I have an antique wooden oboe, possibly made in the 40's, and I used in at school for about 4 years. In eighth grade, however, it strarted playing wierd. keys stick, and all kinds of stuff. I got it fixed up a little bit, but now, I can't play my lower notes. the lowest i can play is my low F natural, and any lower than that makes the notes play an octave higher. The is a large crack in the back, which has been sealed, but I believe it may be leaking. Do you think the crack is the problem, and if so, how can I fix it without having to pay too much money? And if it's not the problem, what is?

Well, i've been playing for over four years now, and I haven't gotten that problem until just recently. And alos, heheh, well, I kinda had to teach myself to play oboe. I've never had a private teacher. Could you, uh, possibly tell me what a correct embouchure (however yo spell that) is?

how do you explain... hmmm
well mine is kindof "o" shaped, and you want equal parts of red from ur lip showing... the less red the darker the sound

re Embouchure...
it's basically a frowning pucker.
Put the reed on your bottom lip and roll both lips in, but then drop your chin some so you're frowning at the same time... that's how my teacher describes it.

You're oboe might be out of adjustment. Do you have an oboe teacher who could check the adjustments for you?