My newest baby!

[woodwindNYC]

Much like a proud parent, I wanted to share my newest acquisition with my fellow gearheads here at SOTW :)

She's a Patricola S6 Evoluzione in Brazilian rosewood with gold keys...and she plays like BUTTAH!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12/prodigyNYC/Oboe/OboeInCase_withflash.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12/prodigyNYC/Oboe/Patricola_Body1.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a12/prodigyNYC/Oboe/OboeBody_LowerHalf.jpg

[tjontheroad]

Nice :) I guess that's why you sold your clarinet? Many happy days with it.

[woodwindNYC]

I actually didn't end up selling the rosewood Opus...In fact, I'm using it in a show right now (with this oboe...it's a rosewood extravaganza!) This one went on the credit card :-P

[Yvette]

im severely jealous.

ACK i want one.

[tjontheroad]

Gotta love those gold plated keys! Other the fact it looks amazing, is there a reason you prefer the rosewood? Is there significant difference tonally or in playability compared to grenadilla? Is it harder to care for?

[woodwindNYC]

Rosewood is MUCH lighter, and my wrist really notices the difference after playing half an hour or so, and promptly writes me a thank-you note.

I also find it EXTREMELY beautiful, and that is a huge chunk of the reason why I prefer it...it's simply prettier to me than grenadilla, and more unusual, and I enjoy standing out.

As for the assertion that most people have that rosewood has a totally different sound than grenadilla...eh. I dunno about that. I've never had any problems being heard, it projects fine; it does have a lovely dark creamy velvety sound, but that's been my experience with all Patricola oboes (and Leblanc clarinets, which is why I love them, rosewood or not).

The gold keys are just sheer extravagance :-) (And again, they're purty!! And they don't tarnish, which is a plus, since my flesh is the Black Death to silver).

Yvette, they're actually rather affordable (in comparison to other makers' rosewood/gold oboes), esp. if you get the WW&BW Play It Now card. They're definitely worth a try, at least. The sound is GORGEOUS.

[jaysne]

Holy Hannah!

I have a 1940 Linton. Dark blackwood, tarished nickel keys, no LH F, no low Bb. They don't make 'em like this anymore! Surely worth a couple of hunred. Wanna trade?

[woodwindNYC]

LOL...sure, I'll get it in the mail to you right away. Want me to throw in a matching English horn, too? :-P

[Yvette]

I DOUBT it's affordable for me at least.

Considering I'm only in highschool and I just bought a Loree 2 years ago for 3400...Anyhow, that's what I plan on using forever, because it's professional level. What I'm Actually looking for now is an English Horn...sooo another oboe is out of the question for the moment, regardless of how pretty it may be!

and it for sure IS.

[jaysne]

I must also say that you should be ashamed of yourself for posting titillating photos on this website. That thing is positively pornographic!

[woodwindNYC]

I know. *evil grin*

[Michael Ward]

Beautiful horn..I don't usually like gold keys on dark wood but on the rose wood it looks stunning and really works.

[woodwindNYC]

I agree...and it's VERY hard to capture the actual color in photos, but if you see it in person, it's MUCH closer to a rose-gold than a yellow gold. It really is just beautiful...and it's playing better by the day.

*happy daddy*

[Benny]

WOW:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Relinquished]

I've been looking at the same oboe as you I think, the PT.1 S6 Evoluzione in rosewood with gold plated keys? Would you mind me asking you how much extra (and how to get them) the gold-plated keys cost? I'm only asking because I'm buying a new oboe in about two months and I've heard nothing but amazing reviews and comments about this one. Also if it helps, I live in Canada. Thanks if you could give me any tips or point me to a Canadian site/retailer :)

Oh also, is the aforementioned oboe their newest model?

[bluesaxgirl]

Wow. Now you need to take a picture of it and make it your avatar.

[woodwindNYC]

Yes, the S.6 Evo is the newest model...it was quite reasonable, actually. With the rosewood option and the gold keys, it was less than 5,000 dollars. More than 3,000 bucks less than a Loree with the same options...

And it plays better than just about any oboe I've ever used. I also highly, highly recommend that you consider Bulgheroni oboes as well. Very similar to the Patricolas in feel and sound, and both the Patricola family and the Bulgheronis are very responsive to email and calls. I like knowing that the people whose hands actually MADE my oboe are there to talk to me if I need them.

In Canada, you might want to check with Gary Armstrong, Pascal Veraquin, and you should also try WWBW or Muncy Winds here in the US.

[Relinquished]

Will do, thanks for the reply :)

Actually, before I forget. How exactly do you order it with gold-plated keys? I haven't found that option anywhere. They have the option for rosewood or grenadilla though. It's actually LESS than 5000$ with gold-plated keys? On the WWBW site I found the rosewood version of the model with silver-plated keys and it's 4795.00$. How long do Patricola oboes last for? Because comparing to other instruments these are pretty cheap (in cost)...

Excuse the random questions, I'm just trying to make sure I'm getting the right oboe for me.

[woodwindNYC]

Call and ask. They often have them in stock. You can also speak directly to the Patricola brothers and tell them that you want one, and they'll help you work through a dealer to get one.

They are ANYTHING but cheap. They are simply *less expensive*. Don't confuse the price with quality.

I played a Patricola English horn all throughout my undergrad, and even then (I bought it in 1997) it was used...the person I sold it to is still playing it almost every day, and it's held up beautifully.

I can talk about my oboe and how fabulous it is (it is) until I'm blue in the face, but I cannot make the decision for you what the right oboe for you is. You must try some and make that decision for yourself. I can only tell you that I have played on Patricola instruments for years and years, and I have always loved them.

[Relinquished]

I've done and taken all of what you said into account :). Thanks for the help :). I have one last question, considering it's made of wood I'm assuming I'd have to break it in over time like normal. Do you have any suggestions on the best way to do that, because I've never actually had a brand new oboe, I've only rented wooden ones.

[woodwindNYC]

While the Patricolas do take care to season their wood very well, it's still best to break it in. Simply play it just a few minutes a day (no more than 10) for the first week, and gradually increase the amount of time that you play it daily over the next several weeks.

Also, be very very very VERY diligent about swabbing your instrument EVERY SINGLE TIME you play it, even if you play only one single scale.

[Alan L]

I for one think it looks beautiful. In regard to the type of wood, it is probably the most ultimate question in the world of oboe. When I was buying my oboe I was really having alot of trouble choosing between a new grenadilla loree and a used violetwood loree royale (with new top joint). The price was the same but after much inner conflict, I decided that the violetwood had a sweeter tone and played itself... and it looked gorgous. Violetwood/Rosewood (2 differnt woods, but are the 2 least dense) soak up water much much much much more than grenadilla and do require more care since they are more prone to cracking. ((!!OIL THE BORE OR DIE!!)) So, do I think it's worth it? Hell yes! The wood looks as beautiful as it sounds. I can't tell you how many people asked me about the wood, sticking out is indeed fun.
I don't regret my decision one bit !
Just some backstory of the oboe- the lower joint dated back to 1993 and was used in the Chicago symphony, I've been told that the wife told the previous owner he had too many horns, he never tried the new top joint because he was afraid he wouldn't want to sell it then.

I love the gold plated keys, it really is a great touch. I've noticed the white pads? What type are they and are they just used in the lower joint? G'night and I hope your oboe brings you many hours of happiness.

As an afternote disregard the silliness of these types of oboes lacking projection. The sweetness of sound will get through anyway.

[BarrySachs]

Couldn't you find a rosewood Laubin?