I ve been looking for an oboe. I have come across the Buffet 4011 and 4012 student oboes. The 4012 is a little more expensive than the 4011 and I was wondering if there are any major differences between the two. If I m just starting out, which of the two would you recommend?

The only difference between them is that the 4012 comes with the left-hand F key. When just starting, this isn`t critical, you really don`t need the left-hand F until you upgrade. I think it`s only a couple hundred dollars more for the 4012, but it isn`t really necessary to have the left-hand F unless you want it.
Best of luck with whichever you pick.

don`t ever buy an oboe with left hand key!!!
you need it very urgent in every peace with two "b"s. and a lot of oboe music is written in scales with bs!!!

oh sorry!
what i meant was: don`t ever buy an oboe withOUT left hand F
sorry for that:-)

but as a starter, one doesn`t actually need the LH F key - it`s just more keys to get in the way until you figure everything out.

I used the left hand key when I first started. I barely use the forked F fingering.

so overall, do you guys think if should get the 4012 or 4011?