Author: vboboe
Date: 2006-10-06 02:41
... far too many possibilities here, need to check off and eliminate
reed moist enough? Amazing but true, dry reeds don't sing very well
moist enough reed doesn't leak? (Yes, thumbs up to Teflon tape)
moist enough reed is stiff and resistant? Too hard for you, get others easier to play.
oboe & reed warmed up enough?
steady reed tone when played out of oboe includes low, medium and high partials? Some reeds don't do everything, maybe low or high is missing?
cork fits snugly in reed well and tenon joints?
F# extension thingy closes G# / A-flat key cap firmly enough?
All screws appear to be in their proper place?
All springs hooked up?
cigarette paper test doesn't find any loose fitting pads or keys anywhere?
no cracks?
does semi-auto octave close rapidly, or is it sticky and there's a slight delay in closing? Squeak city! May need oiling -- or screw assembly may need cleaning (lint or gunk)
fingers covering holes properly? Not leaning slightly on side trills, octave keys? Half hole quarter open? Slightly moving off upper holes as shift from low E to D and C?
playing another oboe with *** same reed *** gets low D & C fine, and sounds better, fuller, richer in upper octave -- or about the same? If about same & first oboe doesn't leak -- inadequate air support or unfocused air stream. If other sounds better, maybe the pro oboe is just too resistant for you, some are harder to blow than others
embouchure test -- play reed by blowing on back of hand as if playing oboe -- strong focused air? Not much? Embouchure or oral cavity not in proper shape, or air support inadequate, player must figure out how to adjust and maintain, seek pro teaching help in person
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