r/oboe • u/Ok-Professional-3040 • 1d ago
Looking for advice on buying a first professional oboe
Hello! My daughter has been playing oboe since 3rd grade, and now that she's in high school, she's ready to move beyond her rented student Yamaha.
From what I've read, a budget of around $4,000–$4,500 should get us a decent pre-owned oboe, but I'd love to hear from more experienced players about which brands and models are worth looking at.
We live in New England, so I'm assuming we'd likely need to trial instruments by mail unless there's a good dealer nearby. Is that generally how it works? Are there particular dealers you'd recommend for buying a used oboe and arranging trials?
I'd appreciate any advice on brands, models, reputable dealers, or anything else we should know as we navigate this process. Thanks!
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u/RossGougeJoshua2 1d ago
Charles Music - Brian Charles is in Kingston, NY very close to Massachusetts and Connecticut and might be within in-person visit range for you. If at all possible to make it into a shop in person, they can get a sense of your child's playing level and trajectory, and setup several options to try. This is more expedient and also much more fun for a student than getting trial instruments shipped by fedex. It can be a great learning experience for the parent as well, to sit in and hear what a professional looks for in an instrument, what kinds of questions they ask your student, etc. https://charlesmusic.com
And if you are unable to make an in person visit to a dealer, be sure to involve your child's oboe teacher through the process to help eliminate and choose instruments.
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u/Ok-Professional-3040 23h ago
You make some excellent points. And thank you for your recommendation I see Charles Music is only about a 2.5hr drive for us!
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u/RossGougeJoshua2 23h ago
Truth be told, I don't know if Charles does in person sales anymore but it is worth asking.
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u/NoRegrets-518 1d ago
I bought a Loree AK from Hannah's oboes and it has been great. She sent several for me to try- from different makers. The mailing cost something but not as much as traveling...
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u/easyontheeggs 1d ago
Check out Howarth. Local in London and they have amazing instruments. If you don’t buy direct, you can likely get something used in your range
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u/PrincessSwagina 1d ago
Seconding Howarth! I lucked out HARD and got a used S65C for $1,800 and am so in love with it.
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u/Az_Rael77 1d ago
I will 2nd another commenter that Hannahs oboes is a great place to start. She can send several oboes out on trial and all her instruments would be considered good brands.
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u/malubie 21h ago
Loree is the most consistent quality and most popular oboe maker in the US. I play an AK which runs at 7-8k, but the royal models start at around 12k. If she wants to pursue oboe through college/into a career, statistically most professors like students with Loree oboes (for example New England Conservatory, Eastman, UMich, and Rice are all Loree-leaning professors). This is a very controversial topic though!! The other two most popular brands in the US are Howarth and Marigaux. If you know for sure you’d like to go with a Loree (because this is just what I know 😅😅) then Carlos Coelho is THE guy to get one from.
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u/BuntCheese5Life 16h ago
The most important thing, is to try the oboe before you purchase it. Two oboes from one manufacturer that are the same model, one can sound better than the other.
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u/Anguish-horn 15h ago
In New England, your best bet is probably John Symer in New Jersey. If you’re able to go to his shop, you can try dozens of instruments. His shop is 20 minutes from the Philadelphia airport.
johnsymer.com
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u/oboewise 13h ago
I also had a great experience with Hannah, the oboe fairy. Although I was able to try several instruments at her studio because I was in the area, she is willing to send several instruments at one time for trial. She spends a good amount of time talking to you/your daughter before she ships instruments to find out what will be a good match. If you do it that way, your daughter’s teacher could both listen to your daughter play the different options and try the instruments so your daughter can hear them.
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u/AlyandGus 8h ago
Hannah’s oboes (the oboe fairy) is what I have always been recommended. She set my other oboist up with a fantastic Howarth not too long ago. Her primary instrument is a Loree. I have a Marigaux that I adore. All three are very reputable oboe brands with warm, full tones. I would highly recommend trying out oboes first, since no two are exactly the same, and you may find that one just plays better for her.
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u/MotherAthlete2998 1d ago
Alternatively, check for a Double Reed Day at a university near you. This is not a decision you want to rush. This is an expensive purchase like a car. If the teacher is willing to help, please take advantage of the help. Never believe comments like “the only one you will ever buy/need/etc.”. People outgrow their oboes. Oboes wear out. Oboes need maintenance. Oboes depreciate.
Good luck!