Hi everyone! I am new to the site and an amateur oboe player. I am currently playing on a cheap wooden Selmer. Yuck! I would like to try out for a local symphony, and would like an oboe with more keys, and a richer sounding tone. I've been saving up for quite awhile and would like to purchase a professional oboe in the next few months. However, I'm not sure what oboe to buy. I would be willing to spend a max of $7,500.
I've heard wonderful things about Loree AK and Covey oboes. According to Peter Hurd, (http://oboes.us/resources/makers.html) newer Loree AK oboes have a poorer quality grain and prone to crack. Has anyone else encountered this? Should I avoid a Loree? As for Covey, has anyone played a new Covey oboe recently? Would you recommend it? I've read that Covey bells sound amazing.

Do y'all have any other oboe brands you would recommend? Why?

I look forward to you advice and comments.

My best suggestion would be to acquire a "classic" Loree oboe (standard bore), made before the J series (avoid F, and G series though). I would be happy to assist in your "oboe quest," whether you happen to purchase an instrument from me or not.
Please contact me: Peter Hurd info@oboes.us 800-419-5912 10-6 Pacific Time
With very best wishes,
Peter

You should try different type of oboes and not to be fixed to a particular brand.
You should find out if you prefer an oboe with a narrow bore or an oboe with a more wide bore.

Hi - I have a Loree and I've extremely happy with it. The tone is beautiful and it hasn't had too many problems. (I did need to have a very small crack repaired two years ago). That said, I live in Minnesota and my instrument needs to put up with the weather. I'd recommend trying a few different instruments. There's a company called Midwest Musical Imports - http://www.mmimports.com that offers a free week trial on instruments. They are located in Minneapolis but they ship all over. MMI also has a very extensive collection of hand made reeds, reedmaking supplies, instrument repair, new & used instruments, etc. The staff is great - very knowledgeable and pragmatic. If you call them talk to Steven or Jeff to setup an oboe trial. Good luck!

Hey everyone,

Thank you for your advice. I tried about 4 or 5 oboes(new and used)at a local music store. I ended up buying a used Loree oboe. It was really great to try different brands and models. I was able to hear subtle differences in sounds. The Loree I bought was perfect, easy to control dynamics and had a sweet smooth sound, and adjusted by professionals (it was like a new oboe!). Thank you all for the advice. For anyone else looking to buy a oboe. Try out several before making a purchase. I'm really glad I did.

The Loree is a very very good oboe, especially the Loree Royal.