Author: oboeblank
Date: 2006-10-05 23:58
First check if your oboe is out of adjustment. The weather is changing and unless you live in an area of the world that is relatively unaffected or you play an oboe with leather pads the weather has an effect on the oboe. You may think that it is in good shape, but the smallest changes can have a profound effect on the oboe.
If your problematic notes are the notes requiring the side octave, you could have something in the vent. When was the vent cleaned last? If you are using a cotton swab you may be deposting lint into the vent. I remember a student looked helplessly on as I pulled out the vent, and low and behold, more lint than a pants pocket. If only the B and C are the problems, your B vent adjustment might be out. It may not be a bad idea to bring your baby in for a check-up, just to be on the safe side.
I don't think that a dying or dead reed is the cause of your small upper register, however, find a good online source of handmade reeds and become a loyal customer. I would recommend MKL reeds- oboe reeds handmade by Eastman graduates. There are many good sources out there for handmade reeds and there was/is a website devoted to customer ratings for various reed making companies.
With regard to your upper register fingerings, there is a very good fingering chart by Gillet which is available at oboe shops and even an oboe fingering website. It is important to use proper fingerings for notes from C# on. Usually the first fingering is the most in-tune and stable and should be the primary fingering used for that note.
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