r/oboe • u/ceaslack • 9d ago

A piece of my oboe just... fell off

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Hi! Wildest thing just happened to me - so I used to play oboe but haven't in about a decade. I recently picked it back up and am playing on a rent-to-own instrument from a local shop. While playing this evening I noticed my notes seemed pitched up strangely, and as I stopped playing I heard a clatter and wouldn't you know it, a key had just. Fallen right off.

I have absolutely no idea how or why this happened. Nothing else fell; as far as I can see the screw is still there and theres (hopefully) nothing else missing. I guess ill be on my way to the shop soon but for more experienced players- has this happened to you? Is this at all common with this particular key? Could I fix it myself? This is the first time anything like this has happened on any instrument I've played, let alone wiyj no prior warning or clear cause. Any info helps!!

66 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

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66

u/ssinff 8d ago

Onoe 

29

u/hoboboedan 9d ago

The screw at the bottom end of the key worked loose. Fortunately the screw didn’t also fall out - they can get lost easily. If you have a suitable screwdriver you can put the key back on, and tighten the screw so it’s snug. You’ll need to also hook the spring back on to its post. Should work fine after that - but if it happens repeatedly take it in for repair.

2

u/ceaslack 6d ago

Thank you for this, I fixed it! That ended up being simpler to fix than I expected; I'll bring it in if it happens again but it's playing well now

8

u/hongkong3009 9d ago

So what happened is the screw/rod holding it in place came out and now it fell apart. If you can find the screw/rod, great! You could probably put it all back in yourself but it still needs adjusted. Either way I'd take it back to your rent to own place and have them fix it. They should do it for free or very cheap. This isn't a big deal but you can't play till it's fixed ofc.

1

u/khornebeef 8d ago

The pivot screw is still in the post as shown in the photo.

1

u/Depechemoboe 7d ago

Both of them are still there.

8

u/100BottlesOfMilk 8d ago

That's not very typical, I'd like to make that point.

1

u/gangbuster66 6d ago

This is akin to driving your car and getting a flat tire. It’s a simple fix if you’ve seen it done before. You seem unable, so take it back to the shop where you rented it. In most shops, it’s a No Charge repair.

1

u/Sea_Win_5973 6d ago

Right before you go on stage. Needs some prayer and ducktape