OK, so I went to Howarths to try some oboes so that I could have an idea of what to tell my chets teacher about getting a new oboe. (the one I have now is having too many problems to play on much longer)
They had 6 for me to try and I think the ones I liked best were the Puchner and the Loree Royal. They both had a great tone but if I had to choose on the spot I would have gone for the Puchner because I felt the tone was just a little bit better and was very nice to play on.

Exactly the same thing happened to me last year - went down, tried several S5s, a Marigaux and a second hand Puchner (the others were new) and the Puchner for me won hands down, it has such a warm lower register - some of the Howarths to me sounded a little nasal at the bottom. You have to work a bit harder in the top register on mine however.

Puchner make lovely instruments, I am glad you tried a few Oboes Liz, bet you had fun..

While I was at the IDRS I tried the Loree Royale Amethyst, it was incredible I have never played anything so smooth and effortless..

When will you get your new Oboe Liz ?

Andrew

When I had a few lessons at Chets and try some oboes with teacher there so probably a few months if the Puchner isn't right after all. If I didn't go to Howarths to see what I like out of the main makes it would have taken ages.

HA. So someone else DID go!!

You kept that very quiet

Well without hijacking Liz's thread,

I did go to the IDRS but I only managed the first day as I collapsed and ended up in an Ambulance being rushed to Hospital where I remained until the following week so I missed it all pretty much..I did manage to see my friends and the dealers so I had a nice albeit short time at the IDRS.

I got some lovely cards and calls from friends and loads of people at the Conference signed my birthday card and the dealers sent me lots of goodies for my 47th which I spent wired to several drips on, I am afraid to say I was very ill indeed..Not Swine flu..I dont get flu, never have thank goodness.

Thankfully home now but very tender..still not out of the woods yet but I am still standing..(unlike Elvis)

Sorry for hijack Liz

Andrew

Best wishes for a return to full fitness very soon Andrew.

hope you get better soon

Blimey, sorry to hear that. Apart from being nailed onto a drip, I reckon you missed the best bits. Hope you're recovering well.

I played a puchner bassoon a while back.... It was amaaazing....