been as much to do with a change of climate).

Good luck in your exam. It does seem to be mandatory that reeds are horrible 2 days before an exam, hope you manage to get them sorted out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thereThere.gif)

Very true (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif)

Completely diffrent subject.
Does anyone know if in English you say that the half-hole has a "diaphragm" in it? My half-hole has developped a whistle and my teacher has said to tell Howarths that the diaphragm needs changing when I take it to have it serviced. While I am sure that I can explain what I mean to them, I thought it would be easier if I had the correct English term.

[katica]

How open are they to taking things home to try? If there is one i like it would be good to be able to take it to my lesson on Wednesday to see what my teacher thinks. She is going to Howarth's the following Saturday so could take it back if required. Did either of you take your current oboe with you as a comparison? I would like to but on Saturday going down on train straight to music festival and don't really want to cart my oboe around all day so don't think it is really feasible.

They almost certainly will - I had two almost thrust on me at the IDRS conference! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) I almost died when I realised the value of what I'd been carrying home (well, to my Godfather's) on the bus when I returned them! My advice would be exactly the same as kerioboe's - take reeds and tuner and you probably won't need your oboe. I think I was towing mine around but I didn't need it to decide on the critical things - which were exactly the same as kerioboe's criteria - and it was extremely obvious how good the XL was.

As posted on the "happy" thread, I finally made my first workable reed! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif) It's actually the first I've finished. The very first I attempted got as far as a good crow and then I manage to destroy it while finishing the scrape. Other than that I've only scraped the first stages for my teacher to finish a couple of times, and only under his beady eye. Actually, the reed shouldn't have worked at all. I only attempted it because I'd tied it on a bit askew and thought I'd practise scraping... managed virtually to destroy the sides, no significant backbone, nothing that looks like proper "windows" and messy "steps" on the back. But it plays in tune!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Sounds is pretty yucky but it could be much worse! It definitely won't do for the exam, though!

Down to one usable reed. Also worried about having spare reeds for the UK. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[Arundodonuts]

As posted on the "happy" thread, I finally made my first workable reed! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/party1.gif)

Well done. The first one I made that worked well looked surprisingly untidy. I've made some better looking ones since but not one that sounds as good or plays as well.

Down to one usable reed. Also worried about having spare reeds for the UK. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Exam next week so strictly bought reeds at the moment. Two to choose from but the past two days have been rather hot and they don't feel as good as they did. For once, I hope it cools down a bit.

[Roseau]

Wish me luck - tomorrow I am playing Gabriel's oboe in the end of year concert at the music school. Today has just been so hot (over 40?C) that I felt I was wilting when I was practising. They were announcing thunder storms for tonight (which would cool things down) but so far there is no sign of them.

[notmusimum]

Wish me luck - tomorrow I am playing Gabriel's oboe in the end of year concert at the music school. Today has just been so hot (over 40?C) that I felt I was wilting when I was practising. They were announcing thunder storms for tonight (which would cool things down) but so far there is no sign of them.

Hope it goes well and that you get some cooler weather.

[flobiano]

Wish me luck - tomorrow I am playing Gabriel's oboe in the end of year concert at the music school. Today has just been so hot (over 40?C) that I felt I was wilting when I was practising. They were announcing thunder storms for tonight (which would cool things down) but so far there is no sign of them.

Good luck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fingersCrossed.gif)

Hope it goes really well ( and it cools down a bit for you)! x

[katica]

Wish me luck - tomorrow I am playing Gabriel's oboe in the end of year concert at the music school. Today has just been so hot (over 40?C) that I felt I was wilting when I was practising. They were announcing thunder storms for tonight (which would cool things down) but so far there is no sign of them.

Good luck. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fingersCrossed.gif)

Hope it goes really well ( and it cools down a bit for you)! x

Ditto!!!

Those long, beautiful phrases are quite exhausting even without heat. Don't wilt! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)