| Oboes are woodwind instruments made with | | | | the early 1900s, Viennese oboes have remained |
| double reeds and were originally called as hautbois | | | | staples in orchestral performances in the city. |
| in French, meaning, "high wood". Oboes of good | | | | Since then, original bore and tonal characteristics |
| quality produce very clear yet piercing sounds | | | | of these types have been kept preserved. |
| (because of their harmonic range). To change | | | | Modern oboes - in the 1800s, the modern oboe |
| their pitch, either the embouchure of oboes or | | | | was created by the Trieberts, a French family. |
| the position of their reeds have to be altered. | | | | Made from grenadilla (an African blackwood), |
| Types of oboes | | | | rosewood, cocobolo, or violetwood, full |
| Some of the types of oboes you can enjoy | | | | conservatory modern oboes feature 45 keys, |
| include: | | | | with alternate third octave and F keys as optional |
| Baroque oboes - evolved from the 'shawm' of | | | | choices. For beginners, plastic resin modern oboes |
| the Medieval and Renaissance years, a baroque | | | | are also available. |
| oboe was a primary military band instrument. | | | | Choosing your oboes |
| Made from boxwood, it has three keys (pairs of | | | | If you're just starting out, look for a student |
| side keys) and a great key. To create higher | | | | oboe. Made from plastic resin, these are not only |
| pitches, overblowing is utilized. | | | | more affordable but they are also easier to play. |
| Classical oboes - classical oboes have narrow | | | | Despite having plastic bodies, though, they retain |
| bores which allows high notes to be played easily. | | | | the rich tones that are inherently found in wooden |
| They have a key range of between C1 to F3, | | | | oboes. To prevent corrosion and to enjoy added |
| although some German and Austrian types can | | | | protection, look for oboes that come with nickel |
| create half-step lower notes. | | | | silver keys that are plated with silver. |
| Viennese oboes - originally made in Vienna during | | | | |