Best
Beginner Oboe
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Overall: Grenadilla wood – silver-plated keys
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Best Feature: Low B flat resonance key
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Intermediate Oboe
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Overall: Newly designed bell with a resonance key
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Best Feature: ABS resin body enhances durability
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Professional Oboe
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Overall: NMC handmade oboe reed
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Best Feature: The key work is silver plated
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TedScore™: 9/10
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, finding the perfect oboe can be daunting. With so many oboe brands and models to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision when it comes to buying an oboe.
We’ll cover everything from the quality of sound to the reputation of the brand and beyond. And to make your search even easier, we’ve narrowed down the top five best oboe brands on the market and handpicked our favorite model from each. So whether you want to play the oboe in an orchestra or become a soloist, you’ll find the perfect fit for your unique needs.
Get ready to take your music to the next level with the best oboe brands on the market. Let’s dive in and find your perfect match.
A Brief History of Oboes
The history of the oboe dates back to the 17th century, and they have since become an integral part of Western music. The oboe is an ancient musical instrument that has been around for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Greece.
The modern oboe we know today was developed in the 17th century in France. During the Baroque period (1600-1750), the oboe became popular in orchestras and chamber music.
Today, oboes are still highly sought-after by musicians and remain popular in orchestras and ensembles. Oboes are typically handmade, and there is a lot of variation from instrument to instrument.
The International Double Reed Society and other oboe brands are available to help players find the right woodwind instruments.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Oboe
When choosing an oboe, there are several factors you should keep in mind.
First, determine your playing level and intended use of the instrument. Are you a beginner oboe player or an advanced player?
Next, consider the material used to make the oboe – wood, plastic, or composite. The material can affect the oboe’s sound, durability, and price.
If you’re buying a second-hand instrument, you should also consider the instrument’s age and its mechanical condition.
There is a lot to think about when buying an oboe, but this article will help you achieve what you need!
The Look and Feel
When choosing an oboe, there are several factors to consider. One important factor is the look and feel of the instrument.
The oboe is typically made of wood, although it can also be made of synthetic materials such as plastic, resin, or hybrid composites.
The cylindrical body of the oboe is lined with holes and has metal keys. It is typically 25.5 inches long (65 centimetres) and has a mouthpiece that contains a double reed which produces sound.
Oboe makers like Bulgheroni use Grenadilla wood, thickly-layered silver-plated nickel keys, and precision tuning to create an instrument ideal for solo and orchestral performances.
Sound Quality
Sound quality should be at the top when considering what oboe to purchase.
A quality oboe will produce a clear, even sound across all registers with good intonation. One of the main factors determining sound quality is the materials used in constructing the oboe, with wooden oboes providing a warmer and more natural sound than plastic oboes.
However, wooden oboes tend to be more expensive than plastic oboe.
It’s also important to consider the key system when choosing an oboe. The basic conservatory system is the most common and recommended for beginners, but professional oboes with a conservatory key system, rosewood corpus, and gold plated keys will produce a high-quality sound (but will, of course, be more expensive!)
Investing in a reputable brand will ensure a solid, long-term investment.
Brand
Before making a purchase, take the time to research the quality of different oboe brands. Look for brands with a reputation for producing high-quality instruments, and consider the range of options different brands offer.
In addition, consider the price of the oboe and how it fits into your budget. While high-end brands may offer superior quality, they may also have a higher price tag. It’s important to find a balance between quality and affordability.
It’s a bit like choosing a car; I’m sure we would all like to be driving around in a Ferrari, but for most of us, it’s not possible – we have to get the very best car (oboe!) we can afford for the budget we have.
The Top 5 Best Oboe Brands
Yamaha and Selmer are two of the most popular and well-regarded brands, producing oboes perfect for beginners and professionals.
For complete beginners, Hodge, Gualco, Reeds ‘n Stuff, and Roseau Chantant are recommended.
Professional oboes are often handmade, and brands like Howarth, Fossati, Marigaux oboe and Lorée are well-known for their high-quality instruments.
F Loree
F Loree oboes areregarded as one of the greatest oboes in the world; its inventor created the Conservatory system that is still in use today. The professional oboe made by Loree is well-known in North America, and it has an AK bore that is somewhat more conical than the Standard bore, making it smaller near the top and slightly wider at the bell.
Recommended Model from F Loree:
F. Loree Paris Professional Oboe AK Bore
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners
FEATURES: Grenadilla wood – silver-plated keys
OTHER INFO: Low B flat resonance key
F. Loree Paris Professional Oboe AK Bore
- Full conservatory plateau system
- Produce good sound quality
- High-quality instruments
- Expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Yamaha
One of the best intermediate oboes is made by Yamaha. If you want an oboe that will last for a long time, look no further. The finest-quality aged and seasoned grenadilla wood creates Yamaha’s Intermediate oboe.
Recommended Model from Yamaha: YOB431B Intermediate Oboe
The Yamaha oboe significantly increases the accuracy and stability of the barrel and provides a crystal-clear tone with excellent intonation.
Yamaha YOB431B Intermediate Oboe
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate
FEATURES: Aged and seasoned grenadilla wood body for a professional sound
OTHER INFO: ABS resin body enhances durability
Yamaha YOB431B Intermediate Oboe
- Comes with 400 Series Case
- Makes learning fun and easy
- Expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Fox
Fox is renowned for producing some of the top class intermediate instruments for bassoonists and oboists. For a dedicated middle or high school student, their intermediate model 330 is a great instrument.
Recommended Model from Fox: The Fox Renard 330
The Fox 330 is a great professional step-up oboe for a high school student. You don’t need to worry about giving this oboe special care because it sounds fantastic from the outset.
Renard by Fox Oboe Model 333 Protégé
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners and Intermediate Players
FEATURES: Body made of high-quality plastic with Nickel silver keys
OTHER INFO: Teflon-tipped stainless steel adjusting screws
Renard by Fox Oboe Model 333 Protégé
- Silver-plated posts, bands, and bell ring
- High-quality plastic resin
- Produce dark tone
- Expensive
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Howarth
Howarth of London, which was established in 1948, creates several magnificent instruments that experts play all over the world. The features you can have on an instrument are available in a broad variety. These Howarth oboes, along with Loree, are among the best available.
Recommended Model from Howart: Howarth S20C VT Oboe 2022
The Howarth S20C VT intermediate oboe is a fantastic, affordable instrument for students. It’s a wonderful student Oboe with a tone that is both easy to play and appealing.
Howarth S20C VT Oboe 2022
DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Professional
FEATURES: NMC handmade oboe reed
OTHER INFO: The key work is silver plated
Howarth S20C VT Oboe 2022
- There is a third octave key and articulated C# as well.
- Cost-effective
- It has a smooth, dark, round sound
- It's a reliable instrument that will last a long time.
- A bit hard to learn
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Marigaux
Marigaux is another oboe brand that is adored by renowned musicians all around the world. Professional oboists who prefer a deep, mellow tone should use Marigaux oboes. The oboes make a smooth, easy sound. After all, it is performed by numerous world-renowned professional oboists.
Recommended Model from Marigaux: Marigaux 901 Oboe
The Marigaux 901, one of Mariqaux’s best-selling models, has a finer, more responsive bass and an even higher register. The 901 symbolizes the very heart and spirit of Marigaux production. Made from carefully chosen Grenadilla wood, it has silver-plated, nickel silver keys.
Marigaux 901 Oboe
DESIGNED FOR: Advanced players
FEATURES: The base silver plating
OTHER INFO: Made from Grenadilla wood
Marigaux 901 Oboe
- It has nickel-silver keys
- A much easier and sharper low register
- A high register which is even and direct.
- Some parts are not of good quality
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Oboe Brands
Summary
Your search for the perfect oboe may have felt like an uphill battle, but fear not – we’re here to help you reach the summit.
After meticulous research and testing, we’ve handpicked the crème de la crème of oboe brands and models. These instruments aren’t just good – they’re great. And they’re waiting for you to take the reins and make beautiful music.
From the rich, velvety tones of the top-of-the-line models like the F. Loree Paris Professional Oboe AK Bore, to the affordable options like the Fox Renard 330 that won’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered.
So go ahead, take a deep breath, and choose the brand that speaks to you. With our expert recommendations, you can rest assured that you’re making the right choice.
The stage is set, the spotlight is yours – let’s make some music.
