I was previously looking for an older full conservatory Loree or Marigaux for under 2,400.. however it is difficult to find what i`m looking for at that price and I am not sure if I will play in college, and then may buy a new oboe so I am now considering buying a new instead of used, but less prestigous brand.. I was wondeirng which is best, and what some of the differences are between the grendilla patricola and bulgeroni student models..and which is a better choice they are only 100 dollars in difference 1600 bulgeroni, 1700 patricola. They are brands i`ve heard good things about. Secondarily i was wondering what the differences between a modified conservatory and full conservatory are?For instance from what i`ve seen there is no split ring D key on a modeified, do modified conservatorys have Left hand F, Bflat res., F res, Low Bflat,which trill keys? And last, what is the split ring D key used for, and is it necessary for years below college level, and oboe concertos such as teleman, mozart?

what did you hear about about the bulgeroni oboes? I`ve been thinking of getting one but not quite sure....

i have a new (<3 months old) bulgheroni como oboe, this is the top-of-the-line bulgheroni, but i got it a my local music store for more than half off list price ($2395). its a great instrument, it sounds and feels much better in the lower register than the 4 other oboes i tried. because all oboes are so differant, i would not recomend making a purchase w/o being able to try the oboe and compare it to others. In the cheaper prices i really liked the buffet-crampon 4052-2. it is about $1700. as far as modified vs. full conservatory, your decision should be based on how far you plan to go on that oboe. my oboe has all the keys except the split ring and the bannana key, but i dont see that as being a preoblem. let me kno what you decide, i wuold be interested to know what others though of the bulgheroni.