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Oboes Buying Guide

If you're looking to pick up a new and challenging woodwind,  the oboe could be your instrument of choice.  With double reeds, it requires more lung power to operate, but the high, clear sound that it produces is a well deserved reward.  But before you invest in this versatile instrument--it sounds good in everything from orchestral  to jazz --you should establish a budget and get to know the types of oboes floating around the market.

Payment Plans and Budgeting

  • Consider the level of the player when buying an oboe. If you or your child is a beginner, you do not want to invest in a professional piece that may be too complex and unable to stand up to wear and tear. On that same token, you shouldn't let budget be the only deciding factor--if you're an intermediate player stuck with a beginner's oboe, you wont have much room for growth as a musician.
  • If you're providing a student with an oboe and lessons, discuss all the payment options before instruction starts. Payments are typically weekly bi-weekly or monthly,

Types of Oboes

  • Baroque Oboes : This type originated in Medieval times, and was used primarily in military band music before the emergence of the clarinet. They are traditionally made of boxwood and have three keys--a pair of side keys and a great key. The key range is between C1 to D3.
  • Classical Oboes : Classical oboe has a narrow bore that makes playing high notes easier (unline the baroque, where overblowing is necessary). It has additional keys for the G#, C#, and F notes, and a slur key. Its key range is usually between C1 to F3.
  • Viennese Oboes : Originally made in Vienna in the early 1900s, these are the most popular for use in orchestral pieces.
  • Modern Oboes : The modern oboe can be made of African blackwood like grenadilla, violetwood, rosewood or ocobolo. Full conservatory models have 45 keys with optional alternate F and third octave keys, while modern oboes for beginners are less complex and typically made of plastic.

Major Manufacturers

Oboe Accessories

Oboe Reeds 

Oboe Cases 

Cork Grease 

Neck Strap 

External Links