Buying your first Oboe is a very exciting process. But, it can be difficult if you don’t know about the worst oboe brands to avoid at the market.
There are a number of oboe options out there, but they all are not equally good. A poor instrument in your hand will not produce quality tones regardless of your playing level. You may end up in frustration and ultimately quit playing.
So, avoiding the bad oboe brand is necessary to get the highest success and enjoy your band experience in the band.
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List of 5 Worst Oboe Brands to Avoid
We have played and reviewed a number of top oboe brands to help you make the right choice. In our list, we have included some worst oboe models made by some famous instrument makers. Based on the sound, playability, performance, tone consistency, usability, and longevity.
Note: The list is made by our professionals based on their personal experience playing these instruments. Not all brands are entirely worst, but these brands have produced some poor quality models that you need to avoid for a better playing experience.
Check out the following oboe brands to avoid.
1) Yamaha YOB-441
Yamaha is a reliable musical instrument company that offers a wide range of options for oboe players. But, the Yamaha YOB-441 produces poor sound and has struggled to impress its users.
It is an intermediate-level oboe with semi-automated octave keys that give it a distinct look. However, it lacks sound consistency, and players found it difficult to play.
2) Ammoon Oboe
The Amoon Oboe is known for its beautiful bakelite wood body with silver-plated keys. It is designed for intermediate students looking to develop their skills. But is it really worth buying?
This instrument produces a very bright sound and breaks the tone many times while playing. The build quality is also inferior, and the oboe is very fragile and easily breaks.
3) Selmer Model 121
The Selmer Model 121 is another intermediate-level oboe made of Grenadilla wood. It is very easy to handle because of the density of the wood. This instrument has a number of features that can help an intermediate player to upgrade its level.
But, this instrument falls short in terms of response and often drops the volume. Also, the build quality is inferior, and its keys start falling out after a few months.
Also, the price of the Selmer Model 121 is quite high, and you can easily choose a better alternative for the same price.
4) RS Berkeley – OB400
The RS Berkeley OB400 is an oboe for beginners with a beautiful ebonite body. While being an entry-level instrument, it has many of the features of a professional oboe. But, before buying, you must know the downside of this graceful oboe.
However, the finishing of this model is not up to the standard. The instrument is very fragile and gets bend quickly. Furthermore, the playability is not smooth enough, and even the professional players struggle to produce quality tones.
5) Yinfente Oboe
You might be hearing the name of this oboe brand for the first time, but it is a top-selling instrument online. The Yinfente Oboe is made for professional players who are on a tight budget.
Despite being cheap on price, it is not an oboe to buy if you want to produce quality sound. It lacks tone consistency and often breaks the volume.
The Yinfente Oboe is not long-lasting, and after three months of use, it loses its sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do oboe reeds expire?
Yes, oboe reeds do expire. The lifespan of most oboe reeds is between 12 and 15 hours of playing time. But it is highly dependent on the type of reeds and their usage. However, English horn reeds can last up for a month because they are thicker.
How often does an oboe need servicing?
To make your oboe last longer, you need to service it every 6 months or at least once a year.
How long does an oboe last?
On average, the oboe can last up to around 25 years in a decent playing condition. However, it depends on how you take care of it and which brand’s horn you are playing.
Final Words
Typically, students begin their journey with clarinet or flute and then upgrade to the oboe. However, finding a true beginner oboe on the market is very difficult due to the abundance of low-quality instruments.
So, along with the worst clarinet brands and worst flute brands, knowing the worst oboe brands to avoid is also very important for a better musical career.
Never opt for a cheap option to save a few bucks. They look fascinating, but the quality of these instruments is inferior and produces mediocre sounds.
Before buying, consult with your music teacher rather than relying on musical stores. They are unbiased sources and can provide you the better guidance on which brands to choose.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.