Earlier, when plastic did not come to the market, oboes were crafted out of different kinds of woods. Needless to mention it, but in the hands of an expert oboe player, the wooden oboes were used to produce fascinating notes that were musky and delightful to the ears.
Every good thing comes for a price.
However, all these good and rich notes come with their share of prices. One of the most common problems with wooden oboes is - bending and cracking of the wood. Plus, temperature and humidity in the air may also impact the pitch of the woodwind.
Taking care of wooden oboes
The skilled and experienced musicians are likely to tend their wooden gears needs according to the changing climatic conditions. They can also handle their embouchure as per the caprices of the woodwind. However, a student or a beginner might find all these things pretty challenging and daunting.
When did the oboe first appear?
The oboe made its first appearance in the classical orchestra in the middle of the 17th century. It is a double-reed instrument, and it belongs to the family of woodwind musical instruments.
The classic never goes out of vision
Initially, wooden oboes were manufactured from boxwood and consisted of three keys. Later on, the manufacturers started using other varieties of woods, including ebony, violet wood, rosewood, cocobolo, and African blackwood, to mention a few. However, these days, a majority of this woodwind gear is made from plastics. No matter what, nothing can beat the sylvan depth and rich tones of a wooden oboe.
Old Vs. New age wooden oboes
Although not available today, the best wood-made oboes were crafted from the finest quality hardwoods. If you are wondering about the vintage oboes that were made before the 1970s, those were made from woods of old trees with tighter grains.
New-age wooden oboes are crafted from new trees. And, therefore, they are prone to bending or cracking in comparison to the ones made up of aged woods.
Skilled repairers can repair the cracks that appear on the wooden oboes with precision. Technologically advanced bonding cement and mucilage offer seamless adhesion. So, if you own a wooden oboe and it has got some cracks, then do not fret. It is not ruined. You can always get it repaired. However, in order to save your pocket from the possible expenses, getting a comprehensive oboe insurance policy is essential.
Sound-wise comparison
Moreover, wooden oboes produce superior sounds than that of their plastic counterparts. This only feature makes a wooden oboe worth the investment and maintenance it needs.
A majority of oboe teachers generally recommend their students to go for plastic-made oboes instead of wooden oboes. The reason? The latter needs much more care and maintenance than the former. Also, plastic oboes do not bend or crack. Plus, they are affordable too, considering the very first instrument.
Experienced and skilled oboe players are more into wooded oboe. However, they only go for wooden gear, if the instrument has an exceptional construction and is made up of high-quality wood. An economical version of wooden oboes is likely to produce a sound that you would find more expensive when compared to a plastic oboe.
An important question
Do you play infrequently? Or are you just a beginner? If so, then before deciding between a wooden or a plastic oboe, it is crucial to weigh the cost, durability, susceptibility to bending and cracking, preventive care, and maintenance requirements of the product.
Insurance is a must-have
Another important thing you should keep in mind before buying an oboe is - whether you intend to choose a wooden or a plastic oboe, getting Oboe Insurance is of utmost importance. It serves the purpose of a protective shield that guards your musical instruments and finances against the unexpectedness of life.
How does an insurance plan protect your gears?
When you buy an all-encompassing insurance plan, it covers you against almost all kinds of risks, including theft, vandalism, robbery, earthquake, fire, flood, rain, public liabilities, loss of income, worker’s compensation, transportation loss, and damage, among others. Also, with a reputable music instrument insurance company, you can get access to policy customization. So, instead of relying on your home insurance policy, make sure to get specialized coverage.
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