Where Are All The Oboists These Days? Options

[A.U.K]

Lordy Lord it seems that all the Oboe threads have vanished in my absence..I see there are a couple one about reeds (no surprise there then.. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) ) and one by Notmusicmum about Dynamics but all the Oboe ones seem to have vanished..

I have been on my travels recouperating after a long spell in Hospital, having collapsed at the IDRS last summer in Birmingham on the first evening can you believe it..I wound up in Birmingham city Hospital and then got shipped off a few days later to West Bromwich with my Oboe and Cor in their double case..I would like to add that my dear friend Marsha Burkett a lovely American Oboist came completely to my rescue and ran back and forth to the hospital with messages and gifts from so many of the performers and companies with CD's etc, their genrosity and kindness astounded me..Thankfully I lived to tell the tale but it was a bad time..

So its nice to be back online I thought I would stop by and say hello..I hope everyone is well and enjoying their music making. See you all soon..

Andrew

[A.U.K]

Well its certainly true that Americans like Loree's, particularly the Royal but they also like the AK and DM bore as well so where that leaves the Royal lord alone knows.. I sincerely doubt that they (Royals) were created with the American market in mind.. but hey what do I know..You will find plenty of Royals in Europe and they are becoming more visable here now..I think the cost (Particularly the 125) has been a issue with them here, but Nick Daniel had one if not the 1st and you wont find a more English player than him.. It does have to be said that Americans will spend their dollars more easily than the British spend their pounds and its very much the American way to have the best of everything at any cost, they are all kitted out and raring to go..Its just their way I guess..My great friend in the USA has two Loree's one AK and the new Amethyst Royal but she is something of an Oboe Buff and a pro player so she knows what she likes and what she wants..also she can afford it and more improtantly is prepared to spend her hard earned Dollars..

I cannot think for a moment that Michael De Gourdon crafted the Royal with a particluar reed type in mind but next time I see him I will ask him you may well be right..but given the huge variations in reeds even in the USA who do tend to scrape all the guts (not my words I assure you) out of a reed adding windows etc and very long tips which almost flap in the breeze..I just cant see how an Oboe manufacturer would go to such lengths..For what its worth I play mainly on hefty, chunky German type reeds these days which I do take a knife to but get a lovely sounds from the Royal, I couldnt play them without some substantial adjustment I think I would keel over if I didnt..I like them considerably softer but with a short tip so its highly subjective..

Heck I dont really have a clue but I will ask next time I am in touch with Michael..

Andrew

[stevensfo]

For what its worth I play mainly on hefty, chunky German type reeds these days which I do take a knife to but get a lovely sounds from the Royal, I couldnt play them without some substantial adjustment I think I would keel over if I didnt..I like them considerably softer but with a short tip so its highly subjective..

Hi Andrew,

What is the difference between a German and French scrape? I've tried all sorts of reeds and actually started on american reeds right at the beginning when I was teaching myself, so I know what you mean about having everything scraped off. Though they do sound nice. My first teacher used reeds built like pieces of steel and my current teacher is similar, so I've got used to the tougher european scrape and have a very strong embouchure now - as I discovered when I cracked an expensive Fortay reed! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

About three weeks ago, I bought a box of reed tools from Ebay - sold by a retired oboist from the SSO - and it contains among other things a selection of his oboe and cor anglais reeds as well as lots of aged gouged glotin cane, reeds to be scraped and other goodies. The reeds are simply amazing and when I have time, I'll try and make one myself. The main difference seems to be an abrupt thinning at the tip rather than the more usual gradual taper. I've never seen a reed like this.

Steve