Hello, I'd like to begin playing an oboe and have an opportunity to purchase one for a reasonable price, however, there was a crack between the tone holes that has been repaired. I'd like to know from the experts if this is an instrument that I should purchase or should I stray away from it? Thanks for the advice.

What is the name of the oboe ? What is the serial number ? Who repaired the crack ? What is the price ? It could be a bargain, or it could be garbage >

Thanks for the reply, however, it looks like I waited too late. BTW, it was a Buffet oboe. I don't know the serial number and the price was $600.

The best source for information about oboes is the "oboe bboard" This is a forum of many professional oboeists, talented amateurs, and skilled technicians. Many of them will answer your questions. Just google oboe bboard. The double b's are correct, it is short for bulletin board.

Thank you very much for this resource!

You can also ask Geoffery at:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Oboe-2282/indexExp_13570.htm
He can advise You where and what to buy.

Thank you !!!

I have a loree royal oboe, and it cracked from the humidity here in Florida. I got it repaired, and I honestly can't tell a difference, plus no one can even tell it was cracked even when I point it out (which I usually don't, because, well, who does that with out getting a bad reputation among oboe peers). I guess the thing to do really is to make sure it was repaired by a good, certified person, and to try the oboe out incase there is a limitation from the crack. I guess I'm saying all of this for your future information, since the oboe was already sold . Also, unless the price was so low solely from the crack, I would stay away from oboes less than 1 thousand dollars. If you can try it out, and it feels good, I guess go for it, but if you can't try it out before buying, I would stay away from it.

Thanks cameron_king. This is good to know for future reference. Thanks!!