I am looking into buying an oboe that will take me up to grade 8 and maybe past that. Does anyone have any suggestions, at the moment I play a buffet but I am looking into Howarth. Thanks

Howarth S40 is very good. The s20 will only just take you to grade 8 but an S40 will take you to a tiny bit beyond that.

I disagree (a little bit), I think the s20 is more than capable of going to grade 8 - it took me quite a way beyond it, and and s40 is all some oboists ever need.

Thanks I just looked at the Howarth website, I think maybe the S20, thanks for your replys.

Well another vote for the S40 here. OK it is more expensive than the S20 but has lots of goodies on the keywork - LH F, links at the bottom end making for easier fingering of B an Bb, it's dual system. I think I'm right in saying all it lacks which a professional oboe has is a split D key. I think it's better value. You could consider 2nd hand.

Don't ignore other makes though, equivalent to the S40 are the Cabart 74, Rigoutat Riec and Fosatti Thiery. At the end of the day it's a very personal choice and ideally you should try some out.

S6?

Hmm, a bit of a price hike if macha is contemplating an S20
S20 - £1995
S40 - £2895
S6 - £4800

May as well go for an XL at £5950 or in that sort of price bracket, Loree, Marigaux, Rigoutat, Buffet, etc. etc...

Also it's worth looking at second hand instruments - lots are almost as good as new ones but MUCH cheaper.

But not if you end up ugrading within a very short time!

Can be better. They have been played in (if not out) and any cracking has probably been sorted out. If you're feeling bold, buying privately can be a money saver. I got an almost new S40 for £1350.

Second hand oboes can be really good so it's worth trying

I am looking up 2nd hand instruments now, can you suggest a good site?

Try googling "2nd hand oboes", you'll get some listings.

The "usual suspects" stock 2nd hand instruments, Howarths, Crowthers of Canterbury (The Oboeshop), John Packer. You will get some idea of prices there.

Private sales will be lower priced - try http://www.musicalinstrumentsales.co.uk/oboesales.html, though there's not much there at the moment.

Mine came from Ebay but you need to be pretty sure of what you're after / what to expect and how to spot if something is genuine.

Look at Howarths second hand lists they are always busy but have some nice instruments..click on Oboes and look at second hand PDF file. Ask your teacher as well they may well know someone who is selling on or upgrading. Dont disreagrd the French makers thinking they will be too expensive you may well find a good second hand one at Howarths which could do you very nicely.. I have always played Loree's, they suit me but have found wonderful instruments made by all makers.

Good luck I hope you find something you like..

Andrew

I bought a beautiful secondhand S2 that took me all the way through to post-grad level (a long time ago!). I now regularly perform on my bog standard S10. Lots of keywork can be very attractive, but certainly didn't suit me and I got to a very high level of playing without need of it, and I prefer not to have it - it can lead to a lot of complications.

Go with someone who really knows their stuff (a good teacher?) and/or failing that, make sure you go to a real specialist shop - a trip to Howarths in London is well worth it!

yes I did speak to my teacher before the summer, however I don't think a trip to London is possible as I do not live in the UK. I think I might call them though.

Thanks for your posts

I'm sorry you won't be able to make it to Howarths.
Is there somewhere you can go and try some different instruments? or try different player's instruments to see if they suit you? I up-graded last year and much to my surprise ended up with a second hand Loree oboe I had always thought of a Howarth oboe being the one that I would go for, and really wasn't at all interested in a French instrument, but in the end the choice was between a Loree and a Marigaux! Don't discount any particular maker's instruments. You may surprise yourself !!
Good luck oboe hunting.