Hello everyone!

I would very much like to play the oboe in my church's orchestra, but I am not sure how to begin. The only instrument I have every played is piano. I cannot afford to hire a teacher, so I am on this quest alone, and hope you can help me!

The first thing is to purchase my first oboe. Is there anything I need to watch out for when buying an oboe? What are the most important things to look for when choosing an oboe? Is it O.K. to start on a plastic one, or would it be best to spend the extra money to get one that's wooden. If wooden is better, is there a certain wood that I should choose over others?

I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me! Thank you.

Juliya

Here's what I reccommend:

1. What to look for: Make sure you talk to a professional oboist or, on the off chance, your composer/ director about what you need to look for. The Oboe isn't nessecarily a one-size-fits-all instrument. The beginner's Oboes are usually years old; around 10, so they'll look a little worn. But age is a good thing.

2. Wood or plastic?: Plastic, my friend. Saves you loads of stress and trouble. Wood is very demanding and high-maintenance. Plastic is your "foundation" oboe, and it makes the road to the Oboe a whole lot easier.

First off, congrats on trying to start the oboe! It is a magnificent-sounding instrument but can also be very demanding. Make sure you are up to the challenge before you pursue this instrument.

In regards to not being able to get a teacher, well, that's OK. However, even though you're not going to be able to get a teacher, you should still definitely have a professional oboist (at the least a woodwind repairman) look at the oboe to determine if it has all the necessary keys and is in working condition. The one thing you don't want to miss even on your very first oboe is a low B flat key. You can tell if it has one simply by looking at the bell of the oboe and checking to see if there is a key there and not just a hole. If there is a key, you're in business!

Next, to buy wood or not to buy wood? That is the question. For you, it is a very interesting question indeed. Well really it comes down to this. How much do you want to spend on your oboe? As you know I'm sure, most oboes cost several thousand dollars. Buying one of wood severely increases the cost. Also, although wooden oboes have, without a doubt, a better sound than those made of plastic, another factor is your commitment to the instrument. Do you see yourself going anywhere with it? If so, maybe an older grenadilla student oboe could be for you. If not, plastic is always a safe choice. My first student oboe was made of grenadilla wood and wasn't too expensive, but then again the instrument was over 30 years old.

Hope this helps

Hi

I agree with OboeNightmare but I think that the oboe also should have "Left hand F" which will help you not to get some bad habits.

Thanks guys! Your advice is very helpful. I found an oboe I'm probably going to buy and I'm so excited! Thanks again.