I am currently looking to buy a Loree oboe in the $2000-$3000 price range, and have only found instruments that date back to the late 60's or 70's. I have also heard mixed reviews on the quality of older Loree oboes. Is it possible for me to find a Loree of good quality at that age or would it be wiser if I looked at other makes? Please let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks!
"The wood Loree uses now seems in general to be of much poorer quality than (say) pre 1980s. It tends to be "open grain" (porous) and quite prone to cracking."
I wouldn't suggest getting an oboe that old, wood oboes (no matter what quality of the wood) have a lifespan of between 6-12 years, peaking at around 4. After this you will end up paying for a lot of repairs and cracks, and still not have a good instrument.
Try them out and test them out against other makes in the same price range. You shouldn't spend 2k unless the oboes were in pristine shape (good pads, mechanism). An overhaul can set you back $900-1200.
I have a 1930's Loree that sounds great and has good intonation. 60's and 70's is quite new by comparison.
I play a Loree that my father bought brand new for me in the early 1970's. It is a "Classic C", meaning that the serial number begins with a C. It has been cared for like a baby and still sounds wonderful. I think if you look into how the oboe was used and how well it was serviced, you might find a wonderful old oboe. I still love (and play) mine and wouldn't dream of selling it.
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