Best
accessory maintenance
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Overall: Leaves a protective layer
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Best Feature: No cleaning agents needed
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
fast grease application
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Overall: Suitable for all woodwinds
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Best Feature: Easy to use and apply
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Case Cover
Accessory
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Overall: Multiple straps and handles
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Best Feature: It can be used for clarinets too
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TedScore™: 8/10
Are you planning to become a professional oboist and play the wonderful Albinoni’s concerto in D minor? Or you’re more into oboe orchestral playing?
Either way, our oboe buying guide will teach you all about oboe types and the instrument’s parts.
We also included recommendations and factors for you to consider when buying new or used instruments Plus, you’ll find several oboe accessories that can be very useful for your oboe practice.
Types of Oboe
It’s important to learn about different types of oboes. That’s because which type you have to buy depends on your playing skills and music education. For instance, student models can cost over $/£3,000, while intermediate oboes cost can go even higher.
Besides the price, oboe types can differ in their anatomy. Some are suitable for younger students, and others are designed for professional oboists.
Thumbplate
Oboes can have a thumbplate, which is a round, flat key that holds two keys down when depressed. Many students, especially in the UK, start learning to play oboe on an instrument with a thumbplate.
The thumbplate is a key that is pressed by the left hand. However, if you need to play C in the first octave, you’ll need those two significant keys pressed by the thumbplate to be released.
Dual System
While the thumbplate oboe is more like a beginners’ oboe, an oboe with a dual system is an intermediate model instrument. The instrument has a thumbplate, but it also includes the mechanics of the conservatory system.
A dual-system oboe has a more advanced keywork. Because of the keywork and the bigger bore, this oboe type enables a higher standard of playing.
Generally speaking, the dual-system oboes are suitable for both solo and orchestral work. However, although it’s considered an intermediate oboe, students playing for a while can also use it.
Conservatoire
Developed in the 19th century in Paris, the conservatoire oboe includes complex key systems. The developer took the Boehm flute as an inspiration for this professional model.
After decades of modifications and improvements, we now have the modern oboe with a full conservatory system with 45 pieces of keywork. So, these oboes are now suitable for students.
Anatomy of the Oboe
Understanding the anatomy of the oboe is important for choosing the right instrument. Of course, your or your child’s oboe teacher will most likely introduce you to the instrument’s parts before you play your first tone.
Oboes include the following parts:
Reed
Body
Bore
Keywork
Things to Consider When Buying an Oboe
When buying an instrument for yourself or your child, there are many things to consider, as oboes aren’t the most affordable in the instrument selection. Logically, the first thing to think about is the price.
However, the resale value will increase depending on the craftsmanship, the sound quality, and the instrument type. Additionally, different brands charge oboes according to the materials used. So visiting the local music store, browsing online, and consulting with your oboe teacher is crucial when looking for a brand new instrument or choosing rental instruments.
Ultimately, the oboist’s skills will determine which oboe is the best choice, meaning whether the oboist needs a professional oboe, an intermediate model, or a beginner oboe.
Reed
Oboes use double reeds, meaning the reed has two blades of cane vibrating against one another. The reeds for an oboe may be soft, medium-soft, or hard, which directly influences the tone.
Oboe reeds can be machine-made or hand-made. Hand-made reeds are always preferred by professionals, as they’re tested for intonation, quality, response, etc. However, for a complete beginner, low-cost reeds work just as fine.
Body Material
Oboes’ bodies include the top joint, lower joint, and bell. The material used for the body parts depends on the oboe model.
Brands manufacture professional oboe models from wood. Although these professional oboes produce excellent tone quality, it’s not advisable to buy a high-end professional oboe for a student.
So, keep the wooden oboes aside until you reach a certain level of performance. Until you play professionally, resin oboes or plastic oboes are more suitable.
Bore
The bore of your oboe is the cylindrical hole through which air travels to create sound. The hole is narrower for student models than for professional models. In a professional model made of wood, the wood is thicker, and the bore is wider. Thus, student oboes are easier to play.
The bore requires regular maintenance. You should use a pull-tough after every playing session to prevent moisture buildup.
Keywork
The oboe keywork is usually made from metal and plated with silver, nickel, or gold. Student instruments mostly have silverplated keywork, and the model will include a silver polishing cloth to keep the instrument in good condition.
For younger students, instruments with an adjustable thumb rest are more suitable as their hands grow over time.
Recommended Accessories for the Oboe
Best For: The Rico Cork Grease is best for busy oboists who don't want to make a mess when applying grease to their instruments
KEY FEATURES: The grease comes in a lipstick form; so, the application process is straightforward without a mess
SUITABLE FOR: The product can be used for all woodwind instruments
Rico Cork Grease
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to use and apply
- Suitable for all woodwinds
- Needs to be replaced annually
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 For: High-grade maintenance for oboes
KEY FEATURES: The cloth is lint-free and non-abrasive, and it doesn't require other cleaning agents
SUITABLE FOR: Can be used for any silver-plated wind instrument
Bach Deluxe Polish Cloth
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- No cleaning agents needed
- Leaves a protective layer
- It needs replacement after a while
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 For: The best oboe accessory for travelers
KEY FEATURES: A gig bag for hard-shell cases with several handles and straps; it has a soft lining that protects the outside of the case and a large pocket for accessories and music
SUITABLE FOR: Oboes and clarinets
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Multiple straps and handles
- It can be used for clarinets too
- A bit costly
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 For: New players
KEY FEATURES: A The stand is lightweight and portable, with a simple cross design made from ABS plastic
SUITABLE FOR: Oboes
BG ABS Oboe Stand
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Easy to move around
- Foldable and stable
- Not very stylish
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™.
Buying an Oboe on a Budget
Although oboes are expensive instruments, you may find an instrument in good condition even if you’re on a budget. Whether resin oboes, plastic oboes, or wooden oboes, you can find a suitable one if you browse the market.
For beginners or intermediate players, an old oboe can work better than new instruments. Of course, even the most professional oboists can use older oboes if they have high-quality specifications.
The most important thing to do is research thoroughly. Consult with professional players and teachers, and take your time because an old woodwind instrument may have more value than a new oboe and vice versa.
If you’re looking for a new beginner oboe, the instrument we recommend is the Student Oboe by Gear4music.
Best For: New players
KEY FEATURES: Semi-automatic Conservatoire Key System
SUITABLE FOR: Beginner Oboe Players
Student Oboe by Gear4music
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Durable Resin Composite Body
- Really good value for money
- At some point you'll outgrow the instrument, and you'll need to upgrade
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™.
Oboe Cost
Summary
So, this is it! Our oboe guide includes everything you need to know about this member of the woodwind instruments family, and we hope you’ll find the accessories useful.
While some are more necessary than others, all of the accessories can add much to your oboe practice journey and enhance your experience.
Good luck with your journey.
