You dont need a brand new oboe to have a great oboe.

If youd like to spend a little less, or are looking for an oboe that has already been broken in, then a used oboe is probably the way to go. A used oboe can be a perfect solution for students who know they need a better instrument than the plastic band rental but arent quite ready for the cost of a new oboe, or cant wait for the time it takes to break in a new oboe well.

When looking for a used oboe, consult those you know. First ask your teacher if they know of any on the market. Ask your fellow students. Never buy an oboe, used or otherwise, from someone you do not know unless you have had a professional try the instrument for you first. This is especially true when buying from stores and/or people that do not not specialize in oboe-related products. Oboe shops that specialize in selling new instruments almost always have used ones for sale as well.

A good choice, and our favorite, is Carlos Coelho Woodwinds, in Indianapolis. Carlos sells Loree and other new oboes, and occasionally some used ones as well. You can rest assured that any oboe you get from Carlos has been checked and adjusted to the highest standards. All instruments are available on trial. Tell him Maryn sent you

Yet another way to locate an instrument is through an ad. If you are a member of the International Double Reed Society and subscribe to their online service, you can place an online ad, or view ads of oboes for sale.

When trying some used oboes, be sure to get the oboes history. Ask if and when and where it has cracked, and be sure to see if it has been pinned correctly and cosmetically. You can tell the age of Loree oboes by the serial number on the back of the instrument. For every year an oboe ages, you want to subtract $100 from the current selling price of a new oboe. The price may be negotiable for a used oboe, but it should be in line with the age and condition of the oboe. Ask the seller how much the instrument was played, and for what purpose. A 3 year old instrument that was played day in and day out for three years may be noticeably different than the 3 year old oboe that sat in someones close for two of those years.

Finally, try the instrument out

Notice how the oboe plays, and if all the notes speak. Occasionally, the instrument will have gotten out of adjustment during shipping, so if you find something that doesnt work, but you really like the feel and tone of the oboe, dont be discouraged. Often just a turn of a screw, by someone that knows what they are doing will make it feel like a different oboe.

If you are trying oboes sent to you through the mail, they should be sent to you in tip-top adjustment condition. Sometimes, however, rough shipping will knock the adjustment out just enough to fool you into thinking it is a bad instrument. If thats the case, just get a second opinion to be sure.

Notice the way the oboe sounds and feels in all of the different registers. Try playing some music. Then get out your old oboe and compare the way the two feel and play. If you are used to a plastic student model oboe and are trying a professional model, there are going to be some differences. The pro oboe, if it is wood, will be heavier and will have some extra keys that the student model does not have (like the low Bb key and pad, side F and F resonance). Also, most pro oboe models will have a ring on the key that your fourth finger of the right hand uses. So, when you play a low D on the pro oboe, for example, it may not speak if you are not used to having that finger be very picky about how it covers that hole. Adjusting to this difference will take some time, but dont think there is something wrong with the instrument if you have trouble getting the note out.

There may also be a third octave key near the back octave that you have never seen. The third octave is useful, but not necessary. It may need to be opened with a screw driver slightly to really work. Overall, the oboe you are trying out should feel and sound a lot better than you are used to. If it doesnt, dont despair. Just try some other oboes.

If you have a private teacher or know a professional oboist it is strongly suggested that you get their opinion BEFORE buying an oboe, new or used. They may or may not like it for themselves, but you want to find out from them if the oboe is working properly or if it has any major issues they can see or feel. As long as you are in the clear with those issues, and the price is fair, the final choice is up to you.

Youre the one that will ultimately be living with it and playing it. If you are a student and your teacher is helping you pick an oboe, however, their opinion may mean a little more to you. They might be able to tell which oboe would be better for you, depending on how you play and the way your reeds are. Or they might tell you that once the instrument is broken in, it will feel a lot different. All of these personal preferences matter, so keep them in mind.

If you know you are getting a good instrument, dont worry too much. You are never stuck with your instrument. If in a year you really dont like something about the oboe, sell it! There is always somebody looking for a good used oboe.

Now, onto the practical side of either buying or selling an oboe. If you are buying from a dealer, they may trust you and send you a few oboes to try. When you have decided on one and are clear on the price (including the shipping cost it took to get it to you), pay for it as soon as possible. Pack the remaining instruments back up in the box, as securely and as carefully as you can. Ask the seller how they would like them to be shipped, and send them back immediately.

It is probably wise to insure them for the return trip and send them in such a way that you can confirm their arrival. It would not be fun to be responsible for 3 oboes that have gotten lost in the mail.

Now, if you are buying from a private person, they may well ask for a check for the full amount before the oboes are even shipped to you to try. This is standard, and upon choosing one your check will be cashed. If you decide not to buy, your check will probably be sent back to you or destroyed. This obviously protects the buyer if they are selling to someone they dont know. If you decide not to buy, you are also responsible for all shipping costs. These are general buying/selling rules. Always check with your seller first before assuming anything.

In summary, buying a used oboe is a great way to get your hands on a good instrument without committing the resources required for a brand new instrument.

Good luck!