Hello, I'm new to the Oboe scene, I major on clarinet an have always wanted to learn oboe. I have recently been given an oboe, a Cabart oboe. I'd like to know more about it; all I know is Cabart made intermediate oboes. It has serial number V111, and the bell says Cabart, with the sharp, natural, flat signs, along with another insiginia, that looks like birds. Any ideas/ information?

I believe it's an older one from before they were bought by Loree. This I think happened in 1970s.

Loree purchased Cabart in 1974 and the "Cabart 74" has been sold as their intermediate instrument.

Prior to 1974 Cabart was known to make instruments for other makers (Contract instruments). It is rumored that with each run for another maker Cabart would take the best instruments of that run and put their own name on those that were the best. I've never heard a Cabart that didn't have a wonderful tone. They're nice instruments. LEt me pull mine out and talk to my brother(oboe player), he might know something more about your instrument.

No one can give you an answer of "this is a good/bad instrument" I know people who seek out the pre-loree cabarts. Find yourself a local OBOE repair specialist (there is a good list on www.oboeinsights.com. Personally, I recommend Mark Chudnow www.mcwoboes.com. They can evaluate it and hopefully put in in good enough condition for you. If this was "given" to you, then you got a amazing deal!