Selmer Oboe 123FB, any good?

[woodwindman]

I'm buying a new Selmer Oboe 123FB pretty soon and was wondering if anyone has good or bad to say. I presently play sax (pretty good), clarinet (pretty fair), and flute (pretty bad) and thought I would struggle with something new. I like playing recorder (guess it makes me feel like I'm eight again) and though I might like the pretty duck sound the oboe makes. I'm sure it will be squeeks for a long time (but technically correct squeeks). Anyway, any advice on the Selmer Oboe 123FB would be really appreciated. Thank

[bpimentel]

My first oboe was a Selmer 104, supposedly Selmer's top-of-the-line oboe. Since then, I have had students who have played on Selmer oboes. Across the board, I find them to be barely passable instruments: poor tuning, awkward and unreliable keywork, hard to play.

If "duck sound" is really your goal, then go for it. If you are at all serious about the oboe, consider saving up a little more and getting a Fox Renard 330 to hold you over until you buy a professional instrument.

Good luck!
Bret

[Razzy]

Save your money and invest in some flute and clarinet lessons. I think your plate is full enough as it is!

[DaveR]

Speaking as an extremely experienced oboe doubler - the oboe is not an instrument to be 'footled' with. If you want a really good student type instrument there is no better than the Howarth instrument, made in the UK. Mid-range instruments are, on the whole, to be avoided, although some are OK. The oboe demands extreme precision and one needs either the security of a really carefully designed student bore which is easy on reeds etc, or the precision of a full pro instrument (and the price tag to go with it).

[danarsenault]

As another oboe doubler, I can recommend one midrange instrument, the new German-made Buffet 4052.

[SakuraGirl]

AHHHH! NOOOO! I just have to say, do not waste your time and money on a Selmer!! This is just my opinion; but, Selmer is one of those "Jack of All Trades" but "Master of None" kind of brands - with the exception of Yamaha. When it comes to clarinets and saxes, Selmer is ok. But, they can't even spell the word oboe much less make one that's worth anything!! The money you'd spend on a one, you'd be better off buying a student Yamaha or Buffet.

But, like DaveR said, "the oboe is not an instrument to be 'footled' with." It takes dedication, time, and ... lots o money!

[jaysne]

One does not squeak on the oboe; it is not that generous or kind. Instead, the reed will close up so you can't get a sound. Or the notes will be in tune one moment, and horribly out the next for seemingly no good reason at all. Or you will develop pain in your hands from the awkward finger placements. Or you will pass out from too much CO2 in your brain and not enough O2 in your lungs.

If you are at all interested in learning how to play this instrument to any degree, I wouldn't worry so much about the horn itself as finding a good teacher. It's not that big a deal to teach onesself sax, clarinet, and flute and obtain a basic level of ability. Oboe is a whole other universe. Before you invest any money in a horn, find a teacher--they may know where you can get a good deal on a used one. You're going to need a teacher anyway; without one you will likely want to throw the thing against the wall after three days and curse yourself for spending all that dough on this unforgiving instrument.

[Dave3215]

What of the selmer 101? How is this rated for a beginner? What would be a reasonable second hand price?