I am a middle aged adult community band player who is thinking of purchasing a used Marigeaux oboe from the 1970s that I found on consignment at Midwest Musical Imports. It sounds really good (better than a new Fox 333 that we tried that was highly recommended by the seller), and the seller said "it has a lot of life left in it". The oboe has been repaired for cracking. The experienced oboe player I brought with me agreed that the sound was great. But, if I am going to spend 3 grand, I'd like to think that this oboe can last me at least most of the rest of my life. Can any of you long time/professional oboe players give me some advice on whether an oboe this old can be expected to last me for two or three decades with an average of a couple of hours per week playing in a band and practicing? I usually do not do any outside playing. Thanks!

I'm not a long time player and not yet a professional Oboist. But from what I've read and from my experience with other long time professionals, I would say, as long as you take proper care of the instrument, it should last you and even others for many years to come.

My friend has been playing the same Laubin instrument for almost 30 years. When I asked her about how it plays she responded with a simple "better then ever". Another example is the famous Leon Goossens, who played the same Loree that he received as a small boy, for 70 years (O.O!!!!), to the end of his career.

Again, I think as long as you take good care of it, it should last you for a very long time.

Thanks, that makes me feel better about possibly purchasing such an old instrument! It really does play well-it had more personality than the new Fox I tried and was basically the same price.

The only thing to maybe be concerned about is the crack repair that was done. If it was done well, it shouldn't be a problem. If it wasn't done correctly the crack could re-open and cause problems. I would just check to see if the repair was done by a trustworthy shop before you bought it, if you didn't already know.

I will ask about the crack, thanks!