Hi,

This is my first post here. I have a C series Loree oboe that I've owned for over 20 years. I needed to buy a newer oboe for awhile and I'm finally doing it. I just came back from Atlanta and I stopped by Mcfarland double reeds. I tried some new ak Lorees, a couple of Loree Royals, a Howarth, the top of the line Yamaha that he had and some used Lorees. Out of all the oboes I tried, I liked the Howarth and a used Loree Royal the best. I was really shocked. I didn't think that I would like the Royal as much as I did. In comparison, the Royal I tried was darker than the standard Loree, but a bit more vibrant than the Howarth I tried. There was also a beautiful violetwood Royal. It had a nice tone, but I thought it didn't project as nicely as some of the others. Anyway, I don't know if this oboe is a fluke or what. It's not the prettiest oboe I ever tried, but it's extremely easy-blowing, the key mechanism is fabulous, and my vibrato seems to come out more easily. The oboe just sings. I'm a bit concerned about the price though. $6500 for a 2003 Loree Royal oboe with some dings on the keys seems a bit high. It also looks like there are spots where it looks like cracks may have been filled. Stupid me forgot to ask about this. Does anyone know about Gary Armstrong in Toronto? I would like to try instruments there. I heard a lot about the Buffet Greenline and he sells them there. He also sells Loree oboes and english horns. His prices seem quite a bit cheaper because the Canadian dollar is worth less. I can get a new Royal there for about the same price as the used one I'm trying (all prices are in Canadian dollars). I wish that I could hold off until the IDRS convention, but this Royal I'm trying could be sold by then. I'm not sure what to do. I wish that there were more places locally to try oboes. It can get very expensive to have them sent out and pay for insurance.

Seems like price (negotiable) & cosmetics are the main issue with the Loree Royal.

You may want to ask about it on the IDRS forum.

http://www.doublereed.org/IDRSBBS/index.php

The price of the Royale is justifiable(sp?) in terms of what you get. The Royale features the thickest bore walls on any oboe, this translates into a darker more resonate and round sound. There are more adjusting screws so you can adjust each key for your desired sound. More erganomical keywork and dual metal reinforced tenons. I paid around $7300 for a new AK. The oboe looked at and being 5 years old and only $1100 away with what you described I personally think it is a bit high, but have no idea how well it plays. It's up to you if you want to spend that kind of money. Good luck.

All I know is that if you have the money and you are willing to spend, then go for it - remember that new lorees go for 3000-20000, so you seem to be getting a deal.

alex

I have never seen or heard of any oboe going for $20,000. Where are you getting your figures? New loree's (regular) are around 6,300 and royales are around 7,400. The one around 3,000 is a Cabart which owned by loree but is not a Loree.

I was talking custom. My teacher has an oboe with platinum and silver in the keys, made of Gren. wood, a low a key and a lot of other stuff. Luckily is was a gift, or it would have been a TON.
alex