Does anyone have any experiance with Carhartt Oboes? Ive already googled it and didn't find anything.

The reason Im asking is because next year Im expected to provide my own instrument for band class and I don't have the cash to buy one from a store or the online stores, so Ive decided to check Ebay. I found a Carhartt for auction that just needs new corks/pads/adjustments, and probably a new case. I can get all that easy as long as I can get the oboe cheap. The one Im looking at is $16.50. (also, do you think its a good deal?) but anyway, I don't know anything about them. If its not a good deal, or not a good instrument, just tell me and Ill keep looking

Unfortunately there are only two oboe makers that make serviceable oboes under $1000: Yamaha and Selmer.

Do not buy an oboe if you cannot trial and return it. If you can find an oboe teacher to double-check the instruments you trial, that would be ideal.

You can find a used Selmer here:
http://usedoboes.com/

You can find a used Yamaha 211 here:
http://www.charlesmusic.com
http://www.mmimports.com

Check out the woodwing.org oboe board if you want more input:
http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/list.html?f=10

Are you sure it is not Cabart? Those are quite reasonable instruments modern ones are a student/intermediate line made by Loree.
On ebay ads many of the descriptions are rather optimistic so you could land yourself with a large bill to get it going - I note is says new pads needed which is an indication of this might be the case.

I really suggest renting a Yamaha if possible. Their YOB241 is the beginner model, and it's perfect for beginners. Don't rely on ebay for purchasing a quality instrument. You should really try the oboe out yourself, and have an oboe teacher try it out as well. There is no point in buying a crappy instrument which will not work.

Ive decided not to get it anyway.

I already have a private oboe teacher. His name is David and He's absolutely awesome. He said not to get it so Im not.

But, I do have a plan to get a decent oboe!

a) I have an ad on craigslist (not that I think it'll get answered, but its worth a try)
b) my sister's husband's mom's friend has a friend who sometimes gets oboes. She's going to see if she can find me an oboe.
c) If all else fails, my dad's ex-boss will get pretty much get me anything I need for school. We'll be asking them in January if they'll buy me the intermediate Buffet I want. If not, Ill keep checking with the person in option B.

(oh, and Im already using the crappy beginner Yamaha which I hate because it doesn't have a left F or low B-flat key. I prefer Buffet.)

and now my music teacher (at school) is obsessed with how good I am for have only been playing 6 months. she has finally told me to play oboe in class instead of flute. and today she wouldn't stop making a big deal about how good I am in front of the entire class! *whispers quietly* why does my life always end up so miserable? (this last part is kinda off topic so um... yeah.)