Student Oboes (Intermediate Models)
Student Oboes (Intermediate Models)
These models are not recommended for oboists pursuing a college degree in music, though some in music education who are without the resources to buy a professional instrument may be able to get by with these instruments.
These recommended models have a modified French conservatory, semi-automatic, key system (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oboe#Conservatoire_oboe) with some closed keys and a left F unless specified.
Fox:
► 333 (plastic. Beginner model)
► 330 (plastic. Adds third octave and Bb3 vent)
► 335 (wooden. Like the 330)
Yamaha:
► 241 (plastic. Beginner model. No left F)
► 441 (wooden)
► 441P (wooden with plastic top)
► 441M (wooden with plastic lining)
Howarth:
► Howarth Junior oboe (wooden. Beginner model. Simplified conservatory keywork: no left F or left Eb or B3)
► S20C+3 (wooden, modified conservatory keywork, forked F resonance key. Plastic lining available)
► S40C+3 (wooden. Almost full conservatory key work. Plastic lining available)
► S50C+3 (Grenadilla. Advanced student model. Plastic lining available)
Marigaux:
► Strasser 101 (key work for small hands. Beginner model. Simplified conservatory keywork)
► Strasser 801 (wooden. Almost full conservatory key system.)
Rigoutat:
► Delphine (wooden. Key work for small hands. Beginner model. Simplified conservatory key system.)
► Riec (wooden. Full conservatory)
For the serious young student, it makes sense to buy at least the next model up from a beginner model for the more complete keywork and better acoustic design. Should they decide to major in music in college, then upgrade to a Lorée (or comparable professional model). It is acceptable, however, for an oboist to pursue any music degree in college except a performance degree using an advanced student model, but by this stage, he/she may have outgrown its tonal limitations.